1) What is the advantage of a deer antler chew over some synthetic chew?
Antlers have so many benefits over synthetic or rawhide chews. They are long lasting and don't leave a big mess. Because they are not processed with any chemicals and don't splinter like bone does, they are safe for your dog. Antlers provide many health benefits besides clean teeth and gums. They are a rich source of minerals such as calcium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, glucosamine, chondroitin, and more.
You can feel good knowing that our antlers have no additives, no artificial coloring, no flavor enhancers, no preservatives, no GMOs, no petrochemicals. We just give them a good washing with purified water, and then hand-inspect each one before packaging.
2) Why buy an Alpine Premium Chew?
Great question! Alpine Chews are carefully sourced from a single, reputable supplier in central Europe. We pay a premium price, but that ensures we only get grade A antlers that have been carefully washed, inspected (which also includes using metal detectors), and sent to the lab to test for the presence of bacteria, virus, and prions.
After they pass a very tough import process, they arrive at our shop. We hand-sand each one to remove any sharp edges or points, then rinse them again in purified water before packaging. Alpine Premium Chews is a small, family-run company full of dog lovers, and we want to provide only the best for you and your dog.
That's why we offer a risk-free money-back guarantee. If you aren't satisfied with your antler, just contact us and let us know. We will either refund your money or send you a new antler, which ever one you prefer.
3) Were any deer hurt?
Not at all! Every year, male deer and elk shed their antlers to make room for new growth. People walking in the forest find the antlers on the ground and collect them, then sell them to us. We only buy fresh, grade A antlers which show no signs of weather damage. This is a perfect eco-friendly way to reuse a sustainable resource from nature.
Our antlers come from the "cervus elaphus" species, which is a large deer, similar to an elk, and is found in the mountains of central and eastern Europe.
4) Are there any precautions to be aware of?
Yes. You should always supervise your dog when they are chewing. If the antler develops a sharp point, or becomes small enough to swallow, please take it away and start your dog on a new one.
Also, antlers are hard and are meant to be gnawed on. If your dog is too aggressive and is biting down hard with their back teeth, there is a risk that your dog could break a tooth. If you see your dog doing that, it would be best to take the antler away.
5) How long does an antler typically last?
It depends on your dog, and on the antler. We have seen antlers last anywhere from a week, up to a year. If your dog is a big, aggressive dog who likes to spend all his time chewing, then the antler may not last too long. On average, an antler should last several months. If it wears down quickly, you may need to select a bigger size next time.
6) What's the deal with split antlers?
They are great for soft chewers, or for dogs that lose interest in the whole antler. With all the exposed marrow, split antlers are a very tasty, easy-to-chew antler which dogs really love, but they will not last as long as a whole antler. Try a split and a whole, see which one your dog prefers.
7) I feel like the antler I got was a little small... did you guys send me the wrong size?
We group antler chews into 6 sizes, by weight. Sometimes an antler will look small, but be heavy because it has more of the outer bony material, and it will last longer. And sometimes the antler might be on the lighter end of the weight range. If you are disappointed with what you received, just let us know and we will make it right.
8) What if my dog doesn't want to chew this antler?
In the off-chance that your dog doesn't have a strong interest in the antler, you can try sanding it a little bit, or soaking it in water to get the aroma of the marrow to come out. But if you aren't completely satisfied, we offer a money-back guarantee.
9) Are these things even legal in Thailand?
Yes! The process of importing antlers is very complex and stringent, with many safeguards to ensure the quality and safety of the antlers, including source inspection, health checks, and approval of the entire process. We have met all the requirements to import and sell deer antler chews in Thailand.