Deer antlers: successfully used for decades, they strengthen many functions of the body. Due to their high nutritional value and the presence of biologically active substances, the antlers exhibit unique regenerative properties, specifically the cell restoration. The greatest potential of deer antler lies in their ability to regenerate cartilage and pellicle tissue of the skin due to the presence of antler polypeptides with antioxidant properties. The composition of deer antlers also includes all essential amino acids which the body cannot produce by itself and therefore have to be obtained from one’s diet.

The content of organic matter in the antlers ranges from 36% to 52%. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese are the most common minerals and their total content is fairly constant. Compared to other mammalian antlers, the deer antlers have a more balanced content of minerals, which increases their elasticity and resistance to fracture. Hence, dogs are not exposed to the risk of long and sharp splinters while chewing them.

Based on the analysis of the available scientific literature, it can be concluded that both the high nutritional value and biological value are a result of the high content of many nutrients (minerals, protein, fatty acids) as well as biologically active substances (sulphated glycosaminoglycans, uronic acid, sialic acid) in the raw material (ground antlers).

Chondro Prosthetics - the presence of sulphated glycosaminoglycans, uronic acid and sialic acid in the powdered antler makes it a raw material with not only effective chondroprotective properties, but also properties of immune protection of nerve cells, protection against the negative effects of oxidative stress and against the broadly understood effects of accelerated aging of the body.

Based on all natural raw materials containing higher than standard amounts of amino acids, including cysteine, we decrease the chance of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, because we provide essential amino acids for endogenous taurine synthesis. Powdered deer antlers are raw materials with high sulfur amino acid content.

An interesting application of powdered deer antlers due to the high content of sulfuric amino acids may be healing of dermatological diseases of dogs and cats. Among all the amino acids, due to their beneficial effect on the health and elasticity of skin, the sulfur amino acids, i.e. methionine and cysteine, are worth mentioning. Cysteine is an endogenous amino acid that makes up about 17% of hair proteins and methionine makes up 0.5% of hair proteins. These sulfuric amino acids are the main component of keratin, which is found in skin, hair and claws.

A common challenge faced by owners who prepare home food for their dogs is finding dietary supplements that are an adequate and sufficient source of minerals. Using meat and other animal products as the basic raw materials used in this type of food, usually only about 10% of the dietary mineral demand is supplied. Therefore, powdered antlers are a convenient addition to supplement your dog’s home diet, as they boost their intake of the most important minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Calcium - An important factor in stimulating calcium absorption is the internal gastrointestinal environment and the reactions that take place within it - the more alkaline (high pH) it is, the poorer the absorption. A diet based on meat and other animal products (including and enhanced with powdered antlers) provides an ideal environment (low pH), where the absorption of calcium ions is facilitated. 

Magnesium - the main sources of magnesium are plants, where it is present in the form of chlorophylls - among plants, corn and soybeans are a valuable source (0.3-0.6%). Meat is not a good source of magnesium, while raw materials such as bone pulp can be. In ground antlers it is 0.6%, which is comparable with natural plant sources.

Phosphorus is an element that, in addition to calcium, is the basic building component of bones. 86% of phosphorus in the body is found in the bones and teeth. Phosphorus is present in the organisms of dogs in the amount of up to 5.9 g / kg of body weight. In the case of phosphorus, finding an easily digestible source can be a challenge. In plant products, phosphorus is found in the form of phytates - esters of inositol and phosphoric acid and their sodium, calcium and magnesium salts. The release of phosphorus from such forms is extremely difficult for a dog's body.

Products such as ground antlers, in addition to being a source of phosphorus themselves, through their influence on the functioning of the digestive tract also do not affect the absorption of other minerals from the digestive content.

Deer Antler Powder & Tablets Benefits in Dog's Supplementary Diet Summary: 

• Deer antlers contain 10 out of 10 exogenous amino acids that the body cannot produce itself and must be supplied to the body with food. The amino acids ensure the production of hormones, the proper functioning of the nervous system, muscles and metabolism. They are responsible for biochemical processes. 

• Very high content of digestible protein - approx. 37%. 

• High nutritional value, contains biologically active substances with exceptional regenerative properties, including the function of cell restoration, and are not allergenic and non-immunogenic. 

• The greatest benefit of deer antler tissues is their ability to regenerate the cartilage and epithelial tissue of the skin due to the presence of polypeptides with antioxidant properties.

• Deer antler powder has high nutritional value, which supports the proper functioning of physiological processes, improves stamina, stimulates the immune system and regenerates damaged tissues.

• Ground antlers, in addition to being a source of phosphorus themselves, through their influence on the functioning of the digestive tract do not change the absorption of other minerals from the digestive content. 

• Collagen in antlers ensures elasticity of tendons, stimulates the synthesis and regeneration of cartilage, and the proper secretion of synovial fluid.

• All-Natural! The only ingredient in this supplement is ground-up red deer antlers, so owners can rest assured that their pets are eating an all-natural, healthy product.

• Healthy! Antlers are extremely nutritional and just a small supplement of powder per day can boost various aspects of a dog’s health. Antler powder can help with skin, joint, and digestive health as well as providing a shinier coat. 

• Easily Digestible! This antler powder supplement provides all the health benefits of a whole antler while being far more easily digestible. Perfect for dogs who don’t have the patience to chew down a whole antler! 

Some dogs are bored by antlers and others may not have the patience or energy required to chew on one. The antler powder or tablet supplement is perfect for these kinds of dogs because it’s an easily digestible, odorless powder that can be mixed into their food, providing them with the various health benefits of antlers without any of the hard work! 

TNC PETS offers a variety of products that are made from at least 4% powdered red deer antlers - tablets, oils, powder, etc. under the brand 4DOGS Original® or as ‘private label’.