Why Do Dogs Like Antlers So Much?

There are always ideas popping up in the dog world for new toys, treats, and chews that pet shop owners try to sell to dog owners.

One of these new ideas is deer antlers.

Dogs have been chewing on antlers for thousands of years, but they have only recently become popular in pet stores.

If you have tried them, you might have noticed your dog really enjoys them.

In this post, we will explain why dogs like antlers so much.

We will also examine if they are safe for your dog to chew.

And is it a good idea to give them to your dog, or is it dangerous?

This is where it gets more complicated, so we will dive into it.

Let’s get started.

Why Your Dog Loves Antlers

Dogs love antlers because they have evolved to enjoy chewing because it is good for their dental health and jaw strength.

In addition, deer antlers are hard, tasty, and contain valuable nutrients such as calcium. Therefore, most dogs will like chewing on them.

Dogs strengthen and clean their teeth and build jaw muscles by chewing on hard objects such as antlers, sticks or bones.

Chewing is also stimulating and entertaining for your dog, and it gives them something to do that they can enjoy.

For all these reasons, many dog owners happily give their dogs deer antlers to chew to keep them happy and healthy.

NOTE – If your dog always wants to eat, you might find this post about why dogs are always hungry useful to read.

What Nutrients Do Deer Antlers Contain That Are Good for Dogs?

Deer antlers contain some essential nutrients that are good for dogs. These include:

• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Potassium
• Iron
• Calcium
• Phosphorous

You might also wonder if they are digestible, and surprisingly the answer is yes.

Antlers are fully digestible.

Your dog will swallow small fragments, which are digested in the gut allowing the dog to absorb the nutrients.

NOTE – You might also find this post interesting. It looks at why dogs eat your underwear.

Is it Safe to Give Your Dog Antlers?

Are antlers safe for dogs?

Unfortunately, this is a more complicated question, and there is no one size fits all answer.

Some dogs can chew on antlers for years and have no issues, but they can cause problems for other dogs.

The two significant risks with dogs chewing antlers are potential damage to teeth or choking on a small piece of broken-off antler.

For this reason, many vets say you shouldn’t give them to your dogs.

But the other side of the debate is that any hard chew can carry similar risks.

So the argument goes, as many dogs chew antlers without any issues, it’s OK to give them to your dog.

I can’t make this decision for you, so if you aren’t sure they are suitable for your dog, the best thing to do is speak to your vet.

NOTE – You might also like to read this post looking at why dogs like bones so much.

Alternatives to Antlers for Dogs

It isn’t easy to find any chew that your dog will enjoy, which will also last more than a few minutes and are totally safe for dogs.

The best thing to do is ask your vet and weigh the pros and cons of antlers and alternatives.

Is it Cruel to Give Your Dog Antlers to Chew?

Putting aside the question about if they are safe for your dog.

Is it cruel for the deer or elk that the antler came from?

In most cases, the answer is no. It is not cruel.

Usually, the antlers are a by-product of either farmed or hunted meat.

If they weren’t given to dogs, they would be a waste product, so from both a cruelty and an environmental perspective, it’s not bad.

NOTE – You might also want to read this blog post asking the question: do dogs like eating ice cubes?

Can You Give Your Dog Antlers You Find in the Woods?

There is no real difference between shop-bought antlers and ones you find in the woods.

The risk with antlers comes from potentially chipping teeth or the dog choking on a tiny bit that breaks off.

But if you do want to give your dog antlers that you find in the woods, here is an interesting video of how the professionals do it.

Just click the video to watch:

 

Note – Before we go any further, you might find this post helpful. It answers the question – why do dogs chew up their beds?

What Age is it Safe to Give Puppies Antlers?

It would be best if you didn’t give young dogs hard chews until their adult teeth have come through and are fully developed.

For younger dogs, softer chews are much safer and better for them.

Then it would be best if you considered the potential risk of antlers, from either chipping a tooth or choking on a fragment that has broken off.

As always, with any questions about your dog’s health, if you are in any doubt, please speak to your vet.

NOTE – You might also enjoy this post looking at the question: Why do some dogs like eating human food so much?

What Are Deer Antlers?

Most people know that deer antlers are the spiky horn-like structures on the heads of wild deer, but that is about as far as most people’s knowledge goes.

Deer antlers are an extension of the skull, mainly composed of bone and some cartilage, skin, and other tissues.

In most cases, only male deer have antlers and use them to fight other males during the breeding season.

(This is why they are so hard and spiky).

Antlers are also used to attract female deer, with bigger ones being the most attractive to the females.

Why Do Dogs Like Deer Antlers? Final Thoughts

Dogs like chewing antlers because they have evolved to enjoy chewing hard and tasty things to help their teeth, gum, and jaw health.

However, there is some risk in giving your dog them to chew, so you should consult your vet and consider giving them other things to chew instead.

OK, we have come to the end of this post looking at the question – why do dogs like antlers so much?

We hope you have all the information you need, but if you have more questions about dogs and deer antlers, please feel free to comment below.