Need Your Feedback on Antlers!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Food Groupies. I need some help/info/feedback on antlers.

As most of you know, JD has Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and is on a very restricted diet. Since last December, he has not been allowed to have any chew objects except for plain Dura-chew Nylabones. This is because they are hypoallergenic in terms of not setting off an immune reaction in his gut, and the pieces he chews off are no bigger than a grain of rice, which is smooth and easily passed. 

The problem is, he really doesn't like them very much, and only chews them when he gets desperate. He needs something to occupy him, and also help with tartar on his teeth, since he can no longer have any dental chews or toothpaste.

He cannot have most protein sources. But I think he could have elk or deer antlers, if I could be sure that he could not splinter them or break off any sizeable pieces. He is a very powerful chewer.

So what I'm looking for here are your experiences with your dogs and antlers. Do they just kind of wear them down, gnawing on them, without really getting anything much off of them? Or do they break off pieces? Anyone ever have any chipping, splintering or splitting of the antler? Anyone's dog ever break off a chunk?

All feedback is much appreciated.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin has always knawed on them, slowly wearing them down. No chips or splinters. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Camilla! More gnawing and wearing down, just what I want!

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

We have two  (Tank & Beau) who are recreational chewers and another (Sully) who would chew through a brick given the chance.  Personally, I've found there is a big difference in antlers.  The softer ones, Sully will chew through to the marrow in a day and I have to throw it away when it gets too short. Those I don't care for.    The harder ones will last for weeks or even a month or two.  But, either way I've noticed only small slivers and not big pieces.  I have a great antler guy in Michigan.  The prices are very reasonable and you can call him and describe your dog's needs and he will make suggestions.  Got his info from my breeder who's used him for several years.  This works better for me than buying in the store where I buy his food  I love those guys but the antlers are just too soft.  I would include his name in case you wanted to contact him just to talk through needs as you continue to research but would that be advertising?  If so and you want the info, PM me and I'll be glad to send it. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think it's fine to post links to resources, especially in the groups. As long as you don't profit from it, it's not a violation of the DK guidelines. We do this for the dog food websites, so why not antlers? I'd love the link, please do post it here, and thanks for the helpful info!

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

I laughed out loud at Cyndi's response, "who would chew through a brick given the chance." Yeah, that's a good description of my guys. They love love love their elk antlers. I buy the huge ones and so far the only time they've ever been able to get any quantity off of them is when they've been lost in the yard for a few weeks and gotten softened by the moisture in the grass.

For some reason they also love the West Paw Designs brand of rubber chew toys. They're much softer than the Nylabone but both guys will chew on them for hours and haven't been able to leave so much as a tooth mark on 'em.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jen! Good to know that your powerful chewers like the elk antlers and haven't been able to break much off of them. 

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

His name is Terry Evans and here's the link http://michiganantlerart.com/ He apparently does antler art also :). He's on Facebook too. Hope it works out for JD.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Cyndi. I'll check him out. 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

My 2 used to chew antlers all the time but then I think they started to get bored with them (of course that was after I bought a bunch).  when they do chew on them, the antlers will get softer from all the slobber but they seem to just wear down and we haven't had any chunks break off.

 

Here is a picture of the worn down area up close

 

Here are Cubbie and Ollie suddenly interested in their antlers as I try to take a picture

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Amy. I do think there's a possibility that JD may not be very interested in the antlers, but all I can do is try. Do you get deer or elk antlers?  

PS: It's good to see your boys! 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

they are deer

[Suzanne & Jack]

Jack and Moose have had their antlers for almost a year. Both are fairly aggressive chewers. They were able to chew through a Himalayan chew in 15 minutes. I have had antlers that splintered. Those I just threw away.