Antlers are unique to the deer family and grow on more than sixty kinds of male deer. They consist of a bone-like substance, which originates as cartilage and slowly mineralizes. Antlers naturally shed yearly, and a whole new one grows for the breeding season. 

THE ANTLER GROWTH PROCESS:

 

• Antlers start as layers of cartilage.
• Over time, cartilage turns to bone.
• Antlers grow at a rate of about 1 inch per day.
• Antler velvet begins to grow, blood flow lessens, and antlers turn to bone.
• Velvet is essentially a “thin skin of fine fur.”
• Animals will rub off the velvet on their antlers.
• When antlers are fully grown, they are naturally shed.
• Each year, until the animal reaches its prime, they will continue to develop more points on their antlers.

 

 

Your dog’s health matters, and it’s crucial that you choose the best antlers based on your dog’s chew style and size. Antlers are good for dogs who prefer to gnaw on their chews rather than completely consume them. Remember, antlers are hard dog chews designed to scrape away dental plaque build-up to improve dental hygiene. They also include other vital minerals that help keep your dog’s bones and muscles strong. Chewing is a healthy behavior that you should encourage in your dog, especially as it’s a natural stress reliever.

 

• Supervise what your dog is doing when he’s mid-chew! Because of a dog’s nature, he’s likely to want to finish a new chew in one sitting, try and space it out.
• Choose appropriately sized antlers for your dog to chew on, and make sure to watch once the antler gets small.
• Monitor what else he intakes. If he’s sneaking into the food or if you’re feeding him too many treats too often, he could develop a weight problem.
• Check over his teeth and gums once done; any blood on the antler itself is not a good sign. Any wound should be treated according to severity (if he seems happy, he probably is, a little blood doesn’t always mean a problem). Just use your common sense.

 

 

KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE WITH ANTLER CHEWS

 

 

Antlers are mainly composed of calcium and phosphorus and include other vital minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, sulfur, and zinc. These minerals are essential for keeping bones and muscles strong.

The main health benefit of deer antlers is their use in aiding in dental care for your dog. Gnawing helps to remove plaque on the teeth and keep them clean. Most dental treats on the market are either full of calories or brittle and can break off in your dog’s mouth. Deer antlers are neither of these nor are an excellent solution to helping your dog maintain a healthy mouth.

 

• Humane - Antlers are naturally shed from animals and cause no harm to them.
• Sustainable - New antlers are naturally grown each year.
• Nutritional Value - Antlers are high in healthy minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus.
• Long-Lasting - The majority of antlers will last a dog week, or even months.
• Natural - Because they come directly from the animal, they contain no potentially harmful artificial ingredients.
• Convenient - Antler chews won’t leave a messy aftermath as their rawhide counterparts do.
• Oral Health - Keep teeth clean.
• Low smell
• Rarely splinter or chip