Naturally shed antlers are dropped by deer and elk as part of their annual growth cycle. Heartland sources shed antlers in the USA. This describes origin; it does not establish dental safety.
Use body weight as the starting point: Small for 5-25 lb, Medium for 25-45 lb, Large for 45-65 lb, Extra Large for 65-85 lb, and Giant for 85+ lb. Check mouth fit and choose a piece too large to swallow. A larger antler does not remove tooth-fracture risk.
Antlers are very hard and can fracture teeth. Swallowed pieces can also cause choking or gastrointestinal obstruction. Heartland does not recommend antlers for puppies with developing teeth, senior dogs with worn teeth, dogs with existing dental damage or a prior tooth fracture, or dogs that bite down forcefully with their back teeth.
There is no guaranteed lifespan. Wear varies with the antler, its size, and your dog's chewing style. Retire it when it becomes small enough to fit fully in the mouth, develops a crack or sharp edge, becomes loose, or sheds pieces your dog is swallowing.
Breed alone does not determine whether an antler is suitable. Heartland does not recommend antlers for puppies with developing teeth, senior dogs with worn teeth, dogs with existing dental damage or a prior tooth fracture, or dogs that bite down forcefully with their back teeth. Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure.
Review the current Shipping Policy and Refund Policy before ordering. Those policy pages control current thresholds, timelines, eligibility, fees, and instructions.
How to Choose the Perfect Antler for Your Pup
Deer Antlers
Compare by fit: Whole deer antler keeps the outer shell around the inner surface. Check the product weight range, pack count and dimensions. Antlers are hard and can fracture teeth. Breed or bite strength alone cannot establish suitability.
Compare the cuts: Whole elk retains the outer shell, while split elk exposes the inner surface. Both remain hard chews. Choose by product details and mouth fit after discussing suitability with your veterinarian.
Compare weight ranges, then check the individual piece and dental suitability.
Weight is a starting point. Choose a piece too large to fit fully in the mouth. Antlers can fracture teeth; a larger size does not remove that risk. Supervise every session.
Small Dogs
5-25 lbs
Varies
by product
Check product dimensions and mouth fit. Breed alone does not establish suitability.
Medium Dogs
25-45 lbs
Varies
by product
Check product dimensions and mouth fit. Breed alone does not establish suitability.
Large Dogs
45-65 lbs
Varies
by product
Check product dimensions and mouth fit. Breed alone does not establish suitability.
XL Dogs
65-85 lbs
Varies
by product
Check product dimensions and mouth fit. Breed alone does not establish suitability.
Giant Dogs
85+ lbs
Varies
by product
Check product dimensions and mouth fit. Breed alone does not establish suitability.
Still Unsure?
Ask us for product dimensions and pack details. Ask your veterinarian whether a hard chew is suitable for your dog.