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.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Karen, you know I give my guys antlers, and there has never been a problem.  I don't buy the ones that are split though because I worry about all that exposed marrow with their digestive issues.  The regular ones only have a small opening and it takes them a couple of months to wear them down, so I know they are actually ingesting miniscule amounts of marrow.  They do lose interest, but I find if I soak them overnight it must "perk up" the flavor.  I hope these are something that JD enjoys....clearly not as good as a real bone but for G & M it's a decent substitute.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jane. I knew you had given the boys antlers but didn't remember if there had ever been any problems.

 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Spud has  never had an antler. My concern  for him is the wear on his teeth. I have complained before about his canine teeth worn down severely.

I'm watching this post.  So far a lot of great contributions. 

I also know, JD, has never had any antlers and am excited to see how this works out. I'm just excited he is getting one. What a treat!  :)

[BG and Gavin]

Joanne, does Spud chew on tennis balls?  I have heard that the cover of the ball acts like sandpaper on canines.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

His life with a tennis ball is cut off.  He may get one on a very special occasion-when company is here, or we go out of town-and that is so we do not loose his expensive Chuck It Balls.   Emergency only.  But we did learn the hard way--Tennis balls are bad for the teeth  :(

He does though, carry around cloth. Socks, wash clothes, towels, shirts- Always something out of his mouth.

But no tennis balls. 

I really wonder if he would even like an antler since he only likes the marrow and always leaves the bones alone? 

[Suzanne & Jack]

I also worry about my Moose with tennis balls.  He can destroy one in about 5 minutes.  While at the Pet Expo I found these organic wool balls that seem to be a better option.  You might check them out.  The website is www.purrfectplay.com .   They even have a little bit of bounce to them.

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Joanne. I am feeling less afraid of trying this after reading these responses. He may not be interested, but I'll never know if I don't try!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I've only had deer antlers and the last batch I got from doggieloot.com.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You mentioned in another discussion that Doggieloot.com is donating to animal shelters in NJ and NY for disaster relief.   That would seal the deal for me

[Carol and Banjo]

Karen,  Banjo is a fierce chewer....nothing has survived here except the antlers.  I have never noticed any chips or splinters, nor has he ever broken any.  They just slowly wear down and when they get too small I toss them.   Whenever someone posts about the possible damage to his teeth I think....OK...I'll stop giving them to him.   But, it really is the only "chew" he has and his teeth do benefit from them.   I guess it's a risk I'm willing to take as he gets SO much pleasure from them.   I've noticed he rarely touched them when we've had a normal, active day.   On those days we're cooped up inside due to inclement weather he will spend time chewing them......it think it relaxes him and relieves tension. (?)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Carol. This is reassuring.

JD has always been like Banjo regarding bones and chews. He has to really be feeling a need to chew to show any interest. But since the back problems started and he isn't able to run at all, he seems to have more desire to chew something. Hopefully an antler will help him relieve some tension, too!

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

My boys have very little interest in antlers but I buy them for my "sister", Gretel (my parents golden retriever). She is a fierce chewer....no kidding this dog wants to chew rocks, she even dives for rocks in the lake. I have given her whole and split antlers and she just wears them down gradually , no big chunks. She is less interested in the whole antlers than the split and the split don't last her nearly as long but I have never noticed any big chunks or splinters. Keep in mind I don't live with her but I do often spend a week at a time with her.

Wonder why Murph and Wilson don't like them but then I am kind of thankful because they are expensive! I order Gretel 's from Antler Pantry and I think they have great prices. Hugs to JD, I hope he can have them and I hope he loves them!