Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answer: Heartland Antlers sells naturally shed, Grade-A deer and elk antler chews sourced in the USA. Antlers are very hard chews, so they are not appropriate for every dog. Use the answers below to choose by weight, understand the risks, and know when to retire a chew.
What are deer and elk antler chews?
Heartland Antlers sells naturally shed, Grade-A deer and elk antler chews sourced in the USA. Antlers are very hard chews, so they are not appropriate for every dog.
Can antler chews fracture a dog's teeth?
Yes. Veterinary dental guidance warns that hard chews, including antlers, can fracture teeth. Swallowed pieces can also cause choking or gastrointestinal obstruction. Supervision reduces some risks but does not make a hard chew risk-free. Read the guidance from AAHA, VCA Animal Hospitals, and the American Kennel Club.
Which dogs should not use an antler chew?
Heartland Antlers 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.
What size antler should I choose by weight?
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. Chewing style also matters; size up for forceful chewers and choose a piece too large to swallow. See the complete antler size guide.
What is the difference between whole and split elk antlers?
A whole elk antler keeps the outer shell intact and is usually slower to engage with. A split elk antler exposes the marrow channel, so dogs often engage faster and consume it sooner than a whole antler of the same size. Compare whole elk antlers and split elk antlers.
When should an antler chew be replaced?
Retire an antler when it becomes small enough to fit fully in your dog's mouth, develops a sharp edge or crack, becomes loose, or sheds pieces your dog is swallowing rather than shaving from the surface.
Can puppies use antler chews?
Heartland Antlers does not recommend antler chews for puppies with developing teeth. Ask your veterinarian for a softer chew that is appropriate for your puppy's age and dental development.
How should antlers be stored and cleaned?
Store an antler dry between supervised sessions. If it needs cleaning, rinse it with water, remove surface debris, and let it dry completely. Discard it if it develops an unusual odor, mold, a crack, or a sharp edge.
Where does Heartland source its antlers?
Heartland Antlers states that its deer and elk antlers are naturally shed, Grade A, and sourced in the USA. Learn more about Heartland Antlers.
Where can I find current shipping and return terms?
Read the current Shipping Policy and Refund Policy before ordering. Those policy pages control current thresholds, timelines, eligibility, fees, and instructions.
