Not sure which antler chew is best for your dog...this post will help explain the differences.

The question we field most frequently from our customers is what's the difference between Whole Elk Antlers, Split Elk Antlers and Deer Antlers...and what's the best chew for my dog? Quite often the only antler chew they have been exposed to is what they have seen in their local big box pet store, which is usually farmed whitetail deer antler. All the antler chews we sell come from wild Colorado elk and mule deer antlers that were shed this past season, assuring that the marrow is fresh. Fresh antlers = happy dogs...they can really tell the difference.

Below is a breakdown of the three types of antlers we carry and a general guide to choosing the right antler chew for your pup. In addition to choosing the right antler type please make sure you also size the antler correctly to your pets weight and chewing habits.

SPLIT ELK ANTLERS - RidgeRunner's split elk antler chews are a great choice for dogs that are new to elk antlers, more tentative or occasional chewers, puppies or older dogs. Since these elk antlers are split down the middle, they will be easier for pups to get to the delicious nutrient-rich marrow that lies inside. Though split elk antler chews will not last as long as whole elk antlers with more aggressive chewing dogs, they will still make a great treat for your four-legged friend. We also offer our very popular small and medium sized quarter split elk antlers. These are great for smaller dogs and puppies that need as much of the marrow exposed as possible.

WHOLE ELK ANTLERS - RidgeRunner's whole elk antlers are a perfect chew for dogs that are more aggressive chewers and need more of a challenge. Since the marrow is not exposed, your pup will have to work harder to grind the antler chew down. Elk antlers have a softer outer core compared to deer antlers which makes them easier to grind down. Whole elk antlers are a good choice for dogs that like to chew but are not heavy duty all day chewers. Upon request we can provide elk antler chews from the base of the antler (denser and longer lasting) or from the upper part of the antler (softer and easier to chew). We aim to please so just let us know what your pups chewing temperament is.

WHOLE DEER ANTLERS - RidgeRunner's deer antlers are a perfect chew for really heavy duty chewers that are pros at destroying anything they get their hands on. Deer antlers have a denser outer core that makes these chews much more of a challenge. RidgeRunner deer antlers come from naturally shed wild Colorado mule deer. We prefer mule deer antler over the more commonly found whitetail deer antlers since they are not as hard on your pups teeth. Additionally, the vast majority of whitetail deer antler comes from farm raised deer rather than wild free ranging animals. Again here we can provide you with a piece from the base of the antler which will be very hard and dense or a piece from the upper antler that is a little bit softer.