Steph Van Noort
Rawhide chews might seem like a fun, harmless way to keep your dog busy, but there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. Sure, rawhide bones and rawhide treats can keep your dog entertained for hours, but they can also be dangerous in ways most people don’t realize.
It's no wonder many dog owners today are asking: "is rawhide bad for dogs?"
The answer is yes, rawhide is bad for dogs. While rawhide is super popular, it comes with some serious risks. From harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing process to the chances of choking or blockages, that rawhide chew isn't as safe as you might think.
To really understand why rawhide can be risky, let’s dive into how it’s made. Spoiler alert: it’s not as natural or healthy as it’s advertised to be.
If you decide to continue using rawhide, we'll also share how to make rawhide safe (or as safe as possible) toward the end of the blog.
What Is Rawhide?
Rawhide might look like a natural chew, but it’s actually a leftover from the leather industry.
So, instead of a wholesome piece of meat or skin, your dog’s rawhide treat is the inner layer of animal hide that’s been chemically processed.
The hide is soaked in a brine to slow down the rotting (yep, it’s that gross), and then it goes through chemical treatments to remove the hair and fat.
Afterward, it's shaped and dried to give your dog something to chew on. But what you’re left with is far from natural.
The Dangers Of Rawhide Production
Rawhide goes through some pretty intense chemical treatments while it's processed. Things like hydrogen peroxide and even formaldehyde are used to clean and preserve the hides. These chemicals can stick around on the rawhide, and that’s bad news for your dog.
To make rawhide look and taste better, manufacturers often add artificial colors and flavors. Some of these, like Red 40 dye, have been linked to behavior issues and allergies. It’s a lot of unnecessary junk in what’s supposed to be a “natural” treat for your dog.
Health Risks Of Rawhide For Dogs
One of the biggest risks with rawhide is that it can easily cause choking or blockages in your dog’s digestive system.
If your dog swallows large chunks of rawhide, they can get stuck in the throat or intestines, and in many cases, this can lead to emergency surgery to remove the obstruction.
It's also difficult for dogs to digest rawhide. If swallowed, pieces of rawhide can sit in your dog’s stomach for months, potentially causing digestive issues over time, or worse, leading to serious health problems like intestinal blockages that can be life-threatening.
Rawhide And Dental Health: Myths Vs Reality
A lot of people think rawhide helps clean their dog’s teeth because it’s marketed as a chew that scrapes off plaque. However, this claim doesn’t really hold up under scrutiny.
While rawhide may start out hard, it softens quickly as your dog chews, meaning it’s not doing much for dental health. In fact, it's just another thing that makes rawhide dangerous compared to other chew toys or edible chews. At this point, it’s more likely to become a choking hazard or cause blockages than it is to clean teeth, making it more of a risk than a benefit.
Safer Alternatives To Rawhide For Dogs
Luckily, there are safer alternatives to rawhide for your dog to chew on.
The following options are all great choices:
Recreational Bones
For strong chewers, raw, recreational bones are a much safer option. Not only do they satisfy your dog’s urge to chew, but they also help keep their teeth clean naturally, all without the risks that come with rawhide.
Dried Meat Products
Dehydrated meat products, like bully sticks or beef trachea, are another great alternative to rawhide for dog chewing. They’re easier to digest, provide a good chew session for your dog, and are far safer when it comes to avoiding blockages or digestive issues.
Dental Chews
There are also manufactured dental chews available, but it’s important to read the labels carefully. Some dental chews can contain synthetic ingredients, so always opt for natural, non-toxic options to keep your dog’s teeth clean and their health in check.
Tips For Dog Owners Who Still Choose Rawhide
If you still prefer to give your dog rawhide despite the risks, it’s crucial to be highly selective about the rawhide products you choose. Look for rawhide that explicitly states it is free from harmful chemicals like bleach, formaldehyde, or artificial dyes, which can pose long-term health hazards to your dog.
Opt for rawhide made in countries with strict quality control standards, such as the USA or those in Europe, to reduce the risk of exposure to toxic substances.
Additionally, some manufacturers claim their rawhide is “naturally processed,” which might sound safer, but it’s important to research what this means and if the claim is backed by independent testing. For example, while some brands claim to avoid harsh chemicals, the manufacturing process still involves treatments that can degrade the quality of the chew.
Be sure to read reviews, and stay up to date with any recalls on rawhide products, as safety standards can vary dramatically across brands and regions.
Also, never leave your dog unsupervised with rawhide, no matter how reputable the brand may seem. Rawhide is known for softening as dogs chew it, making it easy for them to swallow large pieces that can lead to choking or become lodged in their intestines. This can result in a potentially life-threatening blockage that often requires emergency veterinary intervention, including surgery.
Supervising your dog ensures that if they begin to choke or show signs of distress, you can intervene quickly before the situation escalates.
For added safety, consider selecting appropriately sized rawhide pieces based on your dog’s breed and chewing habits. Larger dogs or aggressive chewers can quickly break down rawhide into smaller, more hazardous chunks, so providing them with larger, denser pieces may reduce the risk.
Even with these precautions, it's best to always monitor how your dog is handling the chew and remove it once it becomes too small or soft to prevent accidents.
Should You Avoid Rawhide Altogether?
Ultimately, taking steps to make rawhide chews safer for your dog's individual chewing style only goes so far. For young puppies and adult dogs alike, we recommend finding healthier dog treats and avoiding rawhide due to the significant health risks associated with it.
From the chemical-laden production process to the high likelihood of choking or digestive blockages, rawhide simply poses too many dangers to your pet. While some dogs may enjoy the lengthy chew time that rawhide provides, the potential for emergency surgery, toxic exposure, or even death is a gamble no dog owner should take.
Safer, healthier options are readily available, making rawhide more of a liability than a benefit for your pup.
Consider alternatives like raw recreational bones, which not only satisfy your dog’s chewing instinct but also promote better oral health by naturally scraping away tartar without the risk of blockages.
Dried meat products, like bully sticks or dehydrated beef trachea, provide a similarly satisfying chewing experience while being much more digestible and nutritious.
For dental care, there are many other products, including dental chews or even raw meaty bones, which help keep your dog’s teeth clean without the risks associated with rawhide.
In the end, prioritizing your dog’s long-term health with the alternatives above is the safest option.
FAQ
Is rawhide actually bad for dogs? Yes, traditional rawhide is bad for dogs because it can pose serious health risks, including choking and intestinal blockages. Additionally, chewed up rawhide can contain toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing process, making it unsafe for your pet.
Do vets recommend rawhide? Many vets do not recommend rawhide due to the dangers of choking, digestive blockages, and the potential for toxic chemicals in the product. Safer rawhide alternatives are often suggested to promote healthier chewing habits for an adult dog.
Does rawhide break down in a dog's stomach? Rawhide does not easily break down in a dog’s stomach, especially if swallowed in large pieces, which can lead to digestive tract blockages that may require surgery. The indigestibility of chewed up rawhide makes it a risky chew toy for adult dogs, particularly if they are aggressive chewers.
What is the safest thing for a dog to chew on? The safest chews for a dog include rawhide alternatives like raw bones or dehydrated meat products, which are natural and digestible. These options satisfy a dog’s chewing habits without the toxic chemicals and dangers associated with rawhide dog chews.
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