Is 100% Rawhide Bad for Dogs?

When it comes to choosing the right dog chews, the options can seem endless. You may have heard that rawhide chews are bad for dogs, or that they’re full of scary chemicals, or that they can get stuck in your dog’s intestines. But is this really the truth about rawhide? Are rawhide chews safe for dogs, or should you avoid them?

The safety of any rawhide treat will be affected by several factors. Many dogs enjoy rawhide. They can make great long-lasting chews that keep puppies and dogs busy, are a tasty snack, and even help clean teeth and promote oral health.

Rawhide Safety and Your Dog’s Chewing Style

Every dog is different, and the safest treats and toys will largely depend on your dog’s individual chewing style. Factors that influence your dog’s chewing style include breed, size, and age, among others.

Size is a key consideration. Most puppies don’t chew as vigorously as adult dogs, and older dogs may not chew as vigorously as they did when they were younger. Therefore, it’s wise to assume that your dog’s chewing style will change over time, and that treats that are considered safe for your dog will also change throughout your dog’s lifetime.

Rawhide is a long-term chewable food that will break down into small, soft pieces over time. However, dogs with strong chewers may chew off large pieces of rawhide, which can pose a choking hazard or cause an intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Both of these situations can be life-threatening.

Rawhide is generally considered a safe snack for dogs with softer chews, as these dogs cannot easily break rawhide into pieces. Always supervise your dog when they are enjoying rawhide, and take it away if you think they are chewing too quickly.

Safety of Rawhide Ingredients for Dogs

Rawhide chews are made from leftovers from the leather industry. Most rawhide is taken directly from the slaughterhouse at the slaughterhouse and placed in a high-salt brine, which helps slow its decay. Most rawhide chews are made in China, and these cured hides can take weeks to months to actually reach the tanneries for final manufacturing. Once the rawhide arrives at the tannery, it is soaked and treated with lime to help separate the fat from the hide, then the hair is removed through chemical and physical methods, and the hides are rinsed again. Unfortunately, salt water does not prevent rot, no matter how long they may delay it. It is best to rinse rawhide thoroughly with water before feeding it to your dog.

Rawhide Digestibility for Dogs

The digestibility of rawhide varies from dog to dog, and also from chew to chew. In general, rawhide is not easily digested, which is why large pieces of rawhide that break off and are swallowed whole can cause intestinal obstructions in dogs. Any pieces of rawhide that your dog chews off and swallows must pass through the digestive system in chunks, as they are not digested like other foods.

The decision to offer rawhide chews is entirely yours. Consider your dog's individual chewing habits, any health issues, decide if you are willing to accept the extra expense of a high-quality chew, and talk to your veterinarian. Always read rawhide labels carefully, and remember that the thicker the rawhide, the better: your dog will chew it longer.

There are many great alternatives to rawhide chews, but for the right dog, these treats can be a safe choice. It all comes down to your comfort level and ability to recognize the risks involved in offering them to your dog.