The Benefits of Deer Antlers for Dogs: A Chew of Champions

can dogs chew on deer bones

Deer antlers are like a magical, all-natural chew for dogs. These treats have gained popularity in pet stores everywhere due to their wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. From cap to tip, split or whole, small or large, antlers offer incredible variety for our furry friends.

Are Antlers Safe for Dogs to Chew?

Deer antlers are not only safe for dogs to chew, but they also provide a stimulating and nutritious snack that they will keep coming back to. Although they may appear daunting with their unique shapes and incredible strength, antlers are designed to withstand the tireless chewing of our canine companions.

Unlike traditional bones and bully sticks, antlers take longer to eat and require more effort to break down, making them the perfect treat for dogs with a strong chewing instinct. WAG Deer Antlers, for example, are gradually ground down as your dog chews on them, providing instant gratification for highly-aggressive chewers.

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As with any treat, it is important to monitor your dog’s chewing to ensure their safety. If your dog has dental concerns or is a senior, you may want to consider other digestible treats such as jerky, kangaroo bones, or bully sticks.

Are Antlers Digestible?

As your dog grinds down a WAG Deer Antler, they will be treated to small pieces of the goodness inside. These small pieces are completely safe and digestible for dogs, providing them with a healthy and stimulating treat. However, it is important to know when it’s time to replace the antler. If it breaks down to a size that your dog might attempt to swallow, it’s time for a fresh new treat.

Can I Give My Puppy an Antler?

We do not recommend giving a puppy a tough chew like an antler if they are just beginning the teething process. Puppy teeth, also known as “milk teeth,” start to emerge around two weeks of age and continue to grow until the pup is eight weeks old. These teeth are temporary and will eventually make way for permanent adult teeth. The toughness of antlers can be too much for young puppies.

Once your puppy is nearing the six-month age period, you can introduce them to antlers. The solid shape and structure of antlers can aid in gently encouraging puppy teeth to fall out, making room for their adult teeth. However, supervision is vital when treating puppies with antlers. If your puppy has an over-the-top chewing style, there may be more appropriate treats that carry less risk of cracking puppy canines.

The Benefits of Antlers

Long-lasting

Antlers can last from months to years, making them a household staple. This long-lasting treat provides endless hours of mental and physical stimulation for your dog, keeping their brain and teeth occupied and less likely to indulge in destructive chewing behaviors.

Hypoallergenic

Antlers are a novel protein, not commonly found in traditional pet foods and treats. This makes them a low-allergenic option for dogs with sensitivities. Venison meat, a commonly recommended protein for dogs undergoing an elimination diet, triggers less inflammation and reduces the probability of allergic reactions.

Odor-free

Unlike many natural treats, antlers are virtually odor-free and free of staining and residue. This means you can welcome your dog with an antler chew onto your pristine velvet couch without needing an emergency steam-cleaning afterward.

Where do WAG Antlers Come From?

At WAG, we pride ourselves on ethically-farmed and mindfully-sourced ingredients. Our deer antlers come from the temperate wilderness of New Zealand, where they are naturally shed by deer as the mating season comes to a close and testosterone levels decline. If not gathered by hunters, these antlers are by-products of the venison trade, and we make sure they don’t go to waste.

Once gathered, the antlers undergo our unique dehydration process. They are heat-treated at 72°C to ensure sterility and safe chewing. We then cut them down into your favorite sizes (or leave them whole) and package them with care.

Have We Convinced You?

WAG Deer Antlers are a seriously unique chew that should be a staple in every dog’s treat stash. They provide a natural, long-lasting treat that offers a solution to various chewing needs. After the very first bite, your doggo will wonder where antlers have been all their life.

Find the perfect deer antler treat to get your doggo drooling here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coming soon…

Conclusion

Deer antlers are a safe, long-lasting, hypoallergenic, and odor-free chew option for dogs. They provide mental and physical stimulation while satisfying your dog’s natural chewing instincts. WAG Deer Antlers are ethically sourced and carefully processed to ensure a high-quality treat for your furry friend. So why wait? Introduce your dog to the wonders of deer antlers and watch them enjoy hours of chewing bliss.

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