Antler School

Moose and caribou shed their antlers annually. 


Moose Antler Anatomy

Moose Antler Anatomy

The tines and beams are the hardest, longest lasting cut from a moose antler. These are great for any type dog esspecially for aggresive chewers. 

The brow palm and usually about 1/3 of the way up the main palm are still very solid. They are just as hard as the tines and beams, just a bit thinner. These are good for most any type dog.

The upper 2/3 of the main palm is typically a bit softer. These cuts are reserved for smaller, older and softer chewing dogs. 

Caribou Antler Anatomy

Caribou Antler Anatomy

The Brow Palm or "Shovel" and Bez are some of the most unique parts of any antler in the world. For that reason these cuts are very popular among carvers and artists. Very few are made into dog chews. 

The main beam from the base of "shovel" to where the top palm starts make up the bulk of our caribou chews. They are packed with vitiam rich marrow with a long lasting outer enamel. 

The wide part of the top palm is a softer, marrow rich cut. Usually with a thinner enamel. Medium - XLarge dogs usually chew this a bit quicker.

The top palm and rear points "tines" are a harder long lasting chew usually reseved for petite to medium sized dogs and pet rodents. This is due to the size of the cut. 

Antler Grading

 

  • Grade A+: Fresh and recently-dropped brown antlers. These antlers have the highest moisture content and therefore the most aroma and palatability to your dogs. Historically, this was a category of antlers reserved for high-end craft and artisan use such as chandeliers, home furnishings, etc. A very small percentage of gathered antlers would meet the A+ criteria             WE USUALLY HAVE A GOOD SUPPLY OF THESE IN STOCK!

 

  • Grade A, also known as Hard Brown: Brown antlers that were shed within the current year. Except for the hard-to-find A+ antlers above, these are known to be the best of the best. It is estimated that Grade A antlers represent the top 10-15% of sheds gathered each year. We however are Alaska's Antler Source and have a large stockpile of Grade A antler to keep your dog chewing all year long.

 

  • Grade B, also known as Hard White: These antlers are typically one or two years old, and most likely will be significantly dried out and bleached white from weather exposure; and may have some degree of rodent chewing. If the antler shed has not been disturbed or turned over, these can be brown on the down side and sun-bleached white on the exposed side. Due to the age, grade B antlers have some moisture loss and but may be a bit harder (Grade B Moose palms are typically a bit softer than Grade A).

 

  • Grade C, also known as Cracked White: These antlers have been exposed to the elements for several seasons and have lost enough moisture to allow cracking in the outer enamel. With so much moisture loss, the antlers are lighter in weight and density. As an antler ages, splintering when chewed becomes more likely. Unfortunately, grade C antler chews can be found on the shelves of some big-box pet retailers – We NEVER sell Grade C as dog chews.

 

  • Grade D: "Chalked" antlers have been baked in the sun and dry wind for many years. These antlers will easily scratch off into a white powder. They have a chalky, gritty feel (hence the name) and will be very likely to crumble or splinter if chewed. It is highly advisable to not let your dog have a piece of antler that seems old and weathered enough to be grade D. It WILL crack and break into pieces and become a choking hazard.