Antler chew and method of making the same

Abstract

The invention provides a method for manufacturing antler chews by cutting antlers into specific shapes, such as a lollipop or pizza (triangle) shape. These shapes maximise marrow exposure, making it more accessible to dogs and enhancing their chewing experience. The process may include optional sanding of the edges to remove sharpness, thereby improving the safety and usability of the product. The method is adaptable to antlers of varying sizes, shapes, and lengths, ensuring broad applicability across different types of antlers.

Description

[0001] ANTLER CHEW AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

[0002] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an antler chew (or chew toy made of antler) for a dog, and to an antler chew for a dog.

[0003] More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to methods of preparing pet chews from antlers such as cutting antlers into specific shapes - lollipop and pizza (triangle) - to improve the accessibility of marrow for dogs, thereby enhancing the utility of the antler as a chew toy.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] Antler chews are widely recognised as durable, natural treats for dogs, providing a long-lasting chewing experience. However, traditional antler cuts often limit a dog's access to the highly nutritious marrow contained within. This marrow is rich in minerals and is particularly appealing to dogs. Conventional antler chews may not fully optimise the exposure of marrow, thereby reducing the overall appeal and effectiveness of the chew. Numerous pet owners and manufacturers have sought to improve the accessibility of marrow in antler chews through various methods. However, there remains a need for a precise and efficient method that enhances the appeal and effectiveness of the chew while maintaining the integrity and safety of the antler.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

[0007] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention addresses the above problems by introducing innovative cutting methods that create specific shapes - lollipop and pizza (triangle) - that maximise the exposure of marrow and improve the overall chewing experience for dogs.

[0009] The present invention provides a novel method for manufacturing antler chews by cutting antlers into specific shapes: a lollipop shape and a pizza (triangle) shape. These unique cuts are designed to expose a significant portion of the marrow, making it more accessible to dogs and enhancing their chewing experience.

[0010] The method includes optional sanding of the edges to remove sharpness, thereby improving the safety and usability of the product. The method can be used for various antler sizes, shapes, and lengths to ensure comprehensive protection. The method described applies to antlers of varying diameters, lengths, curvature, and various angles and degrees of cut, making it versatile and adaptable to different types of antlers.

[0011] The method may be considered as a method of cutting antlers into lollipop and pizza (triangle) shapes for enhanced marrow accessibility in pet chews.

[0012] The invention is intended for use in the fields of animal care or pet chew manufacturing.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an antler chew or chew toy for a dog, comprising the steps of:

[0014] (a) obtaining an antler or a part of an antler having an external surface and an interior, the external surface surrounding the interior;

[0015] (b) cutting or removing a first longitudinal side of the antler to expose a first face (or portion) of the interior of the antler;

[0016] (c) cutting or removing a second longitudinal side of the antler to expose a second face (or portion) of the interior of the antler, and either:

[0017] (i) the first face meets the second face at a first edge or edge region, and an angle between the first face and the second face is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees (e.g. if viewed along a longitudinal axis of the antler or antler part); or

[0018] (ii) cutting or removing a third longitudinal side of the antler to expose a third face (or portion), in which the second face meets the third face at a second edge or edge region and the first face meets the third face at a third edge or edge region.

[0019] Advantageously, this exposes the interior of the antler (including the nutritious marrow) so that it can be chewed by a dog. The shape of the resulting antler chew depends on whether the method involves step (i) or step (ii), but this allows for two different shapes of antler chew to be made.

[0020] One of step (i) or step (ii) may be selected depending on the size and shape of the particular antler (or part thereof) to be processed by the method, which may affect which step is best suited for minimising marrow waste in off-cuts, for example. It will be appreciated that step (i) may be preferred for a relatively narrower portion of an antler, where the interior (or marrow) may be a relatively smaller portion of that antler, and that step (ii) may be preferred for a relatively larger portion of an antler, where the interior (or marrow) may be a relatively larger portion of that antler.

[0021] Where step (i) is performed, this can minimise the manufacturing requirements in creating the antler chew.

