Monday, April 1, 2013

Why Elk Antler Dog Chews Are The Best Organic Dog Treat

By David Belling


What is the best treat you can give your dog? The information you get is so conflicting and full of marketing hype, that it becomes extremely difficult to separate fact from fiction. We've reviewed dozens of the major canine treats and chews, from Kong toys and Zukes to rawhide and bully sticks, and we have found one clear winner.

Over 120 dogs were tested and studied with the dog chews and treats. The sample included pregnant and nursing mothers, pups and seniors with the average age of the sample being 3 years and 4 months. Over 24 different breeds were represented, including half mix and full mongrel dogs ranging from 3 pounds to over 120 pounds were included to get the widest range possible so no class was left out. One specific part of the sample was included because they had medical or other conditions which affected how they would interact with dog chews and treats. These included several dogs with gluten and grain intolerance, diabetes or general issues with dental health or digestion.

The results of this study are going to come as quiet a surprise!

Elk Antlers for Dogs

Elk antler dog chews took the top spot in the survey results, narrowly beating out two other increasingly popular antler treats sourced from moose and deer. Big names such as Zukes and bully sticks did not rank favorably for a variety of reasons, not least artificial ingredients and health and safety concerns. Elk antlers on the other hand are naturally shed each year after the elk mating season, and after summer arrives a new set is grown. The shed antlers are collected, graded, cleaned and cut and sanded into the #1 dog chew - the ultimate natural pet treat.

The Benefits of Elk Antlers

Elk antler dog chews are very long lasting because of their toughness, but they are not like a traditional dog bone which is prone to splinter and cause harm to the dog. Elk antlers are also mostly calcium, which is very good for your dog's bone health, but they are also a significant source of essential minerals such as iron, potassium and the joint supplement, glucosamine (which helps build and repair cartilage).

Finally, elk antler dog chews were found to be splinter proof, and because the cut edges were sanded they posed no physical risk to the dog's mouth when in use. The chew toy also left barely any residue, and most of all did not create any smell (which is a major issue with bully sticks). Because the elk bone is biologically inert, there is no means for germs and bacteria to gain a foothold, which means they do not transmit infectious diseases such as salmonella. There is nothing more environmentally friendly or organically natural in the over 40 dog chew and treat products reviewed than an elk antler chew.




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