We often take care of our pets the same way we learned from our parents, and that might include giving them rawhide chews. Dogs have a natural urge to chew. Puppies especially love to chew – it's part of being a puppy, and it actually helps their new teeth come in.
What they chew on as puppies can set the stage for good dental health later. Chewing eco-friendly toys are great because they fight boredom and ease anxiety for all dogs, not just puppies. Now, rawhide has been around forever. It's cheap, you can find it anywhere and most dogs seem to love it, but does this mean that rawhide products are GOOD for dogs?
The short answer is… no, not really. Rawhide is actually pretty risky for dogs to chew on. This old-school treat is now considered controversial, and honestly, we at Healthy Dogma aren't fans at all.
So, what exactly is rawhide, and why is it a problem? What are the dangers of giving it to your dog? Keep reading, because we're going to break down all those tricky questions about rawhide.
What is Rawhide?
Basically, rawhide is dried-out animal skin, usually from cows or horses. It's actually a leftover from the meat industry – not something meant for dogs to eat, just something to chew on.
Rawhide can be shaped into all sorts of bones, strips, or twists, and it looks and feels like a solid, tough chew toy. And that's where things get confusing with store-bought rawhide. It's often sold like it's something a dog might eventually eat, but it's really not safe for them to swallow any of it.
Now, about the way rawhide is manufactured...
The way they make rawhide is another big reason why dog owners are so concerned about it. It's a pretty harsh process that involves a lot of drying, coloring, and keeping it from going bad, and that means they use some pretty powerful chemicals.
First, after the animal hides are removed, they're put through a tough cleaning process to remove hair and moisture. Then, because the hides are often uneven in color and can look kind of messy, they're treated with strong bleaching chemicals – some of which can even be harmful to dogs – to make them a more consistent, appealing color. And finally, to keep the rawhide from breaking down and to help it hold its shape, they infuse it with artificial preservatives.
It probably won't surprise you to learn that there's a chance these chemicals and preservatives can end up in your dog's system while they're chewing. These harmful substances can lead to different health problems for your dog, anything from a tummy ache to bad allergic reactions.
Rawhide Has 5 Main Risks You Should Know About
#1 Bacteria concerns:
Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli are a risk to dogs, but they’re a bigger risk to humans who handle the chews. This risk is present whether the chews are hard or gooey. There have been recalls of rawhide chews because of bacterial contamination, which is another reason to be cautious.
#2 Not so good for dental health:
A good number of dog owners give their dogs rawhide to help keep their teeth clean, but those hard-pressed or glued rawhides can actually be a risk. They're so dense that they can actually cause teeth to break.
#3 A real choking risk:
Just like with bones, kids' toys, or anything else a dog might find lying around, small pieces of rawhide can easily become a choking hazard. Puppies often swallow things without chewing, and even older dogs that are dedicated chewers can break off bits of rawhide. These small pieces can get lodged in their airway, especially when they become soft and gooey from saliva.
#4 Tummy troubles & blockages:
Some might say rawhide is digestible to a degree, but it's not a simple yes or no. Many vets actually advise against giving it to dogs because their bodies struggle to break it down. Rawhide doesn't dissolve, so anything they swallow has to pass all the way through their system pretty much unchanged.
This can lead to problems, as small pieces can clump together and create a blockage. Larger pieces can also get stuck and cause a blockage. If swallowed while still hard and pointy, Rawhide can also irritate or even break the lining of the dog’s digestive system causing issues and the release of stomach acids in their bodies.
Rawhide also absorbs liquids, like their saliva or the water they drink after chewing, causing it to swell inside their bellies. This can be very uncomfortable and can cause serious blockages in their intestines. Despite any attempts to make rawhide safer, it's still the same thing that can expand when wet, creating choking and digestive problems.
#5 Full of harmful chemicals:
Even though rawhide comes from animals, it often contains several toxic chemicals that you wouldn't want your dog to ingest. Some of these chemicals are intentionally used during processing, while others are accidentally left over from the animals the hides came from. Some of the dangerous toxins found in rawhide can include chromium, lead, arsenic, mercury, and formaldehyde.
Do Rawhide Chews Have a Lot of Calories?
If you're wondering about the calorie count in a rawhide chew, you'll need to check the label, as it changes from brand to brand. However, it's worth remembering that rawhide isn't designed to be eaten by dogs, it’s meant as something for them to chew on. Unlike our 100% natural Elk Antler chews, there's no real nutritional benefit to be found in a typical rawhide from the store.
So, Should I Just Skip Rawhide Completely?
You have to make that decision, but if you're asking for our opinion at Healthy Dogma, the answer is a definite YES. Rawhide is an older option that may not be the best choice for dogs, and we strongly feel that it's time for dog owners to move on to the healthier yet safer choices that are now available.
Now, if you're still planning on giving your dog rawhide anyway, it's super important that you keep a close eye on them every single time they chew it, to ensure they don't break off bits and swallow them.
Final Thoughts
When you're picking out chew toys and treats for your dog, safety should always come first. Rawhide might have been popular for a long time, but honestly, the risks usually aren't worth any possible benefits.
Think about how your dog chews, their size, and what they really need when you're looking at other options. And hey, we've got some fantastic rawhide-free, long-lasting, all-natural chews that are way safer for your dog!
Always keep an eye on your pet with any new chew toy, and remember that size matters. A tiny Chihuahua isn't going to chew with the same power as a big Labrador. Also, puppies often chew differently than adult dogs and senior dogs might not chew as intensely as they used to. So, it's good to know that your dog's chewing style will change as they grow, and the chews that are safe for them will change over time too. That's why choosing a healthy, durable, and natural chew is so important throughout their life.
