Are Antler Chews Safe for Dogs?

Vet Opinions, Real-World Experience, and What to Know Before You Buy

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "Are antler chews safe for dogs?" you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common and important questions we get asked at events, in our messages, and by first-time customers. And honestly, we love that people ask. Because it shows they care about their dog’s health, not just what’s trendy on a shelf.

This guide breaks it all down: what antlers are, what vets actually say, the risks to know, and how to make the best decision for your dog.

What Are Antler Chews?

Antlers are a natural, mineral-rich dog chew made from solid bone. We offer both whole and split versions at Buckin’ Good, depending on your dog’s chewing style. They’ve become increasingly popular because they’re:

• Long-lasting (often days or weeks)
• Mess-free and odorless
• Naturally packed with calcium and phosphorus
• Free from dyes, preservatives, and artificial ingredients

But not all antlers are the same, and that matters more than most people realize.

Not All Antler Chews Are Created Equal

There’s a huge difference between high-quality, durable antler chews and the chalky, brittle, over-aged ones you often find in discount bins or bulk pet store displays.

Here’s the difference:

Low-grade antlers don’t just wear out faster, they can actually increase the risk of tooth injury or splintering. That’s why we only carry antlers we’d trust for our own dogs.

Why Some Dogs Thrive on Antlers

If your dog loves to chew but you’re tired of greasy bones, messy rawhide, or synthetic toys, antlers might be the perfect solution. Many of our regulars use them to:

• Provide mental stimulation and enrichment
• Satisfy natural chewing instincts
• Promote oral health by helping reduce plaque
• Avoid calories and digestive issues tied to edible chews

They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they’re a favorite for a reason.

When Antlers Are a Safe Choice? When Are They Not?

Antlers can be a great option for:

• Healthy adult dogs with no history of dental issues
• Moderate chewers who gnaw instead of chomp
• Dogs who’ve previously done well with bones, nylon, or hooves

Whole antlers tend to last longer and are great for steady chewers. Split antlers are ideal for first-timers or gentler chewers since they expose the marrow and are a bit softer.

We’re not here to tell you antlers are perfect for every dog... Avoid antlers—or at least use extreme caution if your dog:

• Is it still a puppy or an aging senior
• Has a history of cracked teeth or dental surgeries
• Tends to bite down aggressively rather than gnaw

If your dog regularly breaks toys or bites with force instead of chewing, opt for a softer chew like yak cheese, ears, or a bully stick. And as always, no chew should be left down without supervision.

What Veterinary Experts Really Say About Antlers

Veterinary dental experts raise a fair concern: antlers, like other hard chews, can potentially cause dental fractures in aggressive or unsupervised chewers. But that doesn’t make them unsafe by default.

According to the American Veterinary Dental College:

“Chews that are too hard can cause dental fractures. If you wouldn’t want it hitting your own knee, it might be too hard for your dog’s teeth.”

In a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, bones, hooves, and antlers were among the top chews associated with fractures. Still, the study also noted that antlers varied significantly in hardness and wear depending on their quality.

Meanwhile, a 2018 survey published in Veterinary Record showed that most general practice vets were more concerned about rawhide and cooked bones than properly selected antlers.

Holistic veterinarians often support the use of natural chews, such as antlers, especially when they are sized appropriately and monitored closely.

“In moderation and with supervision, antlers can be a great source of minerals and chewing satisfaction,” says Dr. Ruth Roberts, integrative veterinarian.

And it’s worth noting: dogs crack teeth on all kinds of chews — ice cubes, nylon bones, hard rubber toys. So the goal isn’t to avoid risk entirely, but to choose the right chew for your dog and manage it responsibly.

Our Experience After Thousands of Antler Chews Sold

We’ve sold thousands of antler chews to dog owners across the Midwest—and here’s what we’ve seen:

• Most dogs do great with them
• Repeat buyers are some of our biggest fans
• When issues happen, they almost always trace back to improper sizing or unsupervised power chewers

That’s why we always recommend following our guidelines below:

• Always choose a size larger than you think you need
• If a first timer with antlers, start with a split antler for gentler access to the marrow
• Watch closely for the first 15–20 minutes
• Replace when the antler becomes small enough to swallow or shows sharp edges

Your dog’s safety always comes first. That’s why we back our products with real-person support and honest recommendations. If you’re unsure, reach out. We’re more than happy to help you find the right fit because we care about your dog’s safety as much as you do. We also carry a variety of other all-natural chew alternatives, such as:

• Long-lasting yak cheese chews
• Bully sticks for dogs who love to work at a tough 'meaty' chew
• Cow and pig ears for a lighter chewing experience

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Shop Our Most Popular Antlers

We carry a hand-picked lineup of elk and deer antlers that are dense, durable, and made to last. Whether you’re looking for a beginner split or a tough whole chew for a moderate gnawer, we’ve got you covered.

Browse Our Antlers Here

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