Frequently Asked Questions
Do you shoot all these elk yourself?
Not a single elk is harmed in the making of our product. Every spring, elk, deer, and moose “shed” or drop their antlers, and then begin growing a new set before the following mating season. Meaning, antlers are a totally humane and renewable resource
What Makes Mad Dawg Rack Snacks different from competitors?
All of our antlers are naturally shed from wild Rocky Mountain Elk (no farm raised antlers here), Grade A quality, and sourced right here in the United States. Grade A antlers, or “Hard Browns” are shed within the most recent “shed season” and are collected shortly after being dropped. Each antler is thoroughly inspected before it is turned into a chew, and are always made right here in the USA.
Where do you source your antlers from?
All of our antlers are found in Northern New Mexico, right at the base of the Rocky Mountains
Do you do anything to the antlers? Flavoring or preservatives?
No, all of our chews are as close to the original antler as can be. All we do is find them, cut them to size, sand off any sharp edges, and package them up!
Why choose antler? Is it better than rawhide/synthetic?
Antlers come with a range of benefits: Tough, long lasting, and full of vitamins and minerals. Not only will it keep your dog occupied for long periods of time, they can supplement their diet and clean tartar off their teeth; all without the negative side effects commonly associated with other chew options.
What are the nutritional benefits my dog will get from an antler?
Antlers are packed to the gills with protein, collagen, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, benefitting a dogs overall gut, organ, and structural health. Learn more here
Why Elk antler instead of Deer or Moose?
We’ve found Elk antler to be the best of the best when it comes to antlers; largest, toughest, and with the highest marrow content.
Should I get a Split or a Whole antler?
For first time Antler chewers we always recommend a split. That direct access the marrow is irresistible for your dog. Once your dog has had a split, trade It out for a whole and you’ll get a lot more life out of it.
How long do these chews typically last?
It entirely depends on your dog; temperament, breed, and size are all factors, making a hard timeline impossible to give. A chew can last for weeks, or it can last for months. Remember, your dog can always size up with a chew; the larger the chew, the more life it’ll have.
When should I replace my dog’s antler?
After some time, the antler will get worn down. Once it becomes a size that could become a choking hazard after more use, you should discard it, then replace it. This is why we always recommend monitoring your dog while they chew an antler.
Do the antlers ever splinter?
We at Mad Dawg Rack Snacks have never had this issue. Through our many years of giving antlers to our personal pets, and to our previous customers we have never had a report of splintering antlers. No one can say for certain that it cannot happen; Murphy’s law and all, but we take great strides to prevent it from ever happening. All of our antlers are Grade A or “Hard Browns” meaning they have been shed from the elk within the last year. These antlers have not sat in the sun, preserving their tough outer shell. Each Grade A antler we use is carefully inspected for cracks and the thickness of the outer shell of the antler. Again, always monitor your pet while they are chewing on an antler.