[0022] Where step (ii) is performed, this exposes a greater surface area of the interior (e.g. around a longitudinal axis of the antler) for the dog to chew, relative to the method including step (i).

[0023] References to “exterior” or “external surface” are intended to refer to the outer layer of an antler. References to interior are intended to refer to a layer of the antler which is not naturally exposed, for example the marrow within the antler I bone.

[0024] Removing any side of the antler may include abrading or another technique suitable for removing a side of the antler.

[0025] The method may include the step of sanding one or more edges of the antler chew for finishing the antler chew or chew toy.

[0026] For example, any independently selected edge or combination of the following edges may be sanded or abraded: the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, one or longitudinal edges between the exposed interior and the exterior, one or more edges at a distal end and / or proximal end of the product. This mitigates the risk of sharp edges causing injury to a dog when it chews the antler chew.

[0027] The first face may be substantially parallel to the second face. The third face may be substantially perpendicular to the first face and the second face. This is particularly applicable for providing a “lollipop” type antler chew shape.

[0028] The second edge may be substantially parallel to the third edge.

[0029] The first face and the second face (and, where provided, the third face) may be substantially planar or have majority planar areas. Advantageously, this can simplify the manufacturing step whilst it can expose a high proportion of the interior for the dog to chew.

[0030] The interior of the antler may include bone marrow.

[0031] The method may include the step of sanding one or more (or substantially all) faces of the antler or the part of an antler. This may also help to remove sharpness on the antler chew which could otherwise injure a dog chewing the antler chew.

[0032] The antler chew may be sanded after it has been cut or had the relevant sides removed.

[0033] Sanding the edges and / or the faces may be the final step of the manufacturing method.

[0034] The angle between the first and second faces may be substantially constant from the first end of the antler chew to the second end of the antler chew. That is, the angle between the faces may be about the same along the length of the product.

[0035] The method may consist of any independently selected combination of the steps according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0036] The method may not include any one or more of: drilling one or more holes (in the antler), adding one or more additives or artificial additives (to a face of the antler), or adding one or more chemical bonding agents (to the antler).

[0037] For example, the antler chew may not have a different foodstuff applied to any of its surfaces or body.

[0038] In another example, the antler chew may not have any vitamins or supplements added.

[0039] The method may include, before step (a), cutting the antler transversely into one or more lengths to provide one or more parts of an antler. This produces one or more sections or parts of the antler suitable for use in the method.

[0040] Ends (or cut ends) of the antler or antler part may be sanded. This is done similarly to the sanding described above.

[0041] The method may include the step of cutting the antler longitudinally to form either a) a lollipop shape or b) into a wedge to form a pizza (triangle) shape. The cut may expose a substantial portion of the marrow, for enhancing accessibility for a dog. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an antler chew for a dog where the antler chew is made by a method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an antler chew or chew toy for a dog, the antler chew or chew toy comprising an antler (or part thereof) having: (part of) an external antler surface and an exposed antler interior; a first face of the exposed interior of the antler; a second face of the exposed interior of the antler; in which the first face meets the second face at a first edge or edge region; and in which an angle between the first face and the second face is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0043] The advantages are similar to those discussed with respect to the first aspect.

[0044] In this case, the first and second faces can meet the external antler surface at respective edges, and the first and second faces can meet each other at a common edge, e.g. opposite the external antler surface.

[0045] The antler chew may have a substantially trigonal prismatic shape, although one side (e.g. the external antler surface) may be curved or non-planar and / or the shape may extend along a non-linear longitudinal axis of the antler.

[0046] References to an “exposed interior” are intended to mean that a part of the antler which is normally part of the antler’s interior (e.g. the marrow), i.e. not naturally visible in an unmodified antler chew, instead provides or forms part of an exterior or external surface of the antler chew.

[0047] The edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the first edge, may be sanded.

[0048] The edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the first edge, may be smooth and / or curved.

[0049] This reduces the risk of injury to a dog (particularly its mouth) during chewing by removing or smoothing sharpness or splinters from the antler.

