Are Deer Antlers Safe for Dogs?

Finding something for your teething puppy or aggressive chewer to gnaw on throughout the day doesn’t seem like a challenging task, but with all the competing information online, it can be tough to decide what to buy. Where in the conversation do deer antlers stand? Are deer antlers safe for dogs? Yes, deer antlers are safe for dogs, but with certain precautions in place. We discuss the pros, cons, and veterinary recommendations below.

What Types of Antler Chews Are There?

The type of antler dog chew best for dogs will vary depending on your specific pup. Elk and moose antlers tend to be softer than others, which makes them more appropriate for lighter chewers, older dogs, and puppies. But deer antlers are your best choice for bigger chewers, but use caution because these very hard chews can sometimes cause tooth and mouth injuries. Split or sliced deer antlers are usually gentler, smaller, and tastier because the marrow is exposed.

Benefits of Deer Antler Chews

Chewing for dogs is a natural stress reliever — it releases positive brain chemicals like endorphins, increasing well-being and happiness. Chewing also helps keep your dog mentally stimulated throughout the day and free of boredom.

Deer antlers are super tough and rigid chews, which can help remove some plaque build-up on your pup’s teeth and increase their dental hygiene and tooth strength. Antlers are less likely to splinter and chip than other bones. They also last a far longer amount of time than your average bone as they are very dense and hard to chew through.

Giving your teething puppy a deer antler that is the right size for them may also be beneficial to alleviate the discomfort of their adult teeth coming in and strengthen their jaw.

It’s important to note that deer antlers also have no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or additives. Deer antlers, in particular, have vitamins such as calcium and phosphorous, promoting stronger bones.

Are Deer Antlers Digestable?

Deer antlers are digestible for dogs, but your dog should not ingest any large pieces from them because, as with any large chew, they can cause a choking hazard. The smaller pieces that will break off as your dog grinds their deer antler down are completely safe for dogs to eat and digestible. The marrow inside antlers is nutritious and tasty, so consider split antlers to make this part more accessible for your dog to access. Split antlers are just antlers that have been halved in the middle to expose the marrow better inside.

Are Deer Antlers Safe for Dogs?

Antler chews can be safe for dogs, but you must choose the right kind and always supervise your pup when they’re chewing them. Do not leave your dog alone with a deer antler chew. As mentioned above, choose a softer or split deer antler that will be easier on your dog’s teeth. Also, choose a deer antler that’s not too big or small corresponding to your dog’s size and weight. You don’t want the deer antler to be too small that your dog can swallow or too big so they can’t chew it properly.

Most veterinarians do not recommend giving your dog deer antlers. This is due to the several hazards that could happen, including dental fractures and the risk of choking or swallowing the antler.

If you give your pup a deer antler, watch for damaged antlers, as splinters and broken pieces can pose a severe health hazard to your dog. Keep deer antlers away from aggressive chewers, as the deer antler is too hard for these dogs looking for instant gratification from their chew toy.

There is no guarantee that deer antlers are 100% safe for your furry friend. Use caution, supervise your dog when chewing, and, when in doubt, seek out alternative chews.

Deer Antler Alternatives

There is controversy surrounding all types of dog bones and chews, each carrying potential health risks. Bones, antlers, rawhide, and Nylabones must all be given to your dogs under supervision. If you’re concerned about your dog’s ability to chew those hard deer antlers safely, consider these other options:

• Synthetic Chews: Consider more flexible, non-edible chews for the aggressive chewers in your life.
• Bully Sticks: Bully sticks are shaped like natural bones, but they have a softer texture that is more palatable and easy to digest. There are several natural, protein-rich brands of bully sticks for your pup to try.
• Dental Dog Chews: Some dog chews are specifically created to improve your dog’s dental health. These can be an excellent alternative for your more picky chewers.