Deer/Elk Antler Question

[Lorraine & Amos]

Hi everyone!  My Amos LOVES to chew antlers.  I always get him the split ones and he normally has just hollows out the inside and leaves the outside intact.  This morning I found his most recent antler (see pic), and he really did a job on it.  

As you can see, a part of the outside is missing.  Should I take this away from him? I'm thinking that he shouldn't be eating the outer part, am I right?? There is still a good portion of marrow left though and boy these suckers are expensive! 

As usual, I love all the helpful responses!! You guys are great!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow! Incredible.   I've never seen one so worn!!

Yes, take this one away.   If they are not whole I would lift it and certainly get him another.   Obviously, he loves them and does a great job!  It certainly serves a purpose for your chewy guy  

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

Actually I believe the whole antler is safe to eat, my dog eats them in their entirety all the time. I have never heard they are not supposed to earth whole thing. He had a deer button for a long time too that he eventually wore down to a nub.

[Alexis, JP and Brady]

My dog too eats the whole thing whether it's a full our split. They are meant to be chewed till gone. When our pup was young he would chew one in a week, now that he is a bit older, year and half, it takes him more like a month!

[Marie + Marshall]

How young can they have these? I am getting conflicting advice..not with baby teeth and so on. My guy NEEDS to chew almost every minute of the day and mostly me. Just ordered some bully sticks. He is 11 weeks old. Can he have this??

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

Malu had a button at 8 weeks. I'm not sure the first time he had an antler.

[Marie + Marshall]

Sorry..but I am new to all this..a button? A deer button?

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

The button is the part that actually attaches to the head. So they get a shed antler, then cut off the antlers. Voila! Button! The dogs love them.