[0050] The profile of the antler chew or chew toy may have a sector-like shape. Put another way, a profile of the antler chew or chew toy may approximate either a sector of a circle or approximates a segment of a circle at an edge of a triangle. This exposes a portion of the interior to be chewed by the dog. The antler chew may have first and second opposing ends. The ends may oppose each other at longitudinal ends of the antler chew, that is at either end of a longitudinal axis of the antler chew.

[0051] The first and second opposing ends may be cut ends. The first and second ends may be substantially planar, e.g. if they are cut ends.

[0052] Planes of the first and second ends may be substantially parallel (e.g. if the longitudinal axis is linear). However, in some instances the ends may lie at planes which are not parallel, e.g. if the longitudinal axis is curved or non-linear.

[0053] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an antler chew or chew toy for a dog, the antler chew or chew toy comprising an antler (or part thereof) having: (part of) an external antler surface and an exposed antler interior; a first face of the exposed interior of the antler; a second face of the exposed interior of the antler; a third face of the exposed interior of the antler; and in which the second face meets the third face at a second edge and the first face meets the third face at a third edge.

[0054] The advantages are similar to those discussed with respect to the first aspect.

[0055] In this case, the first and second faces can meet the external antler surface at respective edges, and the third face meets the first and second faces, e.g. opposite the external antler surface.

[0056] The antler chew may have a substantially oblong or rectangular prismatic shape, although one side (e.g. the external antler surface) may be curved or non-planar and / or the shape may extend along a non-linear longitudinal axis of the antler.

[0057] The edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the second edge and the third edge, may be sanded.

[0058] The edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the second edge and the third edge, may be smooth and / or curved.

[0059] This reduces the risk of injury to a dog when chewing the antler chew, as sharp edges may be smoothed. A profile of the antler chew or chew toy may have three linear edges and a curved edge. Put another way, a profile of the antler chew or chew toy may approximate a segment of a circle at an edge of a rectangle or square or trapezoid.

[0060] The external antler surface may be curved.

[0061] The antler chew may comprise a single external antler surface portion, and the remaining sides and one or both ends may be cut sides or exposed interior faces of the antler.

[0062] The antler chew may consist solely of antler matter.

[0063] Any aspect of the invention may include any feature or independently selected combination of features presented with respect to any other aspect or aspects of the invention.

[0064] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] Figure 1 shows an end view of a first embodiment of an antler chew;

[0067] Figure 2 shows a first perspective view of the antler chew of Figure 1 ;

[0068] Figure 3 shows a second perspective view of the antler chew of Figure 1 , including a partial enlarged view of an end of the antler chew;

[0069] Figure 4 shows an end view of a second embodiment of an antler chew;

[0070] Figure 5 shows a first perspective view of the antler chew of Figure 4;

[0071] Figure 6 shows a second perspective view of the antler chew of Figure 4, including a partial enlarged view of an end of the antler chew;

[0072] Figure 7 shows an end view of a first variant of the second embodiment of an antler chew of Figure 4; and

[0073] Figure 8 shows an end view of a second variant of the second embodiment of an antler chew of Figure 4. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of an antler chew is indicated generally at 100. The antler chew 100 is suitable for a dog or other pet to chew on. It is made from an antler or part of an antler, such as an antler from a deer or moose or elk or other antler-bearing animal.

[0075] The antler chew has an outer layer or external surface 101. The antler chew has an interior or marrow 102.

[0076] The antler chew has a length 104, a top width 107, a bottom width 105, and a height 106.

[0077] The profile of the antler chew is approximately rectangular or square or trapezoidal in this embodiment. The antler chew 100 may be said to have a lollipop stick type shape.

[0078] One side of the antler chew is curved. The curved side is an external antler surface. The curved side is not a cut side. However, it is preferably sanded down to provide a smooth surface.

[0079] The remaining sides or faces of the antler chew are substantially planar longitudinal sides running along the length of the antler. A first (left) side is an exposed marrow face. A second (right) side is an exposed marrow face. A side (top) side is an exposed marrow face. The third side meets the first and second sides at respective edges.

[0080] The first and second sides are substantially parallel in this embodiment, but can be provided at other angles if preferred.

