deer antlers for chews?
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| My friend buys them for her French Bulldog all the time and he lovvvvves them. The pieces that she gets are a good size for her little guy but I wondered if they actually had pieces that were big enough for our guys that didn't cost like $20 a piece! |
Gabriel finds his in the woods  |
| Gee, we've never tried these but Bob is a hunter and I have 4 or 5 good sized deer hanging on the walls as well as a bear a couple of "special" squirels ( one is just evil looking ) and ducks....etc. We have a morgue for dead animals here...oops, sorry trophies.
Maybe he wouldn't miss a horn or two  |
| We cant get them here in Aus. Well not at a pet supply store anyway.
I have read that deer antler is used in Chinese medicine for joint and muscle issues. There is some western scientific evidence (not great quality due to small sample sizes etc) that suggests it is useful for athletes as it helps prevent post exercise muscle soreness. If dogs like them to chew on then maybe there's an extra benefit. Entertainment, teeth cleaning and joint protection. |
| we have found a couple small ones in the field One looks like the one on the dog from the grinch I was going to use it for a costume on guinness All my husbands family hunts maybe I can get some but I think the mainly shoot does.............. |
| I have bought them for Frankie and he doesn't show any interest in them
He's a bully stick boy. Lisa and Frankie |
| I have been very interested in antlers for my pack but didn't want to pay the money before finding out if it's worthwhile.
Research recommends Elk over any other antlers, such as deer or antelope as Elk is the least likely to splinter. The "marrow" in the antler is an extrodinary substance for supporting joint health. I bought 3 pieces while in Park City this weekend, yes they are pricey, but the dogs love them. After a full 24 hours of chewing (and hiding from each other) it appears they will be just as durable as a good marrow bone without the smell. |
| Well, I splurged for two antlers but they looked too small to me. I got the 8 inch but think I should have gotten the bigger ones. these look too small for my two.
We still vote for bully stick and/or large marrow bones. I'll try the larger antler at a later time! |
| One of the ladies on our Women's Challenge weekend uses the elk antlers for her Samoyeds. We met at her house (we carpooled) and I got to see them. They are large, so they are cut in lengths about 12 inches long and then sawed in half lengthwise. She said they are her dog's favorite chews and last the longest.
I have an elk farm near me, so I am going to check with them about getting some! |
| Like I said, I got the 8 inch and they looked a little smal for my liking. 12 inch is probably a better size.
Did your friend say she has any problems with the bone breaking or pieces breaking off? That worries me since they look like they can do some damage if swallowed. |
Ashley wrote: Like I said, I got the 8 inch and they looked a little smal for my liking. 12 inch is probably a better size.
Did your friend say she has any problems with the bone breaking or pieces breaking off? That worries me since they look like they can do some damage if swallowed. Paula said they splinter less than bones. The ones I saw her give them looked gnawed on around the edges and had no broken off edges. I would supervise and check them often, but they seem like a fairly safe choice for dogs that are strong chewers. |
| This is interesting...Ive never heard of using antlers as chews. I wonder how moose or caribou antlers do splinter-wise? Ill have to ask around!
I use them (shed moose/caribou antlers) as trellises in my garden all the time, and my sheepies have never so much as sniffed at them, so they may not be interested...or perhaps the shed ones are just too old and dry? 
I'm really trying to get them more into chewing, for the sake of their teeth, but hate the smell of raw bones or chew-hooves |
They probably process them in some way before retailing them. Not being one to be familiar with any kind of antlers, I don't know the difference between "shed" antlers and store bought ones!  But I have to assume, the ones they sell must be processed in some way  Maybe freeze dried or something??? |
Harry is chewing on one as we speak.  I hadn't noticed this thread before since I haven't been on the forum a whole lot.
We bought it at the pet store tonight and I had been avoiding buying one because they are rather pricey - I paid $20 for it. I finally broke down ........ because everytime we go in there after his therapy dog visits to get "bakery treats" he obsesses over the antlers in the basket on the floor convenietly located near the checkout. 
He has been chewing on it fairly regulary for about 90 minutes. I will let you know about the splintering as he will only be allowed to have it when we are in the room. |
Caution! Your Sheepie may turn into a Sheepalope if chewing antlers for extended period.
Miss Ellie  antlers and will lay on them to keep them safely tucked away from the others. This time she looked like a Unicorn or mysterious Sheepalope. |
| ^^^^ LMAO - that is hilarious!!!! ^^^^^^^^ |
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