Chew On This
Nearly all dogs love to chew, and rawhide “bones” have become commonplace in pet stores. Though dogs enjoy rawhides, they pose some serious risks. Let’s uncover more details.
Rawhide Treats
These are designed to be long-lasting snacks that soften as they’re gnawed. Though they’re inexpensive and many dogs enjoy them, they’re not the ideal treat. Here’s why:
Eating rawhide could lead to an emergency vet visit. Some dogs break off a large piece and swallow it, which can then get lodged in the small intestine —and remain lodged. Surgery is often the only way to remove it.
Rawhides can be a choking hazard. Dogs who try to swallow large pieces of rawhide can get them stuck in their throats.
Rawhides are highly processed, raising questions about their digestibility. The hides are taken from the byproducts of the leather industry’s slaughterhouses. They go through salt baths and chemical treatments to create the product you see on the shelf.
If you do choose to feed your pup rawhides, be sure to select an appropriate size for your dog. Observe their chewing style—stronger chewers are more likely to break the rawhide into dangerous chunks. Try to find rawhides that are made locally, and rinse the rawhides before giving them to your fur baby.
Safer Chewing Choices
Chewing is a normal behavior, especially when puppies are exploring and investigating their environment. Chewing also promotes relaxation in adult dogs.
There are plenty of better options than rawhide! As a rule of thumb, only let your pup chew on toys that are flexible and can bend. Anything that doesn’t bend is likely too hard for your dog and might chip their teeth. This means antlers and bones are out of the question.
Alternatives to Rawhide
Bully Sticks are a great alternative to rawhide. They are oven-baked instead of processed with chemicals, and they come from cow muscle rather than cowhide. Pig’s ears are also a digestible option!
The takeaway: don’t discourage your canine friend from healthy chewing behaviors, but provide them with safe options.
Cons
Pros
Rawhides
● Choking hazard present if broken into large chunks
● Low digestibility: high risk of intestinal blockage
● Processed in harsh chemicals
● Questionable manufacturing processes
● May be very high in calories
● Low cost
● Moderate protein
● May help remove dental plaque
Bully Sticks
● Choking hazard present if broken into large chunks
● High in calories
● Low cost
● High protein, low fat
● Highly digestible: low risk of intestinal blockage
● Dehydrated or baked, chemical-free
● May help remove dental plaque
Pig’s Ears
● Choking hazard present if broken into large chunks
● High in calories
● Moderate fat content
● Low cost
● Moderate protein
● Highly digestible: low risk of intestinal blockage
● Baked or boiled, usually chemical-free
● May help remove dental plaque
● Contain Glucosamine & Chondroitin for joint health
