How To Choose The Right Antler For Your Dog (And Keep Their Teeth Safe)

Introducing your dog to antler chews can be a game-changer for their health, happiness, and chewing habits. But not all antlers, or dogs, are the same. Choosing the right antler based on your dog’s size, chewing style, and safety needs is key to ensuring they get the most out of this natural chew without risking dental issues like chipped or broken teeth.

At Mountain Valley Antlers, we’re here to guide you through the process. From selecting the perfect antler to understanding the safety precautions around chipping or breaking teeth, this guide will help you make the best choice for your pup.

Why Antlers?

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about why antlers are such a popular chew option:

Long-lasting and durable for even the most aggressive chewers

Packed with natural nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine

Naturally shed and cruelty-free, making them a sustainable choice

Promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup

At Mountain Valley Antlers, we want to help you make the best choice for your pup and ensure they enjoy their antler to the fullest. Here’s everything you need to know about selecting the right antler, introducing it for the first time, and making sure your dog has a great chewing experience.

TLDR: Best Practices for Introducing Antlers

1. Start Slow:

Limit the first few chew sessions to 10-15 minutes to allow your dog to adjust.

 

2. Choose the Right Size & Type:

Whole antlers for power chewers, split antlers for moderate and gentle chewers.

 

3. Encourage Proper Chewing:

Hold the antler at first if needed, and swap out when worn down.

 

4. Monitor Chewing Habits:

Every dog chews differently, so watch how they interact with their antler and adjust if needed.

 

5. Participate:

Actively watch your dog while they are chewing to ensure they aren’t chewing too roughly, or the antler has become too small.

 

6. Knowing when to get a new chew: 

We generally recommend removing the chew once under 4 inches in length depending on the size of your dog. Practicing these 5 steps will help your pup have the best chewing experience, and help protect against chipped or broken teeth. Just like with anything your dog may chew on– there is always some risk, but following these directions can help mitigate any issues.

 

Craving more info? Keep reading for a full guide to the best chewing experience for your pup!

Step 1: Match the Antler to Your Dog’s Chewing Style

Every dog is different, and choosing the right antler depends on their chewing habits. Here’s how to find the perfect match:

Power Chewers (Aggressive Gnawers)

  • Traits: Strong jaws, determined to break through anything.
  • Best Antler Type: Dense, thick, and solid whole antlers like deer and elk. Whole antlers are ideal because they’re tougher to break down with minimal marrow exposure.
  • Safety Tip: Always supervise power chewers to ensure they’re not biting down too hard, which can risk tooth damage to new chewers.

Moderate Chewers (The Balanced Biters)

  • Traits: Enjoys chewing but not obsessed; takes their time.
  • Best Antler Type: Split antlers with exposed marrow for easier access without sacrificing durability. Elk split antlers are a great option here, which is why they’re the most popular choice on our website.
  • Safety tip: It’s always better to go with a softer option when introducing your dog to antlers.

Light Chewers (Gentle Nibblers or Puppies/Seniors)

  • Traits: Prefers softer, less intense chews or chews occasionally.
  • Best Antler Type: Softer, more porous antlers like moose or even split elk antlers with more exposed marrow. These are easier to chew without too much effort.
  • Safety Tip: Ensure the antler isn’t too hard—puppies and senior dogs have more sensitive teeth.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which type of chewer your dog is, start with a split elk antler—it provides a balance of durability and accessibility.
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Step 2: How to Introduce Antlers to Your Dog for the First Time

First impressions matter! Here’s how to introduce an antler the right way:

 

Supervise the First Chew

  • When giving your dog an antler for the first time, watch how they interact with it.
  • If they try to chew aggressively, redirect them to a gentler, more controlled chewing pace.

Start Slow

  • Limit the first few chew sessions to 10-15 minutes to make sure your dog enjoys the experience at a natural pace.
  • Over time, you can gradually increase chewing duration based on their comfort.

Encourage Engagement

  • If your dog doesn’t seem interested, try rubbing a little water on the antler to bring out the natural scent.
  • Some dogs take a few days to warm up to a new chew, so patience is key!
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Step 3: Best Practices for a Positive Chewing Experience

Dogs love to chew—it’s part of their natural behavior! Just like with any chew or food, here are a few ways to help your dog get the most out of their antler:

 

Choose the Right Size:

Pick an antler that is large enough that your dog can’t fit the whole thing in their mouth.

 

Monitor Wear & Tear:

Over time, antlers naturally wear down. When they get too small, swap them out for a fresh one.

 

Match the Antler to Their Chewing Style:

Power chewers do best with whole antlers, while moderate chewers and puppies may prefer split options.

 

Observe Your Dog’s Chewing Habits:

Some dogs naturally chew more intensely than others. If your dog tends to chomp down hard on anything, start with a softer antler type.
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Step 4: Tips to Help Avoid Chipped Teeth While Chewing

Just like with any chew toy or food, dogs have their own chewing style, and every dog interacts with chews differently. Here are some best practices to help your dog have a positive chewing experience:

 

Choose the Right Antler for Your Dog:

Pick the Right Size:

Always choose an antler larger than your dog’s mouth to encourage gradual gnawing instead of aggressive biting.

 

Introduce Chewing Time Gradually:

Limit the first few chewing sessions to 10-15 minutes so your dog can adjust to the antler.

 

Encourage Steady Chewing:

Hold the antler at first if needed, and gently guide your dog toward a controlled, relaxed chewing pace.

 

Monitor Chewing Style:

If your dog is an intense chewer, consider a split antler or one with more marrow exposure to encourage gentler chewing.

Why Mountain Valley Antlers?

At Mountain Valley Antlers, we take pride in offering naturally shed antlers that are collected with care and come in a variety of sizes and styles to match different chewing preferences.

Grade-A Only

Our antlers are fresh, dense, and carefully selected.

Sustainably Sourced

Naturally shed, cruelty-free antlers gathered with respect for wildlife.

Options For Every Dog

Whole and split varieties in multiple sizes to fit your pup’s unique needs.

The Bottom Line: A Chewing Experience Dogs Love

Antlers are a great way to give your dog a long-lasting, engaging chew. By choosing the right size and introducing it properly, you’re giving them something they’ll love while keeping their chewing experience enjoyable. Ready to find the perfect antler for your pup? Browse our selection and give your dog a chew that’s as natural as their instincts! 

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