Why settle for ordinary dog chews when you can treat your furry friend to something truly exceptional? Have you discovered the remarkable benefits of elk antler dog chews yet?
If not, sit back. You are in for a ride.
Elk Antler Chews have become increasingly popular among pet owners looking for natural, long-lasting chews for their furry friends. These chews, made from shed elk antlers, have a range of benefits that make them a favorite choice for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
In this article, we dive into the various advantages of elk antler dog chews, highlighting why they are not just a tasty treat but also a valuable addition to your dog's overall dental health and well-being.
10 Benefits of Antlers for Dogs
Are you excited to discover why antler chews are great for dogs?
Without further ado, let's get right into it!
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Prevents bad breath
Humans brush their teeth to keep them clean and healthy. But dogs rely on chewing to keep their teeth clean. Some chew treats for dogs claim to make their breath smell better, but they only hide the smell temporarily with nice smells. These treats don't really help clean the teeth, so plaque can keep building up.
However, the hard surface of the antler scrapes off plaque and gets rid of the tartar buildup. Moreover, chewing makes dogs produce saliva, which has stuff that breaks down plaque. This helps clean the teeth like toothpaste does.
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Natural stress relief
Chewing on antlers isn't just good for cleaning your dog's teeth—it also makes them happy! When dogs chew on antlers, it triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in their brains, like endorphins. These are the same hormones that make us feel happy.
So, chewing on antlers not only keeps your own dog happy and entertained but also helps them feel calm and content. It's like a natural stress reliever for them!
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Low-calorie treat
Antlers are a healthier option compared to traditional bones like dried pig ears and pressed cattle and pig skin bones. They have almost no calories and very little fat, just 0.1%.
When your dog chews on a deer or elk antler, their body burns more fat than it stores. Plus, chewing also makes them feel less hungry, which helps them stick to a healthy weight.
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Promotes digestive health
Chewing on antlers is not only enjoyable for dogs but also good for their digestive health. When they chew on antlers, it triggers the release of digestive enzymes in their intestines. These enzymes help break down nutrients from the antler into smaller components, providing essential energy for your dog.
It's like a healthy dessert that supports their digestion!
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Natural Source of Vital Minerals
Antlers are rich in important nutrients like magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients are good for dogs and their bone and teeth health, supporting muscle function, regulating the nervous system, and promoting a healthy heart without any artificial additives.
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Prevents boredom
Antlers provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom in pups. When dogs feel bored, they might exhibit destructive behaviors like excessive barking, whining, licking, or destructive habits.
While it's essential to give your dog attention and physical stimulation, antlers are a great way to keep them entertained while keeping them mentally engaged. As your dog gnaws on the antler, they also fight off boredom, so it's a win-win situation.
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Physical stimulation
When your own dog loves to chew on antlers, it's like a fun challenge that expends energy for them as dogs love to chew. They have to work hard to get the tasty part inside.
This makes chewing antlers a good workout for them. After about thirty minutes of chewing, your dog will feel tired and ready to rest. So, you can leave them alone for a while without worrying about them getting into mischief.
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Affordable treats
A pack of three medium-sized deer antlers from RexiPets costs around $32 at the pet store, which is quite the steal. This is a great deal because even dogs that are aggressive chewers with intense chewing habits can enjoy these treats for weeks. And for the dogs that aren't powerful chewers or younger dogs; you can get split elk antlers at a really good price, too. Split antlers are usually enjoyed by dogs of all kinds.
They offer long-lasting entertainment at an affordable price!
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Mess-free
Unlike rawhide chew bones, which can become mushy and unpleasant over time, or real bones or other dog chew toys that can be messy and stain furniture due to their oily nature, deer antlers do not absorb much saliva and, therefore, do not stain.
They leave no marks on your furniture, making them a clean and hassle-free chewing option for your dog.
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Odor-free
Many chewy dog treats have a strong smell that can be off-putting, which makes some pet owners only allow bone chewing outside. However, antlers don't have a strong odor, which makes them perfect for pets with sensitive stomachs and indoor living situations, such as apartments.
How to Introduce Antler Chews?
Introducing an antler dog chew or other chew toys to your dog can be a positive experience if done right.
Here are some things to help you introduce antler chews effectively into your dog's life -
Start with a size suitable for your dog's size, breed, and chewing habits. Avoid antlers that are too small and that could pose a choking hazard or that are too large, which might be difficult for pet owners or your dog to handle.
When you are giving your dog an antler chew for the first few times, supervise them to ensure they chew it safely and don't break off large pieces, especially when you are dealing with an aggressive chewer like a pit bull. This is especially important for aggressive chewers.
Moreover, not all dogs will be too enthusiastic about antlers; some dogs may be unsure about antler chews at first. Encourage them to chew on these antlers. You can apply a bit of peanut butter or low-sodium broth to the antler to make it more exciting for your dog.
You can also use the antler chew as a reward or special treat during training sessions for dogs. This helps your dog associate the chew with positive experiences.
Moreover, to keep your dog engaged, rotate between different types of antler chews, like deer antler chews, moose antlers, and elk antlers, to prevent boredom.
Although antler chews are durable, monitor your dog's chew time to prevent over-chewing, especially if they have sensitive teeth or gums or other dental issues. Replace the antler chew when it wears off to be small enough to be swallowed, or if the antler shows signs of wear to prevent potential choking hazards, it can splinter and cause damage.
By following these steps, you can introduce antler chews to your dog safely and ensure they enjoy this natural chew option.
Final Words
As we wrap up our exploration of the benefits of antler chews for dogs, it's clear that these natural chews are more than just any chew toy. They're like a dental care assistant, a personal trainer, and a stress-relief therapist, all rolled into one!
So, whether your pet is a playful pup or you are dealing with wild canines who are seasoned chewers, introducing antler chews can be a game-changer in their daily routine. It will be like giving them a little piece of nature to chew on, with benefits that go beyond just keeping them entertained.
However, when it comes to antler chews, remember to choose the right size, supervise initially, and rotate the elk antler chews for variety. Your dog's tail-wagging happiness will be the best reward, knowing you've found a safe, healthy, and enjoyable chew option for them.
