What are elk antlers?

Elk antlers are the most sustainable type of dog chew that is produced in the pet supply industry. Antlers are singular bone structures that shed every year during springtime in the northern hemisphere by bull elks. They grow out at maximum length in late summer to early autumn where elks mate and compete for cow elks, then fall off naturally after the mating season.

Elk antlers make great dog chews and treats for their mineral-rich marrow centres. You will often find your dogs licking the bone marrow because they are simply delicious and nutrient-rich. Antlers also help to scrape away plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth to nurture and benefit their oral health in the long run.

Where are elk antlers from?

All our elk antlers are handcrafted in the USA by our personal antler curator Steven. He loves the great outdoors; hiking the mountains with his two Large Munsterlanders. Steven only picks natural Grade A antlers as he understands the benefits of these amazing pet chews after being in the antler business for years.

All of the antlers are shed amongst large herds of elk in north america’s national parks, where there is ample greenery and a vibrant ecosystem to keep these sustainable dog chews available all year round.

BELLY UP Elk Antler Chews For Dogs Singapore

Split elk antlers as dog chews in Singapore

Split elk antlers are perfect as dog chews due to their nutrient-rich bone marrow centres and malleable texture. They are also not as hard as whole antler chews because they are split down the middle and exposed. This tasty treat is perfect for dogs of all life stages, puppy to senior, as they provide mental and physical stimulation to relieve your pup’s urge to chew every day.

Split antlers are also safer and more eco-friendly than rawhide or rubber chews as they are produced in an all-natural environment that does not harm animals in any way. The handcrafted process ensures that we leave no carbon footprint in the way our antlers are produced. All our split elk antlers are crafted and smoothened by hand to provide the best treat experience for you and your dogs.

Unlike yak milk chews, bones, and bully sticks, split elk antlers are also safer for chewing as there is absolutely no risk of whole pieces coming off and being swallowed by your pup. However, we always recommend that you supervise your dogs when giving them our treats and chews for the best treat experience.

Elk antlers vs deer antlers vs horn chews

In terms of hardness, the elk antlers that we get have a moh’s hardness of 4 to 5 compared to deer antlers which usually measure between 5 to 6. We are confident that our split elk antlers have the perfect toughness for chewing without causing any tooth fractures. However, if you are still concerned for your dog, we will highly recommend moose paddles as an alternative as they are softer and equally nutritious.

Horn chews such as buffalo horn have been traditionally popular amongst pet parents as dog chews. Although they may be a good treat for your pet, there are many dangers of splintering or a chipped piece being swallowed by your dogs when chewing. Horns are also permanent, which means that horned-animals only produce one set of horns their whole lifetime. The current methods of hunting horn are not eco-friendly nor sustainable, and therefore, we do not support horn being used in any treats or chews.

Grading elk antlers

Antlers are graded from Grade A to D for human-grade food and medicinal qualities. The best antlers in Grade A are in the top 10% to 15% of all antlers, with a distinct colour, moisture, and density. This simply means that the best antlers have a vibrant colour (often brown), high moisture levels for freshness, and also high density from the nutrient-rich contents.

Although antler grading was for human consumption, antler chew producers quickly adopted this grading system to determine if the antlers were nutritious also for dogs.

Snapping an insta-worthy moment with elk antler chews and your pup in Singapore.

Antlers have been regarded as a photogenic ornament worldwide for their aesthetic frames. We love taking photos of our pups with antlers as it captures them back in their nature to chew on bones.

Here are some of our photos to share and inspire you to get some antlers for your own pup! Remember to share and tag us on Instagram @bellyup.sg in your puppy’s antler-chewing photos too!