[0081] The first (left) side meets the curved (bottom) side at an edge. The second (right) side meets the curved (bottom) side at another edge.

[0082] Edges 103 of the antler chew 100 are sanded and / or rounded in this embodiment. For example, all of the longitudinal edges where the sides meet are sanded and / or rounded in this embodiment. Corners of the antler chew can be sanded and / or rounded in some embodiments.

[0083] The antler chew 100 has a proximal end 108 and a distal end 109. The proximal and distal ends are first and second opposing ends. The ends are each substantially planar in this embodiment. Also, peripheral edges 103 of each end are sanded in this embodiment. To make the antler chew, an antler or pair of antlers or piece of an antler is first provided. If the antler(s) are too large, then they can be cut into smaller pieces, e.g. via transverse cuts across a longitudinal axis of the antler (or portion thereof). Suitably sized pieces will vary depending on the size of the dog (or other pet) they are intended for, and also on the available antler(s). For example, a range of sizes from 5 cm or 10 cm to up about 30 cm to 50 cm may be provided, although this is not essential and any suitable size of antler piece may be used.

[0084] Once a suitably sized antler or piece is provided, first, second and third cuts can be made at respective sides of the antler, e.g. left, right and top sides, to expose the interior or marrow on three longitudinal sides of the antler piece. Instead of or in addition to any cuts, the respective sides of the antler could be abraded, for example. End cuts can also be made to provide opposing ends, if the opposing ends have not already been provided by the transverse cuts.

[0085] Some or all of the various edges of the antler chew, and if needed the various exposed marrow faces, can then be sanded or rounded to finish the antler chew. The ends of the antler chew and / or the curved external antler side may also be sanded or smoothed.

[0086] No holes need to be drilled through the antler. No other foodstuffs or nutrients need to be added to the antler.

[0087] Referring next to Figures 4 to 6, a second embodiment of an antler chew is indicated generally at 200. The antler chew 200 is suitable for a dog or other pet to chew on. It is made from an antler or part of an antler, such as an antler from a deer or moose or elk or other antler-bearing animal.

[0088] The antler chew has an outer layer or external surface 201. The antler chew has an interior or marrow 202.

[0089] The antler chew has a longitudinal length 204, an angle or angular extent 207 (of the external antler surface), a lateral width 205 (perpendicular to the length 204), a height 206 (perpendicular to the length 204 and width 205), and a width 210 of a side of the exposed interior to an edge of the external antler surface.

[0090] The profile of the antler chew is approximately triangular or trigonal prismatic in this embodiment. The antler chew 200 may be said to have a pizza wedge type shape or profile. One side of the antler chew is curved. The curved side is an external antler surface. The curved side is not a cut side. However, it is preferably sanded down to provide a smooth surface.

[0091] The remaining sides or faces of the antler chew are substantially planar longitudinal sides running along the length of the antler. A first (left) side is an exposed marrow face. A second (right) side is an exposed marrow face. The first and second sides meet at a common edge.

[0092] The first and second sides are angled relative to each other. In this embodiment, the angle is approximately 65 to 70 degrees. However, any suitable angle in the range 30 to 80 degrees inclusive may be provided. This may allow damaged or otherwise unsuitable portions of the antler(s) to be removed whilst maximising production of antler chews from the remaining antler.

[0093] For example, Figure 7 depicts a variant of the second embodiment of antler chew. In this variant, faces of the antler chew are at an angle of about 80 degrees relative to each other. The sides of the antler chew can be cut or removed accordingly.

[0094] In another example, Figure 8 depicts another variant of the second embodiment of antler chew. I n this variant, faces of the antler chew are at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to each other. The sides of the antler chew can be cut or removed accordingly.

[0095] In any antler chew of the second embodiment, the first (left) side meets the curved (bottom) side at an edge. The second (right) side meets the curved (bottom) side at another edge.

[0096] Edges 203 of the antler chew 200 are sanded and / or rounded in this embodiment. For example, all of the longitudinal edges where the sides meet are sanded and / or rounded in this embodiment. Corners of the antler chew can be sanded and / or rounded in some embodiments.

