Exploring the Mystery of Deer Antler Powder for Dogs and Humans
- Helen Dale
- Dec 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Deer antler powder has sparked interest in recent years. I have only personaly used it on my dog in a dental suplement from Dr Judy Mogan. Which l might add has been very good . I have been very interested to try adding this supplement to our routine. There is a lot of attention of pet owners and health enthusiasts around the globe. After finding this supplement in a local pet store the other day l decided now is the time. This natural supplement, derived from the shed antlers of deer, is packed with vital nutrients including amino acids, minerals, and growth factors. Let’s explore the remarkable benefits of deer antler powder for both dogs and humans, revealing its potential uses, nutritional values, and holistic advantages. It has been used in the prectice of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. There has been many studies done affirming the healing properties. It is now a popular go too in the tool box of health aids for dogs, pets and humans.
Understanding Deer Antler Powder
Deer antler powder comes from the velvety outer layer of a deer’s antlers, known for its health-promoting properties. It is full of rich nutrients. Natural chemicals, protiens and minerals are the builing blocks of bone, joints and tissue.
To create the powder, dried antlers are ground into a fine dust that blends effortlessly into diets.
Nutritional Profile of Deer Antler Powder
The nutritional value of deer antler powder is impressive, with components that may benefit both dogs and humans.
Amino Acids: Essential for muscle growth and recovery, amino acids in the powder can bolster physical performance. For example, they are crucial for athletes aiming to build muscle mass effectively.
Minerals: Rich sources of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, deer antler powder helps maintain strong bones. For reference, a single serving can contain up to 30% of the daily recommended intake for these minerals.
Growth Factors: Compounds like Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) may enhance cellular growth and repair. This can support muscle health for both canines and humans after exercise.
Vitamins: Though present in smaller amounts, vitamins A, C, E, and several B-vitamins contribute to overall wellness. Zinc, for instance, is important for immune support and skin health.
Polypeptides from the antler promote bone marrow stem cells. Which promotes bone growth and regeneration. they also increase the sturface area of joint cartilage.
Monoacetyldiglycerides These small compounds promote the production of blood cells via bone marrow cells.
Hyaluronic acid . This importantly blinds cartilage cells together and lubricates joints.
Collagen. The protein that is present in bone, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues.
Chondroitin Sulfate. An anti-inflammatory. Helps in protecting and rebuilding degenerating cartilage giving it elasticity
Glucosamine Sulfate. An anti-inflammatory agent that helps build, repair and maintain joint stuctures, bone, cartilage, ligament, joint fluids and tendons.
Methanol extracts (MEs) these help lower oxidative stress
Benefits for Dogs
Enhanced Joint Health
One of the key advantages of deer antler powder for dogs is its ability to promote joint health. The nutrients within can aid cartilage development, helping to keep joints healthy. A study showed that dogs supplemented with glucosamine and minerals experienced up to a 32% improvement in joint pain over eight weeks.
like other aids to keeping your dogs joint pain free, dont wait till they need it, build up an amour of defence to keep them stronger for longer.
Boosted Energy Levels
Dog owners often notice heightened energy levels in their pets after adding deer antler powder to their diets. This boost could be linked to better muscle recovery, especially in active or athletic breeds. In fact, 60% of dog owners reported more playful behavior in their dogs after supplementation.
Improved Coat Condition
The rich mineral content can enhance the condition of a dog’s coat, making it shinier and healthier. Many owners have shared that after just a few weeks of use, the coat’s texture is noticeably improved, largely due to nutrients like zinc and omega fatty acids.
Benefits for Humans
Nutritional Supplement
For people, deer antler powder acts as a potent nutritional supplement. Athletes may find that the unique amino acid profile aids muscle building by enhancing recovery times, similar to consuming whey protein.
Immune System Support
The vitamins and minerals present in deer antler powder can strengthen the immune system. Research indicates that consistent intake of zinc-rich supplements can improve the body’s immune function by up to 40%.
Potential Anti-Aging Properties
The growth factors found in deer antler powder might offer anti-aging benefits. Studies suggest that IGF-1 can help stimulate cellular repair, potentially maintaining youthful skin and energy levels.
How to Incorporate Deer Antler Powder
Incorporating deer antler powder into the diets of dogs and humans is simple. Consider these effective methods:
For Dogs
Sprinkle on Food: Add a small amount of deer antler powder to your dog’s meals, starting with a lower dose to check for tolerance.
Mix with Treats: Blend the powder into homemade treats for an enjoyable way to supplement their diet.
For Humans
Smoothies and Shakes: Stir a teaspoon of deer antler powder into smoothies or shakes for an extra health boost.
Capsules: For those who prefer not to taste the powder, it can also be found in capsule form for easy supplementation.
Safety and Considerations
While deer antler powder has many advantages, it's important to keep safety in mind:
Consult Your Vet or Doctor: Always talk to a veterinarian for pets or a healthcare provider for humans before adding any new supplement to your diet.
Quality Matters: Purchase high-quality deer antler powder from trusted suppliers to avoid contaminants. Look for products that provide third-party testing information. New Zealand is the largest producer of deer antler powder. I would suggest always buying New Zealand deer antler powder as it is free from Chronic Wasting Disease, which can effect deer and elk in other countries. It is also ethically farmed with a trained and licensed veterinarian oversees the deer antler processing. Deer velvet is acctually the stage the antlers are grown too before they harden. Mainly being cartliage and hair. These are haverested in a very humane method with a small local anesthetic ( some countries banned deer antler velvet because an anesthetic wasnt used in the past).which takes 30 seconds and the deer is back to normal straight after.
Monitor Dosage: Begin with a small dosage and observe for any adverse reactions prior to increasing the amount.

Exploring the Potential of Deer Antler Powder
Deer antler powder benefits..
Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint issues
Improves hip and knee dysplasia
Anti inflammatory and pain relief
Boosting energy and athletic performance
Improving recovery time
Blood cell production
Immune enhancement
Deer antler powder emerges as a natural supplement with impressive benefits for both dogs and humans. Its rich nutritional profile, abundant in amino acids, minerals, and growth factors, offers numerous opportunities to enhance health and vitality.
Pet owners can appreciate potential improvements in joint health and energy levels for their beloved dogs. Meanwhile, individuals may find that adding deer antler powder to their daily routine boosts their athletic performance and contributes to overall wellness.
Whether for enhancing your dog's well-being or supporting your own health journey, deer antler powder might just be the natural solution you've been looking for.
After this blog l realise l too need to try this for a joint issue I have after an injury, I will update you on how it goes.
The only thing to watch for is glucosamine in some people/ pets can raise histamine levels giving itching or red eyes or making allergy issues worse. Start of small and give for up to 12 weeks then have a break. This is also true of bone broths. Some studies suggest this but futher research is needed to understand the relationship between glucosamine and histamine. Which is complex . They do sugest short term glucosamine wont increase histamine levels but in certain people over time it could. Deer Antler Velvet can lower blood pressure and sugar levels which is good unless you are on blood pressure meds or sugar meds. It also has many amino acids,minerals polypeptides and polysaccharideshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667142523001021
Deer antler velvet contain hydrochloric acid, This may not be a promblem to most breeds it is in every dog and human and something that helps us . In the Shar pei, some with the shar pei fever gene ( very much like the mediterranean fever in people) produce too much when ill, stress and can cause problems so giving extra isnt always a good idea.
This blog has been composed from data, data from Dr Judy Morgan and some AI which was fact checked
Comments