So glad I found this post and your comment! My two pups LOVE split elk sheds (and go through them faster than I thought they would haha) and I plan on purchasing a large amount today from your site. So excited about the larger size options since the dogs will probably average 100lbs when grown and they’re already getting quite big!

Okay, you sold me. Great info. Just ordered from you.

I buy from reputable boutique pet stores or online suppliers. I buy X-Large whole antlers and make sure the “boney” part is very thick so my dogs can’t break them easily. I then saw them into quarters with a band saw. That means 4 for 1 in pricing, which makes them much more affordable. The sawing exposes the marrow which is the part they like and they just love them. They are like any chew, you must supervise them when they are new and keep checking them as they get older. We have had no side effects from them and it is a delight to see the tiny Chihuahua carrying around one of the very large antlers. She adores them especially after the big dogs get them started. I have two very heavy chewers and they seem very satisfied with the antlers. My boxer mix follows me to the basement to supervise the band saw stuff and tries to get me to give him first choice before I take them upstairs.

I have been purchasing Mountain Dog Chews for about 1 year. Our personal dogs love them as well as our foster dogs. They last sooo long, and if you get the split ones they have a real treat sooner. If no one has tried these for their dogs , your dogs are missing a BIG treat!
Vicky
in Virginia

Thank you for sharing your story. I agree: “There’s nothing out there that’s completely safe.”

Unfortunately, we had to take him to a veterinary dentist for a root canal and an extraction. Two upper premolars were cracked. The dentist told us the antlers most likely caused the crack and that dogs should not chew anything that you can’t put an indent with your thumb nail. (i.e. hard nylabones are not safe either. Dentist recommended rubber type kongs and some rawhide since they soften when wet)

There’s nothing out there that’s completely safe. In hindsight, I would have not given my dog the antlers. It’s too difficult to tell if they will hurt themselves or not – especially if your dog is an aggressive chewer.

If left unattended, dogs can swallow bone fragments that can puncture or get stuck in their digestive tract.

I’m sure it’s fun for the dog, but it’s a gamble every time.