[0097] The antler chew 100 has a proximal end 208 and a distal end 209. The proximal and distal ends are first and second opposing ends. The ends are each substantially planar in this embodiment. Also, peripheral edges 203 of each end are sanded in this embodiment.

[0098] To make the second embodiment of antler chew 200, an antler or pair of antlers or piece of an antler is first provided. If the antler(s) are too large, then they can be cut into smaller pieces, e.g. via transverse cuts across a longitudinal axis of the antler (or portion thereof). Suitably sized pieces will vary depending on the size of the dog (or other pet) they are intended for, and also on the available antler(s). For example, a range of sizes from 5 cm or 10 cm to up about 30 cm to 50 cm may be provided, although this is not essential and any suitable size of antler piece may be used.

[0099] Once a suitably sized antler or piece is provided, first and second cuts can be made at respective sides of the antler, e.g. left and right sides, to expose the interior or marrow on two longitudinal sides of the antler piece. Instead of or in addition to any cuts, the respective sides of the antler could be abraded, for example. End cuts can also be made to provide opposing ends.

[0100] Some or all of the various edges of the antler chew, and if needed the various exposed marrow faces, can then be sanded or rounded to finish the antler chew. The ends of the antler chew and / or the curved external antler side may also be sanded or smoothed.

[0101] No holes need to be drilled through the antler. No other foodstuffs or nutrients need to be added to the antler.

[0102] Product example 1

[0103] 4.1. Figure 1 : Isometric view of the lollipop-shaped antler cut, showing the exposed marrow, smoothed edges, and dimensions, with reference numerals as follows:

[0104] Width: 107

[0105] Height: 106

[0106] Length: 104

[0107] Proximal End: 108

[0108] Distal End: 109

[0109] 4.2. Figure 2: Top view of the lollipop cut, detailing the width, height, and location of marrow exposure.

[0110] 4.3. Figure 3: Sectional view A-A of the lollipop cut, illustrating the internal structure and how the marrow is exposed along the flat surface.

[0111] Product example 2 4.4. Figure 4: Isometric view of the pizza (triangle)-shaped antler cut, showing the exposed marrow, smoothed edges, and dimensions, with reference numerals as follows:

[0112] Width: 205

[0113] Width (Angle side): 210

[0114] Height: 206

[0115] Angle: 207

[0116] Length: 204

[0117] Proximal End: 208

[0118] Distal End: 209

[0119] 4.5. Figure 5: Top view of the pizza cut, detailing the width, height, and angle of the cut to optimise marrow exposure.

[0120] 4.6. Figure 6: Sectional view B-B of the pizza cut, illustrating the internal structure and how the marrow is exposed along the angled surfaces.

[0121] Method example 1

[0122] 5.1. Lollipop Shape Manufacturing Process

[0123] 5.1.1. Antler Selection: The process begins with selecting antlers of varying sizes and shapes, depending on availability and the desired end product. The method is adaptable to antlers with different diameters, lengths, and degrees of curvature.

[0124] 5.1.2. Cutting Method: The selected antler is cut longitudinally to create a lollipop shape. This involves making cuts on all sides of the antler except one, leaving the outer layer intact on that side. This results in a flat, rounded surface on one side of the cut piece. The cut is designed to expose a significant portion of the marrow, which runs through the centre of the antler. The flat surface maximises the exposed marrow area, making it accessible to dogs. The shape is ergonomic, allowing dogs to hold the chew more effectively. The cut can be adjusted based on the natural curvature of the antler, ensuring that a broad surface area of marrow is exposed regardless of the initial shape of the antler. This versatile method can be applied to antlers of different sizes and shapes, including those with irregular or uneven surfaces.

[0125] 5.1.3. Optional Sanding: After the cut is made, the edges of the lollipop-shaped antler may be sanded to remove sharp points or rough surfaces. This step enhances the chew's safety, reducing the risk of injury to the dog while maintaining the product's durability.

