Are Elk Antlers Safe for Dogs?

Elk antlers consist of pieces of bone-like material harvested from the antlers of male elk. Male elk and other species of deer grow new antlers each year. Sections of these hard, sharp, branching horns are sold as dog chews, which are generally considered safe for your dog to gnaw on -- with proper supervision to prevent Fido from swallowing any large pieces of the antlers that break off.

  1. Elk Antlers

    • Male elk grow sharp, hard antlers that they use to fight other males for leadership roles within their herds and over potential mates. When the males shed their antlers, pet food manufacturers harvest them, sand down their sharp edges and cut them into smaller pieces that are sold as dog chews. These chews contain nutrients including calcium, phosphorus, iron, glucosamine and magnesium, according to the Elk Antler Dog Treat website. While as hard as bones on the outside, the antlers have soft, fatty marrow centers that are edible, according to the Whole Dog Journal. These chews are available online and in pet supply stores.

    Safety

    • Edible dog chews and treats are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dog chews made from animal parts, including elk antlers, are classified as "food" by the FDA and must only contain ingredients that are generally considered safe for ingestion by dogs. For this reason, elk antlers sold through pet supply stores are considered safe for dogs to eat. This doesn't mean a dog can't be injured by chewing on an elk antler, which can result in broken or injured teeth if directly bitten, rather than gnawed. Chews of any kind, including antlers, can also cause an intestinal obstruction if swallowed in large pieces by a hungry pup, warns the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    Acceptable Chewing

    • Dog chews, including elk antlers, may help to redirect your pup's destructive chewing habits onto an acceptable source rather than your furniture, clothing or valuables. When first offering an elk antler to your dog, supervise him when he chews on it. Choose an antler that is appropriate for your dog's size -- not too large to fit in a small dog's mouth or small enough that it could easily be swallowed by a large dog. If your pup continues to chew on other, unacceptable items, rub a bit of tasty peanut butter or cream cheese on the elk antler to make it more appealing to your pup because antlers, unlike bones or rawhides, are generally odorless.

    Considerations

    • Dog chews like elk antlers can help relieve the pain of teething for puppies and may even help with the dental health of puppies and adult dogs. Dogs who regularly eat kibble and use canine chews experience less plaque buildup than those who don't, according to WebMD. Although elk antlers are considered more splinter-resistant than animal bones, check them regularly for signs of wear and sharp edges that can injure your pooch, recommends the Antler Chewz website. Sand down sharp edges that you find to remove them. Discard the antler when it wears down to a piece small enough for your dog to swallow and replace it with a new one.