When giving your dog a chew toy, safety is key. Bones are one of the most common dog treats, but will they splinter? Are antlers for dogs safe? We’ve compiled a guide to help you figure out what is and what isn’t good for your dog to chew.

Are Bones Safe for Dogs?

Bones are the most well-known dog chew. Dog bones can includefemur bones, shin bones,knuckle bones, and more. Bones are safe to eat as a dog chew as long as your dog is properly supervised for proper chewing habits. Raw bones, like those you can purchase from a butcher, have become increasingly popular in recent years with the "raw feeding" wave. One major concern with raw bones is they may be contaminated with E Coli or salmonella. They also may spoil within a few days. 

Cooked or baked bones can still provide an excellent chewing experience for your dog, as many bones will have the meat attached or display their . As an additional measure of precaution, it is highly recommended to watch how your dog chews on the bone to make sure that they are gnawing as opposed to biting on it.

 

Which Dogs Should Avoid Chewing on Bones?

Avoid giving bones to dogs that have a predisposition to pancreatitis. Bone marrow is very rich and can cause diarrhea and a flare-up of pancreatitis. Secondly, dogs who have had restorative dental work or crowns should not chew on bones due to the risk of cracking their teeth.

 

Are Antlers Safe for Dogs?

Yes, antlers are a safe chew toy for dogs. They are different from bones as they are grown and shed annually on deer and elk And are composed of different rings of mineral deposits. The cross-section of the antler looks like a tree trunk with rings around its end. The antler wears down gradually over time from saliva and gnawing. An antler chew should last any dog between 4-12 weeks. 

 

Do Antlers Splinter?

Antlers do not splinter easily, so the risk is low. Antlers for dogs are durable and long-lasting, keeping them from breaking apart quickly. 

With certain bones posing a safety hazard, antlers are a natural chew alternative for your dog. Antlers are also , meaning no animals are harmed in the process. The antlers themselves also contain minerals and nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus that are good for your dog. Lastly, antlers are odorless and won’t leave residue on your carpet or furniture.

 

Overall, dogs can chew both bones and antlers, as long as precautions are taken. Many dog owners are leaning more towards antlers, as they are a low-odor and low-mess option as opposed to bones.

For more dog health tips and tricks, check out our blog. And to shop Best Bully Sticks’s collection of bones and antlers, head to ourwebsite.