One thing we keep hearing from our customers is that they love antler chews for their dog that has a sensitive stomach. So you're probably wondering, can this be a good choice for your dog too? Let's dig a little deeper.
First of all, what causes dogs to have sensitive stomachs?
Some dogs, just like people, are sensitive to certain food ingredients. Also, sensitivities to foods can develop when dogs are consistently given the the same foods when they are also given an allergen. For example, a dog that is allergic to chicken can also develop sensitivities to the protein found in beef. Then in the future, a dog can react to both chicken and beef and can experience issues such as gastrointestinal distress and nausea. For other doggos, a sensitive stomach could be a sign of a more serious problem so it's important to get your dog checked out by a vet.
How do you know if your dog has a sensitive stomach?
The signs of a sensitive stomach can include:
- Intermittent loose stools or diarrhea
- Nausea (you can tell your dog feels sick if they’re not eating or if they’re licking their lips and swallowing a lot)
- Excessive wind
- Blood in stools
- Vomiting
- They are less active and possibly reluctant to go for a walk
Are antler chews a good fit for your dog that has a sensitive stomach?
There are various reasons why antlers are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The simplest way to put it is....antler chews are simple. They aren't full of a bunch of ingredients your dog is sensitive to. They don't contain any chemicals, preservatives, or "extras". The marrow in the antler also doesn't contain fat like the marrow of other bones. Fat can cause stomach issues for your dog when eaten in high quantities, which is why antlers can be a better choice.
But what antlers do contain matters too.
The most important reason that antlers make great chews for dogs with sensitive stomachs is that they are a nominal source of protein. They also naturally contain minerals like calcium and iron, which both have a soothing effect on your dog's stomach. All of this together with the fact that antlers are extremely long lasting, your dog is only getting a small amount of the digestible all natural ingredients that antlers are made of during their chewing session.
At Paws & Co, we offer the highest quality and freshest antlers so that the natural ingredients found in antlers - like the protein, calcium, and iron - are still rich and have not broken down or degraded in any way. This makes the perfect chew for your dog, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, we recommend sticking to our basic antler chews (splits and wholes).