Bang for the Buck

Satisfying the chewing desire of different dogs is often a lesson in futility.  What Layla the Chihuahua considers a lengthy, enjoyable chew is a one-chomp-and-swallow affair for Bunny, the 90-pound hound mix.  Biscuits and other quickly-eaten treats are great for instant gratification, but they fail to provide the kind of enthusiastic gnawing that sends dogs to another dimension.

Our canine children have been very willing participants in the quest to locate this ever-elusive dog chew, happily consuming the vast majority in less than ten minutes and with minimal chew value.  That is, however, until we stumbled upon (not literally) elk antlers and the dogs' entire world changed.

In fact, it's to the point where we humans are feeling a bit slighted by the constant attention lavished on this tasty newcomer.  I've even had to resort to the bait-and-switch tactic with Jake the Jack Russell Terrier in order to coerce the antler out of his little mouth in exchange for his dinner bowl.

And talk about a cost-effective option: We're just now ready to replace the first batch purchased nearly a year ago. Elk antlers, by comparison, are much sturdier and longer lasting than the smaller, more brittle deer rack. Our bigger kids do best with the thicker center cuts that are 6-10" long and about 2" in diameter, while little squirts enjoy the shorter, thinner part near the point.

After researching how elk antlers are obtained, we're resolved to purchasing these wonderful stain- and odor-free alternatives only from sellers whose inventory is humanely gathered from the elk's natural tendency to shed his rack. If you can find a seller who doesn't strip the natural velvet, your dog will reap additional health benefits. Amazon and eBay are good places to start, but also consider buying from a nearby dog specialty shop/bakery to help support your local economy or an online seller who contributes proceeds to animal rescue organizations.