bully stick OR antler - which & why?

[LarryL]

Sorry for overdosing on DK guys!

Trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Breeder recommended Bully Sticks.

Which is the absolute best brand, type to buy?

Any preferences?

Also, would anyone suggest Antlers INSTEAD of bully sticks?

And why?

[Jen W]

I choose antlers b/c they last a lot longer and don't stink.  

[Brittney & Cally]

I personally do not think either is a good choice for that small of a puppy.

[LarryL]

how come?

[Brittney & Cally]

I just think they are too hard for a pups teeth. But really that is my own opinion, I am not sure if that is really true. You could ask for sure in the puppy madness group.

[Heather]

I agree, Would stay away from both. They can crack a dogs molers. My vet said if you can't press into it with your nail, it can crack molers or splinter.

[Rebecca Chynoweth]

My dog will destroy a bully stick in about 20 mins and with the price of those things it just isn't economical. I bought an antler hoping that would last but he won't go near it.

Now I buy raw beef leg bones that are cut into 4-6 inch pieces from my local butcher. I freeze the bones and give him about 1-2 a week and he goes crazy and since they are frozen it takes him a long time to get out all the marrow. Very inexpensive treats. Once he is done chewing I generally take it away because I worry about any leftover meat going rancid and making him sick.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I chose antlers just because the bully sticks gross me out. Yogi was 12 weeks when we got his first split antler. He chews on it on and off, no problems, but I give it to him when I'm around. He's not an aggressive chewer and we still have the same one since Black Friday.

[Marni and Hanna]

We do both--antlers last a lot longer (can be very expensive to buy, but you can get them for free if you have friends or family that hunt or you can find their "sheds" in the woods)  I like the bullys for the convenience to have along when waiting somewhere (ie. outdoor restaurant, etc.)  She seems to like the bullys a little better, but will chew on both. 

[Heather Martinez]

When Teddy was younger, we used bully sticks. I think he started having them around 3 months old. They lasted a long time and kept him busy and quiet. Now he can devour a bully stick in 10 minutes and since he has a sensitive stomach, I don't think it's good for him to ingest such a large amount at a time. We also did antlers until the vet said they are too hard for his teeth and can cause breakage. Now he only gets antlers rarely and for a few minutes at a time. With both antlers and bully sticks, be careful when they get too small. Teddy once got an antler stuck in the back of his mouth and I had to pull it out. Luckily he could still breathe, but I am very careful to throw them away once the piece is small enough to stick in the mouth or swallow.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

We like to give a variety of chew toys, so we use both.  You can buy and I do, odorless Bully Sticks.  Enzo switches back and forth on any given day, as to which is her favorite.  Both can be expensive, but so are chewed couches and chair legs.  ;)

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Very true ;-)

[Christine & Shelby]

I use both with my Shelby but she didn't have full size antlers (just an antler button from the breeder) or bully sticks until she was older. She enjoys chewing on both. Buying bully sticks in your typical pet store will cost you a pretty penny. Based on some recommendations here... I visited bestbullysticks.com. I have been very pleased with their product, service and prices :)