Elk antler chews are the perfect treat for your dog if you want something that is all-natural, free from preservatives and non-GMO.
That’s correct, elk antlers are used to make chews.
Doesn’t it sound a bit insane?
It may be surprising, but elk antlers can make excellent dog chews for your furry friend. Simply provide one of these organic chew toys to your dog and observe him go crazy with excitement!
In case you are not acquainted with these organic dog chews, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions along with their answers to guide you. Additionally, we have provided a list of the top-selling elk antler chews to purchase for your furry friend online.
Why Elk Antlers?
Mainly, elk antlers serve as dog chews since there is a considerable amount of them available in the wild.
Annually, wild elk naturally shed their antlers as a result of seasonal and hormonal fluctuations, much like how a snake discards its skin. The antlers are left on the ground until an individual or object collects them.
It was discovered by someone, somewhere that these elk antlers make an excellent substitute for plastic bones or dog chews of uncertain composition, and dogs concur!
Dogs that enjoy chomping and chewing find elk antlers to be an enjoyable challenge due to their thickness and strength. Moreover, using elk antlers as chew toys allow dogs to tap into their natural instincts to explore and chew on items found in nature.
Best Elk Antler Chews: Reviews & Ratings
Let’s take a look at some of the top-rated chews available in the market.
1. Pawstruck Jumbo Elk Antler Chews
Pawstruck Jumbo Elk Antlers
Extra-large antlers for big dogs
These naturally shed antlers from Canada are ideal for bigger dogs that are too large for smaller antlers.
The ideal treat for big dogs is the Pawstruck antler chews, which come from Canadian elk.
- Roughly 8.5″ long
- Hand-selected, high-quality antlers
- Naturally shed
- 100% natural with no additives or preservatives
- Made in Canada
- Discount for bulk orders
Pros
These antlers are favored by reviewers because they are designed specifically for bigger dogs.
Cons
As a result of their size, these chews come at a higher cost, but purchasing them in bulk qualifies for a discount.
2. Jim Hodges Grade A Quality Elk Antler Dog Chew
Jim Hodges Grade A Elk Antlers
Premium large-sized antlers
Made in the USA are these antlers that are 100% naturally shed.
In North Carolina, Jim Hodges Dog Training endorses using elk antlers from the USA that are 100% naturally shed. These antlers are split and have a thinner texture compared to typical chews. Significant advantages are associated with using them.
- Good for small to medium sized dogs
- Naturally-shed antlers, no elk farms
- Non-greasy, non-sticky, and no smell
Pros
Those who have young dogs found the chews ideal for the “teething” period and appropriately sized.
Cons
Those who ordered the smaller treats for their large dogs found them to be insufficient in size and durability. In the case of heavier chewers, full antlers may be more suitable than split ones due to their increased toughness.
3. 100% Natural Shed Grade A Elk Antler Dog Chews
Buck Bone Organic Elk Antlers
Premium USA-made split antlers
These split antlers of organic grade-A variety are both naturally shed and environmentally friendly.
Buck Bone Organics produces elk chew treats that come from naturally-shed elk antlers found in the region spanning from New Mexico to Montana. Some notable characteristics of these products are:
- Single-ingredient dog treat
- Available in a variety of sizes for all dogs
- No chemicals or added preservatives
Pros
Satisfied clients claim that these antler chews designed for dogs are durable and do not cause a mess.
Cons
Some reviewers had negative comments about the antlers, expressing their dissatisfaction with the quality. A few even commented that they were too tough for dogs to chew, implying that they might be ideal for dogs that love to chew. Conversely, a few owners found the antlers too fragile and easy to break apart, which suggests that your dog’s chewing strength will determine if the antlers are suitable.
Where Do Elk Antler Dog Chews Come From?
Wild elk living in the United States are the source of premium elk antler chews, such as those discussed in this article.
Companies collect the antlers shed by elk annually as they roam in the wild, and then package and sell them as chews for dogs.
Responsible producers of elk antler chews ensure that no harm is done to elk or that they are raised artificially to manufacture these treats. These producers locate areas where elks are found, particularly in the northwestern regions of the US, such as Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Oregon, and collect naturally shed antlers during the winter season.
To ensure that the elk antler chews you buy are ethical, it’s recommended to verify that they are made from antlers that were naturally shed by the elk. This assures you that the elk were content and lived in the wild.
Once the antlers are collected, they are examined to determine their quality. “Premium” elk antlers are extremely hard and dark in color on the outside.
After the antlers are of the highest quality, they are fragmented into different sizes and shapes that are adored by dogs for chewing. This uncomplicated process leads to a wholesome and pure product that your dog will relish.
Health Benefits of Elk Antler Chews for Dogs
Antlers of elks are rich in nutrients that can be advantageous for Fido. These antlers comprise material similar to bone, and they originate from cartilage layers.
Elk antlers are loaded with nutrients that are essential for strengthening and maintaining the health of cartilage and bones.
- calcium
- phosphorous
- glucosamine
- chondroitin
- manganese
- zinc
The antlers contain various vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the overall wellbeing of a dog, including its coat, bones, teeth, and gums.
Are Elk Antler Dog Chews Safe For My Canine?
The concise response? It varies.
It is never an enjoyable response, we acknowledge that fact.