[0126] 5.1.4. Final Product: The final lollipop-shaped antler chew is a durable, natural product that offers dogs easy access to the marrow, regardless of the antler's original size or shape.

[0127] Method example 2

[0128] 5.2. Pizza (Triangle) Shape Manufacturing Process

[0129] 5.2.1. Antler Selection: Like the lollipop shape, the pizza (triangle) shape method begins with selecting antlers of various sizes, lengths, and degrees of curvature. This method is particularly suitable for antlers with thicker bases, where a wedge cut would maximise marrow exposure.

[0130] 5.2.2. Cutting Method: The antler is cut into a triangular or wedge shape, resembling a slice of pizza. This involves making cuts on all sides of the antler except one, leaving the outer layer intact on that side to form the base of the triangle. The angle of the cut can vary between 30° to 80°, depending on the size and shape of the antler. The cut is designed to expose a significant portion of the marrow along the two other sides of the triangle, maximising the area of marrow accessible to dogs. The method is adaptable to antlers of different lengths and widths, ensuring that the marrow is effectively exposed regardless of the antler's initial size or shape. This method applies to antlers with varying degrees of curvature, as the cut can be adjusted to optimise marrow exposure while maintaining the product's overall durability and chewability.

[0131] 5.2.3. Optional Sanding:

[0132] After the cut is made, the edges of the pizza-shaped antler may be sanded to remove any sharp points or rough surfaces. This step ensures the chew is safe for dogs, reducing the risk of injury while maintaining the product's durability.

[0133] 5.2.4. Final Product: The final pizza (triangle)-shaped antler chew offers a natural, durable product with enhanced marrow accessibility, suitable for dogs of various sizes and chewing habits.

[0134] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0135] Aspects of the invention

[0136] 1. Broad aspect for Lollipop and Pizza Shapes: a. A method of manufacturing antler chews comprising: i. 7.1.1. selecting an antler of any size, shape, or length; ii. 7.1.2. cutting the antler longitudinally to form a lollipop shape or into a wedge to form a pizza (triangle) shape, wherein the cut exposes a substantial portion of the marrow, enhancing accessibility for dogs; iii. 7.1.3. Optionally sanding the edges of the antler to remove sharpness.

[0137] 2. Specific aspects: a. 8.1. The method of aspect 1 , wherein the angle of the wedge cut for the pizza (triangle) shape is between 30° and 80°. b. 8.2. The method of aspect 1 , wherein the cut is adapted to the antler's natural curvature, ensures maximum marrow exposure. c. 8.3. The method of aspect 1 , wherein the antler is selected from a group of antlers with varying diameters and lengths. d. 8.4. The method of aspect 1, wherein the antler's edges are sanded for smoothness and safety. e. 8.5. The method of aspect 1 further comprised adjusting the cut's length and width based on the antler's size to optimise the surface area of exposed marrow. f. 8.6. The method of aspect 1, wherein the final product is a natural, durable antler chew suitable for various sizes and breeds of dogs, ensuring broad applicability across different types of antlers and dog chewing preferences.

[0138] Further aspects of the invention

[0139] 1. Broad aspect for Lollipop and Pizza Shapes: a. A method of manufacturing antler chews comprising: i. 7.1.1. selecting an antler of any size, shape, or length; ii. 7.1.2. cutting the antler into a Lollipop shape by making a longitudinal cut that results in a rounded, ergonomic chew, exposing the marrow for easier access. iii. Optionally cutting the antler into a Pizza (triangle) shape, wherein the cut is adjusted to optimise marrow exposure while maintaining a chewable structure suitable for dogs. iv. Sanding the edges of the antler to remove sharpness, ensuring safety and usability for pets. v. Enhancing the chewing experience and product usability by adapting cuts based on the antler’s natural curvature, varying diameters, and lengths. vi. Utilizing a process that enables the transformation of larger, less marketable antlers into smaller, commercially valuable chews, solving supply chain inefficiencies in the pet industry.

