The Different Grades of Antler Chews (and Why Grade A is the Best)

When it comes to antler chews, not all are created equal. While they may look similar at first glance, the difference in quality between a freshly shed, rich-in-nutrients antler and an old, weathered one is massive—especially for your dog’s health, safety, and enjoyment.

 

That’s why at Mountain Valley Antlers, we only sell premium, Grade A antlers—the highest quality possible. We never blend in lower-grade pieces or “discount” antlers because your dog deserves the best nature has to offer.

 

Let’s break down what antler grading actually means, how to tell the difference, and why Grade A is the only type we’ll ever put our name on.

What Is Antler Grading?

Every year, deer, elk, and moose shed their antlers naturally. These antlers fall to the forest floor and become a valuable resource—for wildlife, the environment, and, yes, for dogs who love to chew.


Once collected, antlers are graded based on their freshness, color, density, and overall condition. These grades range from A through C (sometimes even D), with Grade A being the freshest and most nutrient-rich, and Grade C being the most weathered and brittle.


Here’s what each grade generally represents:

  • Grade A: Freshly shed antlers—usually within the past year. Full of natural oils, rich color, and dense, long-lasting material.
  • Grade B: Older sheds that have been exposed to the elements for several seasons. The color fades, and the inside begins to dry out.
  • Grade C (and lower): Very old, chalky antlers that have lost nearly all their nutrients and are brittle enough to splinter easily.

If you’ve ever seen a white, cracked, or flaky antler chew online, it was likely Grade C or below.
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How to Spot a True Grade A Antler

Grade A antlers are immediately recognizable to anyone who’s seen both. They have:

  • Rich color — The outer layer (bark) remains intact, showing the deep brown or tan hues of a recent shed.
    Smooth texture — A fresh antler will have a natural sheen and density you can feel in your hand.
  • No chalkiness or cracks — Once antlers weather in the sun and rain, they lose moisture and start to turn dull white.
  • Heavier weight — Fresh antlers are denser, meaning they last longer as chews and provide a more satisfying experience for your dog.

In short: Grade A antlers still hold onto the nutrients and strength that nature packed into them—exactly what makes them perfect for healthy, natural dog chews.
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Why Grade A Antlers Are Better for Your Dog

Dogs don’t just chew for fun (though they certainly enjoy it). Chewing satisfies instinct, relieves anxiety, and helps keep their teeth clean. But for it to be beneficial, the chew itself needs to be safe and nutritious.

 

Grade A antlers are naturally packed with:

  • Calcium and phosphorus for bone and dental health
  • Collagen for joints and tendons
  • Trace minerals like zinc and magnesium that support overall wellbeing

These nutrients are preserved only in fresh, unweathered antlers. Older, dried-out antlers lose much of this content and become harder—sometimes too hard—posing a greater risk of cracking or dental damage.

 

That’s why Mountain Valley Antlers refuses to cut corners. When you buy from us, you’re getting a chew that’s clean, natural, long-lasting, and genuinely healthy for your pup.
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Why Some Brands Use Lower Grades

It’s simple: cost and quantity.


Many competitors purchase large batches of lower-grade antlers that have sat outside for years. They’re cheaper and easier to source, but the trade-off is clear—less nutrition, less durability, and more risk.


These old antlers are often sanded or polished to “look” nice, but inside they’re dry, brittle, and far from what a true Grade A shed provides.


At Mountain Valley Antlers, we choose differently. Every antler we sell is hand-selected from naturally shed, Grade A stock—never bleached, never baked, and never mixed with inferior grades.

Our Promise: 100% Grade A, Every Time

When you open a package from Mountain Valley Antlers, you’re holding a piece of the wild—exactly as nature made it. Each antler has been carefully sourced, inspected, and cut with your dog’s size and safety in mind.


That’s our promise: no fillers, no fakes, no lower-grade substitutions. Just real, Grade A antlers from the mountains to your doorstep.


Because we believe your dog’s chew shouldn’t be “good enough.” It should be the best.


Explore our full collection of premium antlers today.

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