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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's the way I plan to do it, too, Nancy, if I decide to try it. He will only get it when I can supervise him, and only for a relatively short period of time.

[Adina P]

Rosco and Boca had two halves of the split kind and theirs seemed kind of crumbly, for lack of a better word.  But that may have been the specific antler and the fact it was split...?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Crumbly doesn't sound so bad; "crumbles" would be very small and probably not pointy or jagged?

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

I was recently at a fair, and there was a lady selling natural pet products..antlers, tracheas, etc. She told me there is a difference in strength between the deer, elk, and moose antlers, but to be honest, I forget which one is the strongest. Whereever you are buying the antlers from, ask the owner which one, I'm sure they will know! Also, on the antlers I buy, a little note comes with them, saying to soak them in warm water to "freshen" them up..I believe the warm water lets a scent out and softens the marrow a bit to entice the dogs to chew it again!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jill. I think the moose antlers are the softest. I will definitely ask the person I buy from.  

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I personally think the elk ones are more durable. They are both pretty great and last super long but the deer antler we have look like it will splinter (although we had it for like a year without any issues. Bens a powerful chewer and Zoe is a picky chewer. They both love it!

[Pat and Traveler]

Sorry to chime in late here--but Trav loved his deer antler at first.  He got bored with it though.  I don't keep it down with his toys, but sometimes I'll ask him if he wants his antler (a word he recognizes) and he'll chew it for a while.  He hasn't chewed off any pieces, but the end, which is where he chews, has gotten some shallow but sharp and jagged points, which worries me a bit.  I threw away his first antler for this reason, which was a whole section, but then got a split, which seems to be wearing better.  

Hope you'll find something for JD--I know it breaks your heart not to be able to give him tasty things.  I think the antlers are worth a try.  Thanks to the comments here, I'll try soaking Trav's antler to see if that will renew his interest.   

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Since I posted this discussion, JD had a major IBD flare, which resulted in an entire day spent at the specialty clinic and some retrogression with his meds and food, so the thought of antlers is on hold for now. Honestly, I think I jinxed him!

He's developed a new interest in his Nylabones, probably because his pred dosage was increased again.

But I do think the information about antlers in this discussion will be a very valuable resource in the future, and I appreciate everyone's contributions.  Thanks, guys!

[Julie and Charlie]

We experienced splintering of an antler- Charlie was able to break off several long thin pieces. 

It didn't happen until the antler Charlie was "working on" got very thin and he was able to break pieces off, probably because it was slightly wet and flexible from his constant chewing. The antler was also smaller and thinner than usual (split) and was most likely elk. I don't think I'll remove his antlers totally, but definitely will keep a closer eye on their condition before leaving them on floor.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is good to know, thanks, Julie.

[Theresa & Duncan]

Duncan is a very strong chewer and has never been able to do more than "gnaw" down his antlers. I actually have three in front of me on the floor right now in various stages of wear, so he has yet to ever "finish" one.

When I hold his antler for him to chew (don't judge me, lol!) I noticed that there will be the tiniest shavings on the leg of my pants once he has been at it for a while, but nothing bigger than the grain-of-rice pieces you mentioned with the nylabones. I have heard that the split ones are easier to break (as others have mentioned) but have never given them to Duncan.

Not sure if you have already given it a go since this post was in November, but if you have I hope all went smoothly for JD.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for the feedback, Theresa. He had a flare right after I posted this so I have been afraid to try one yet.

And nobody here will ever judge you for holding your doodle's antler for him, lol! We will only judge you if you chew it for him!