Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs?

For decades, rawhide chews have been one of the go-to products for dogs. They literally love eating them. But, just because rawhide keeps your dog busy for hours or your dog loves chewing those doesn’t mean they’re good for them.

So, is rawhide bad for dogs? Simply saying ‘yes,’ rawhide can be dangerous for both puppies and adult dogs. Many dog owners don’t know about the risks or the poor quality control of rawhide chews. Some people still believe that rawhide is healthy or helps with their dog’s dental health. But before serving rawhide to your dog, you must know the consequences.

This article looks at different sides of rawhide, including its meaning, risks, and alternatives, to help you decide if rawhide is a good choice for your dog.

A Brief Introduction About Rawhide?

The inner skins of animals, mostly cows and horses, are used to make rawhide bones. During leather production, the outer skin becomes leather, while the inner skin is turned into rawhide bones for dogs. To create rawhide bones, the inner layer of animal skin undergoes several chemical processes, including washing, separating, and preserving. This chemically treated skin is then cut into pieces, shaped, and sometimes coated with flavors and colors.

When rawhide chews reach your dog, they often look very different from the original animal hides. This variation is not always a bad thing. After all, healthy dog biscuits made with nourishing ingredients might look quite different depending on what goes into them. However, many of the chemicals used to make rawhide can be harmful.

Why is Rawhide Bad for Dogs?

In general, “yes,” rawhide is bad for dogs. However, the safety of rawhide chews for dogs is debated and depends on factors like the dog’s size, breed, chewing style, and the quality of the rawhide. While rawhides can keep dogs occupied and promote oral health, they also pose risks like choking and intestinal blockages, especially for strong chewers. So, it’s important to think about your dog’s chewing style, size, and age when deciding if rawhide is a good treat for them or not.

While your dog might enjoy chewing on rawhide bones, they can break into sharp pieces that could hurt their mouth, throat, and stomach. Rawhide isn’t meant to be digested; these pieces can cause internal damage. Fortunately, there are safer options. Highly digestible rawhide is similar in texture and taste but is designed to prevent splintering and is easier to digest. Apart from that, you can also go for rawhide-free chews that mimic the toughness of rawhide but are even more digestible and nutritious. These alternatives will give your dogs quite similar texture and feelings of rawhide.

How can Rawhide be Bad for Dogs?

Every responsible pet owner always wants the best for their small dogs. But sometimes, what seems harmless can actually be dangerous. Rawhide chews are among those and need to be clarified. As we mentioned, they’re not good for your dog’s health, but now you might wonder why they are bad for my dog.

Let’s get to the core question and give you the proper reasons-

1. Choking and Blockages

Dogs can chew off and swallow big pieces of rawhide, which can get stuck in their throat, stomach, or intestines. Since rawhide doesn’t digest and can expand up to four times its size, it can cause blockages. These blockages might need surgery to fix, and in the worst case, can lead to death. Regularly monitor your dog when chewing rawhide to prevent such incidents.

2. Contamination and Chemicals

Due to the manufacturing process, the best rawhide may still contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals, dyes, and preservatives. Typically, chemicals like arsenic, ethoxyquin, formaldehyde, sodium sulfide, hydrogen peroxide, BHA, and BHT are used to preserve these dog chews and extend their shelf life. Additionally, these chews may contain other harmful substances such as antibiotics, lead, and insecticides.

3. Digestive Issues

Rawhide treats can be hard for dogs to digest, especially if made from low-quality materials with harmful additives. Since rawhide is a leather byproduct, it can cause blockages in the digestive tract. Swallowed pieces may get stuck in the esophagus or intestines, requiring emergency surgery. To prevent this, discard chewed-up pieces before your dog can swallow them.

4. Bacterial Contamination

Rawhide chews can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can be dangerous for dogs. To minimize the risk, buy from a reputable source. You can also practice good hygiene, like washing your hands after handling rawhide and watching your dog while it chews.

Feeding Tips

How Can I Make Rawhide Safe For My Dog?

Rawhide chews can be risky, so safer alternatives are often recommended. However, if you decide to give your pet rawhide, there are a few things that should be considered.

First of all, choose rawhide chews from reputable manufacturers and not any shop. This will reduce the risk of chemical exposure. You should always look for products that clearly state they are free from chemical treatments, dyes, and preservatives.

Then, watch closely your dog while it chews rawhide. Never leave it unattended to prevent choking or blockages if a piece breaks off. Note down your dog’s behavior after eating rawhide. Last but not least, consider your dog’s chewing habits and size. For gentle chewers, smaller, more digestible pieces might be suitable. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, it might need closer supervision or a different type of chew altogether.

What Are Some Safe Alternatives to Rawhide?

Your dog might be fond of rawhide chews. But you probably don’t want to give them to him after knowing the risks we’ve mentioned above. So, what are safe alternatives for him to chew on? Fortunately, there are several delicious and safe options out there.

These will surely satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts:

Dental Chews

Dental chews are a safer option compared to rawhide. They help clean your dog’s teeth and offer several benefits for dental health. It helps with removing plaques and tartar buildup, massaging the gums, and reducing bad breath.

However, dental chews should not be the only dental care for your dog. They can’t replace regular tooth brushing or professional dental check-ups.

Synthetic Chew Toys

For dogs that love to chew, there are many safe and fun branded options to keep them busy and entertained. However, you must watch your dog to ensure their teeth aren’t injured with very hard toys. Some highly recommended chew toys include Kong and Goughnuts. Always choose the right size and type of toy to match your dog’s chewing habits.

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are a great, healthy chew option for many large dogs. They last long and are packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your dog’s health. Although they can become a choking hazard when they get too small, choosing high-quality bully sticks from reliable sources can help avoid this problem. Pet owners often like serving them because they’re a safe and nutritious way to satisfy their dog’s natural need to chew.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is rawhide made from?

Rawhide is made from the inner layer of animal hides, typically from cows or horses, that is cleaned, cut, and dried.

2. Is rawhide safe for dogs?

Rawhide can be safe for dogs in moderation, but it poses risks such as choking, digestive blockages, and potential contamination. Always supervise your dog while they chew on rawhide.

3. What are the benefits of giving rawhide to dogs?

Rawhide can help satisfy a dog’s natural chewing instinct, promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, and provide mental stimulation.

4. Can all dogs chew rawhide?

Not all dogs should chew rawhide, especially aggressive chewers, puppies, or dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s important to choose appropriately sized and safe chews for your dog.

5. How can I tell if rawhide is high-quality?

High-quality rawhide is typically made from a single piece of hide, has minimal chemicals or preservatives, and comes from reputable sources. Look for products labeled as “natural” or “premium.”

6. What are alternatives to rawhide for dogs?

Alternatives to rawhide include dental chews, bully sticks, rubber toys, or natural bones that are safer and easier for dogs to digest.

The Final Thought

Rawhide chews have been popular among dog owners for satisfying their pets’ chewing needs and enhancing dental health. However, due to the risks associated with them, such as choking, digestive problems, and chemical contamination, many are now looking for safer alternatives.

Please remember that regardless of the rawhide alternatives you come across, it’s crucial to research them by reading the labels and asking the manufacturer if you have any questions. This way, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable chewing experience that benefits your dog’s overall health and well-being.