In most cases, dogs can be given antlers under supervision without any safety concerns.
Your dog should be safe to consume elk antler dog chews of premium quality which have not gone through any artificial coloring or flavoring.
Similar to any bone or chew object, it is essential to remove the elk antler chew from your dog as soon as it becomes too small, as it may pose a risk of choking.
However, there is an additional hazard to bear in mind which is the possibility of dogs breaking their teeth on antlers, as they are extremely tough.
When a dog has broken teeth, it can cause immense pain and lead to a hefty veterinary bill of several hundred dollars for repair.
Antlers can be unsafe for certain dogs due to their hard surfaces. Dogs that exhibit excessive aggression and forceful chewing behaviors may experience tooth damage when playing with antlers, particularly younger canines.
Make sure to watch out for any bleeding on the antler of your dog, as it can still occur despite having healthy teeth, and remove it immediately upon noticing it.
Beef tracheas offer an alternative means to indulge your pet, and their adaptability reduces the possibility of a visit to the veterinarian for dental issues.
BONUS: How to buy the best dog treats, according to veterinarians
Numerous owners of pets fancy indulging their beloved dogs with toys and treats, especially when they require an energy boost or deserve a reward for their positive attitude. Dogs are usually attracted towards treats because unlike their usual food, they are unique, thanks to their aroma, taste, or texture, as added by Caylee Freels, a certified veterinary technician at VCA White Lake Animal Hospital.
If you tend to offer your dog the leftovers from your meals, it’s worth reconsidering the type and quantity of food you’re providing. Dr. JoAnn Morrison, who serves as the director of veterinary science at Banfield Animal Hospital, explained that certain human foods, even if given as small treats, can take up too many calories in your pet’s daily diet and potentially lead to weight gain.
Dog treats have the number of calories specified on their labels, thus you need not be concerned about overfeeding them. We sought the advice of pet experts and veterinarians on how to select the finest treats for your dog and where to get them. In addition, based on our specialists’ recommendations, we’ve compiled a few top-rated selections and chosen some of our staff’s favorites for you to consider.
How to shop for dog treats
When we consulted with professionals, they proposed considering treats as a portion of your dog’s regular diet, but in moderation. Consequently, your dog may not receive treats every day. Dr. Lori Teller, a certified veterinary specialist and head of the American Veterinary Medical Association, stated that excessive treats may disrupt your pet’s basic food balance. It is recommended that treats account for no more than 10% of a pet’s daily calorie consumption.
To determine what treats are best for your dog, our pet experts recommended looking at the ingredients, size and calories of each treat. They also discussed other types of treats — like dental treats and grain-free options — and whether they can actually be beneficial for your pet.
Determine nutritional balance
It’s crucial to keep in mind that treats are typically not formulated to provide complete nutrition. The primary factor to consider when seeking out treats for your dog is how they should be incorporated into their overall diet. Dr. Joe Wakshlag, who works as a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, cautioned, “If you give your dog excessive amounts of treats while decreasing their regular food intake, you run the risk of causing nutrient deficiencies.”
According to Freels, excess treats can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, hence it is crucial to select treats from brands that indicate the calorie content and feeding instructions on the packaging. In case of uncertainty, The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center provides a useful calculator for daily pet calorie intake.
To ensure that the snacks you give your canine are healthy, check for the nutritional adequacy label from the Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the bag. Although dog food requires AAFCO labeling, treats do not, as the association acknowledges that they do not meet the nutritional standards for a full and balanced meal. Consequently, snacks should clearly indicate “treat” or “snack” on their front label.
Analyzing good (and bad) ingredients
According to Freels, dog owners should abstain from purchasing dog treats with artificial sweeteners such as xylitol. Additionally, they should also avoid products with artificial colors, too much salt (which may cause increased thirst), and syrups and molasses (due to their high sugar content). Nelson also recommended being cautious of certain foods like grapes and raisins, which may be beneficial for humans but poisonous to dogs. In case of uncertainty, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) presents a catalog of foods that may harm your pet.
Wakshlag suggests that in order to decrease the amount of calories consumed by dogs, one can provide them with dog-safe fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, green beans, apples, and bananas. These foods provide minimal calories with good nutrition. Wakshlag also emphasizes that these foods do not diminish the calorie intake of regular dog food. Therefore, they can be given as treats instead of commercial treats or calorie-dense foods like pieces of steak.
Find the right-sized dog treat
Although it may seem cute to see a puppy wrestle with a bone that is too big, it is risky to offer a treat that is either too large or small for your dog. According to Nelson, “The size of the treat should match the size of your dog – big treats are not suitable for small dogs and vice versa.” She also advised monitoring your dog when they are chewing on large treats, such as rawhide chews, which may fracture and pose a choking risk, and suggested breaking up large biscuits to decrease the calorie content per treat.
Size also depends on what you are using the treat for: training versus mental stimulation or enrichment. Training treats are going to be very small, which means more can be given as a reward for positive behavior. Regular treats, on the other hand, are larger in size, such as bully sticks, bones and dog chews, and should be used only for enrichment or mental stimulation, according to Freels. Too much of a large treat can cause GI Issues, so these enrichment treats should be given less regularly. If you’re using treats for training, “very small treats — the size of a thumb nail — are going to be best so more can be given without causing any GI indiscretion,” Freels said.
