FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Elk Antler Dogs

The following are frequently asked questions about elk antlers for dogs. The FAQ is an honest accumulation of facts that will address the concerns of every dog owner when it comes to antlers.

1. Which part of the antlers are used?

The entire antler that is naturally shed by the elk is gathered and then processed as a chew for dogs. Each prong is cut, packed and sold. The elk are not forced to give up their antlers, nor are they exposed to any form of harassment to get the antlers.

2. What the benefits of giving elk antler to dogs?

There are several kinds of antlers readily available as dog chews in the market. Feedback from owners and even research has shown that elk antlers may be the best of its kind for this purpose because it is not hard or dense enough to cause your dog to break a tooth. The density is just right and the marrow is proportionate to the outer covering. Being less dense, these kind of antlers are less prone to snapping or breaking. This lowers the risk of your dog ingesting a sharp piece of antler.

3. How are the antlers harvested?

Many dog owners are concerned about the process of which the antlers are harvested since they envision the elk trussed up, tied down and subjected to a saw to cut off its antlers. The truth of the matter is that elk, and all other kinds of deer, shed their antlers regularly. Farmers who raise elk actually just have to gather the antlers that they find on the ground and then process them.

4. What is the difference between deer antler and elk antler?

Although both elk and deer are from the same family, there is a big difference when it comes to their antlers and their cores. Deer antlers are much harder and denser than elk which make them dangerous for strong chewers and dogs with strong jaws. This is because large pieces might break off and splinter causing injury to the stomach and the intestines. Elk antlers may be broken down to smaller, digestible pieces due to their lower density.

5. Can my dog get the same benefits from elk antlers as elk velvet?

Elk antlers and elk velvet are different even if they come from the same source. The velvet is gathered from the live ends of the antlers as these grow. These are the soft ends from which the antlers grow and harden from. Hardened antlers which are ready to shed are pretty much the results of the velvet growing and although the antlers harden from velvet, they are not nutritionally similar. Antlers are made up more of calcium and some protein.

6. Can chewing on elk antlers improve the quality of life of my dog?

Yes, chewing on elk antlers can improve the gum health of your dog. Healthy gums equals to healthy teeth and mouth which equals to better eating habits.

7. What other benefits come from elk antlers aside from a healthy canine oral cavity?

Aside from the healthy gums and teeth, your dog or puppy will also be less chewy when he or she already has a chew toy which is organic and naturally occurring in the wild. This means less destruction in your home, furniture and shoes. At the same time, the marrow that comes with the antlers contain some nutrients that can be beneficial for dogs.

8. How soon can I give my puppy elk antlers to chew?

You may have to wait until your puppy is older before giving it elk antlers to chew. There is a stage when puppies have a funny feeling in their teeth and the urge to chew is strong. Make sure that the antlers you give are just the right size for the puppy; not small enough to choke on and not big enough that he or she cannot chew it.

9. How long will the antlers last?

How long the antlers last is dependent on how much a chewer your dog is. The antlers last longer when you have a young puppy because they are strong chewers yet. Adult dogs in their prime who are very good chewers may have the antlers for just a few days and then break these down to eat. Some also hide their chew toys so you'll just be wondering where it went.

10. Are there any negative side effects from giving my dog elk antlers to chew?

Under supervision, there are no negative side effects in giving your dog elk antlers to chew on. You just need to keep an eye on how your dog breaks it down. Some dogs have some problems with people and other animals taking their things and he or she may be possessive about it.

This FAQ table addresses many of the questions and concerns that some dog owners have for their pets regarding elk antlers. By far, elk antlers are very good to chew and have some nutritional benefit as well..