JimHodgesDogTraining Brand - Grade A Premium Quality Elk Antler Dog Chew - Whole and Split Antler Bone Treat - Made in USA - Natural Shed - No Preservatives (Split, Medium 2-Pack)

My late Bichon never liked chewing on anything other than her food so I was very surprised when my adopted Maltese dogs found some barely licked Nylabones bones in the toy box and enjoyed marathon chewing sessions.I was looking for something else for them to chew but worrying about allergies when I read about elk antlers. There seems to be so many choices and I was undecided about size and whether I should get them split or whole.I sent an email to Jim Hodges and gave him the weight, 8.5 pounds and 12 pounds,and breed information on my girls. He recommended these medium split elk antlers. He said that he would be more concerned about a choking hazard than broken teeth (my concern) and thought that this size would minimize the possibility.When the antlers arrived, I was shocked to find that they were each 9” long and quite heavy. I thought there was no way my girls would take to these. I was wrong, especially about the little one who picked up her antler and carried it away. After about 30 minutes of chewing, I went to take it and check on it and got my first ever growl from her. Of course, I had to take and give it back to her several times so that she would learn that one does not growl at mommy. :) My 12 pound Maltese was uncertain at first but after watching her furry sibling enjoying it, decided that she liked it too.Since I had no experience with elk antlers, I would take them away after they had been chewing on them for an hour. I wanted to make sure that there were no digestive or allergic reactions. They have been chewing on the antlers for 10 days now with no adverse effects. One of the antlers is already half eaten. I noticed that with chewing the ends became soft so I have not been concerned about sharp splinters being ingested.I am happy to be able to provide them with a chew that they enjoy so much and that helps keep their teeth and gums healthy without causing any allergy or digestive problems. They are not messy chews. Any marrow crumbs that fall off while they are chewing are promptly picked up by the dogs.

This item is difficult to review. I hope you, the reader, understands that I did not purchase this product for myself. I bought this product for my puppy - He is a 16 week old Yellow Labrador Retriever. I wish he could speak and rate this item himself but I am left to interpret.What you've heard is true; A lab puppy will try to eat and chew just about anything. Our vet recommended getting him the "biggest bone possible". We want to keep our puppy satiated, happy, and (above all else) healthy. Before having a dog, I had no idea rawhide bones were so disgusting; held together by various adhesives? I don't know anyone who would eat glue so why would they give it to their pet?After some research I found Antlers. Long lasting, healthy alternatives to those sticky, awful rawhide bones. The reviews I read of this specific item were great - While the cost was on the expensive side, I was willing to pay the price for a chew toy that could keep my pup happy for weeks.Why did I only give this item three stars? I love the idea; It's healthy (no glue), it's natural (picked from another animal), and many other people say it takes their dogs forever to eat. Unfortunately, my pup does not seem to agree. Like most dogs, he was curious at first - I gave it to him in the kitchen and he picked it up and carried it in to the living room. He gnawed on it for roughly 5 minutes and then walked away. I have tried over the past three days to get him interested but he does not want anything to do with either of the two pieces that came in the package.I have read that some dogs reject antlers because it's simply "not the right one". Perhaps that is the case; Perhaps my pup would find another one more suitable. With that said, I cannot afford to buy him multiple packs with the hopes that he will enjoy one of them.This product is worth a try. Like all things - your dog may love it or your dog may hate it. If he loves it, it's worth the money. If he hates it, at least you tried and you did your job as a pet owner to find something healthy for your pet to enjoy.

These are exactly as advertised, and my puppy (1 1/2 year old poodle/Havenese mix) loves chewing on them. He goes crazy trying to chew out the marrow which is exposed because they are spliit. I wanted him to have something that would be long-lasting, not likely to break off choking-sized pieces, and healthy.The good news is that he still had a few puppy teeth that should have come out on their own sooner that came out as of a result of chewing on his first antler. Also good is that they keep him busy for a long time and satisfy his desire to chew, and did not leave any discoloration on my rug (like some bones/chews can).The bad news is that, while chewing on his second antler, I heard a loud crack, and I discovered upon checking that he had broken off a piece of one of his rear molars that is supposed to be a permanent tooth. So I had to take the antler away and don't plan to give him any more.These are probably okay for big dogs with big strong teeth but my puppy only weighs 15 pounds and his teeth are obviously giving in before the antlers.