[0140] 2. Specific aspects: a. 8.1. The method of further aspect 1 , wherein the Pizza (triangle) cut is made at a controlled angle between 30° and 80°, ensuring a balance between durability, marrow exposure, and optimal chewing engagement. b. 8.2. The method of further aspect 1 , wherein the Lollipop cut and Pizza cut are optimised to the natural curvature of the antler, preventing unnatural fractures and maximising chew longevity. c. 8.3. The method of further aspect 1 , wherein the antler selection process ensures that cuts are applied to antlers of varying diameters and lengths, adapting to different dog breeds and chewing preferences. d. 8.4. The method of further aspect 1 , wherein sanding and surface refinement remove all sharp edges and irregularities, preventing potential dental injuries or choking hazards. e. 8.5. The method of further aspect 1 , wherein the length and width of the cut are dynamically adjusted based on the antler’s initial size, ensuring consistent marrow accessibility and ergonomic hold for dogs. f. 8.6. The method of further aspect 1 , wherein the final product remains a 100% natural antler chew without drilling holes, artificial additives, or chemical bonding agents, ensuring structural integrity, pet safety and long-lasting durability.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method of manufacturing an antler chew or chew toy for a dog, comprising the steps of:(a) obtaining an antler or a part of an antler having an external surface and an interior, the external surface surrounding the interior;(b) cutting or removing a first longitudinal side of the antler to expose a first face of the interior of the antler;(c) cutting or removing a second longitudinal side of the antler to expose a second face of the interior of the antler, and either:(i) the first face meets the second face at a first edge, and an angle between the first face and the second face is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees; or(ii) cutting or removing a third longitudinal side of the antler to expose a third face, in which the second face meets the third face at a second edge and the first face meets the third face at a third edge.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , including the step of subsequently sanding edges of the antler chew, the edges including any one or more of the first edge, second edge and / or third edge for finishing the antler chew or chew toy.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the first face is parallel to the second face in step (ii).

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the third face is perpendicular to the first face and perpendicular to the second face in step (ii).

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second edge is parallel to the third edge in step (ii).

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first face and the second face are planar.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, in which in step (ii) the third face is planar.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the interior of the antler includes bone marrow.

9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising the step of sanding the faces of the antler or the part thereof.

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the method does not include any one or more of: drilling holes, adding artificial additives, or adding chemical bonding agents.

11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the method includes, before step (a), cutting the antler transversely to provide one or more parts of the antler.

12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, including the steps of cutting the antler longitudinally to form a lollipop shape or into a wedge to form a pizza (triangle) shape, wherein the cut exposes a substantial portion of marrow in the antler or part thereof, for enhancing accessibility for a dog.

13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the method consists of the steps claimed in said any preceding claim.

14. An antler chew or chew toy for a dog, made by the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An antler chew or chew toy for a dog comprising: an external antler surface and an exposed antler interior; a first face of the exposed interior of the antler; a second face of the exposed interior of the antler; in which the first face meets the second face at a first edge; and in which an angle between the first face and the second face is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees.

16. An antler chew or chew toy as claimed in claim 15, in which edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the first edge, are sanded edges.

17. An antler chew or chew toy as claimed in claim 16, in which the edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the first edge, are smooth and / or curved edges.

18. An antler chew or chew toy as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, in which a profile of the antler chew or chew toy approximates either a sector of a circle or approximates a segment of a circle at an edge of a triangle.

19. An antler chew or chew toy for a dog comprising an antler having: an external antler surface and an exposed antler interior; a first face of the exposed interior of the antler; a second face of the exposed interior of the antler; a third face of the exposed interior of the antler; and in which the second face meets the third face at a second edge and the first face meets the third face at a third edge.

20. An antler chew or chew toy as claimed in claim 19, in which edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the second edge and the third edge, are sanded edges.

21. An antler chew or chew toy as claimed in claim 20, in which the edges of the antler chew or chew toy, including the second edge and the third edge, are smooth and / or curved edges.

22. An antler chew or chew toy as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 , in which a profile of the antler chew or chew toy has three linear edges and a curved edge, or in which the profile of the antler chew or chew toy approximates a segment of a circle at an edge of a rectangle or square or trapezoid.

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