Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs? Exploring Healthier Chew Alternatives
Posted by volhard dog nutrition on Aug 14th 2024
As dog parents, we want the best for our furry friends, from nutritious meals to safe, enjoyable toys.
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, helping to relieve anxiety and boredom and even clean their teeth. Many of us have reached for rawhide as a go-to chew, but is it really the best option for our pups?
Let's chat about the potential risks of rawhide and introduce you to healthier, safer alternatives that your dog will love just as much.
Are Rawhide Chews Good for Dogs?
Rawhide chews have long been touted as a beneficial treat for our dogs' dental health due to their ability to satisfy a dog's natural chewing instincts.
These chews are made from the inner layer of animal skin, typically from cattle or pigs, which is cleaned, cut, and dried to create a chewable product that many dogs love.
Many dog parents are drawn to rawhide treats because they are promoted as long-lasting chews that are great for puppy teething and help keep a dog's teeth clean and jaws strong. Chewing rawhide reduces plaque and tartar buildup, leading to better oral health for dogs.
Rawhide chews come in various shapes and sizes, appealing to various dog breeds and chewing styles. They are marketed as being made from natural animal hides, creating a perception of them being a healthy, natural choice.
Despite these perceived benefits, like cooked bones, rawhide chews are not as safe as they seem. The reality is that rawhide dog chews pose significant health risks, including choking hazards, digestive issues, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
What Makes Rawhide Dangerous for Dogs?
Rawhide Is Treated with Toxic Chemicals
One of the primary concerns with traditional rawhide chews is the chemical treatments they undergo:
- Brined Hides and Bleaching: The raw animal skin is first brined, which involves soaking in a salt solution to preserve it. Afterward, the hides are often bleached with chemicals to achieve that clean, white appearance many dog parents recognize. These chemicals are not meant to be ingested and can pose severe risks to dogs.
- Chemical Preservatives: Besides bleaching agents, rawhide treats are preserved with chemicals to prolong their shelf life. These preservatives are harmful, especially if a dog chews and ingests large amounts over time, causing gastrointestinal irritation and more severe conditions like liver damage.
Rawhide Affects the Digestive System
Many dog parents are unaware that rawhide is tough to digest, which can lead to several digestive problems:
- Intestinal Blockages: Dogs who chew rawhide, especially aggressive chewers, tend to swallow large pieces. These large chunks can get lodged in the digestive tract, leading to intestinal blockages. This is particularly dangerous for puppies and small and senior dogs, whose digestive systems may not handle such blockages well.
- Inflammation and Leaky Gut: Even if a dog manages to break down the rawhide into smaller pieces, these fragments may cause inflammation within the digestive tract, sometimes leading to a condition known as Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Rawhide Chews Pose a Choking Hazard
Rawhide dog chews also present a choking hazard. As dogs gnaw on rawhide bones, they can break off small or large pieces, which can become lodged in their throats.
- Choking Risks: Dogs, particularly those left unattended, can easily choke on these pieces. This risk is heightened for small dogs and puppies.
- Emergency Situations: In severe cases, if a dog swallows a piece of rawhide that blocks their airway, it can result in a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.
Given the numerous risks associated with rawhide chews, it's clear that dog parents should consider healthier, safer alternatives. Always prioritize your dog's well-being by choosing safe and digestible chew toys.
2 Healthier Alternatives to Rawhide Chews
Marrow Bones
Marrow bones are a fantastic rawhide alternative for dog parents seeking a natural and nutritious chew option. These bones are filled with nutrient-rich marrow that dogs love to gnaw on, and they provide several benefits:
- Nutritional Value: Marrow bones contain essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog's health.
- Dental Health: Chewing on marrow bones helps clean your dog's teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar, promoting better oral hygiene.
- Long-Lasting: Marrow bones last longer than rawhide chews, making them an excellent option for aggressive chewers.
Split Elk Antlers
Split elk antlers come from the naturally shed antlers of elk and offer several benefits without being too hard (like whole elk or deer antlers may be):
- Safe Chewing: Unlike rawhide dog chews, split elk antlers are less likely to splinter, making them safer for your dog to chew on.
- Nutritious Core: The split antlers expose the nutritious inner marrow, which dogs find irresistible.
- Durability: Split elk antlers are incredibly durable and last longer than rawhide bones, providing a long-lasting chew experience for dogs of all sizes.
How Long Do Alternative Chews Last?
Marrow bones can withstand heavy chewing and can last for weeks, depending on your dog's chewing intensity.
However, split elk antlers are among the most long-lasting chews available. They can endure months of chewing, making them a cost-effective and safe option for adult dogs and senior dogs alike.
Make the Switch to Safer Chews for Your Dog!
For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!
Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!
Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.
If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!
References
- Scott, Dana. "Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs? The Shocking Truth - Dogs Naturally." Dogs Naturally - Natural Dog Health And Nutrition, 8 Mar. 2024, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/rawhide-dangerous-f... Accessed 8 June 2024.
- "Planet Paws." Facebook, 15 June 2022, www.facebook.com/PlanetPawsMedia/posts/7647780818... Accessed 11 July 2024.
- "Rawhide Bones and Treats for Dogs: Risks and Benefits." WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/rawhide-good-or-bad-for-y... Accessed 8 June 2024.
- Pell, Sheila. "The Dangers of Rawhide Dog Chews." The Wildest RSS, www.thewildest.com/dog-health/dangers-rawhide-dog... Accessed 8 June 2024.