Is Feeding Rawhide to Dogs Safe?

Rawhide chews have been sitting in pet-store aisles for decades, if not longer. Dogs often love them, owners appreciate the temporary peace and quiet, and they come in practically every shape imaginable, from simple strips to giant “bone knots.”

But if something sells like hot cakes, it doesn’t always mean a product is safe. Rawhide can satisfy a dog’s urge to chew, which can definitely save you some headache and a few pairs of shoes, not to mention certain dental benefits. But at the same time, it can create serious problems if a dog tears off and swallows a large piece.

So, is rawhide good or bad? The simple answer is: it depends on the dog.

What Is Rawhide Made From?

Rawhide is generally made from the inner layer of cow or horse skin. During production, the hide is cleaned, processed, cut or ground, and then pressed or rolled into chewable shapes. Manufacturers may also add beef, chicken, liver, or other flavorings to make the finished product more appealing.

Rawhide is not regular dried meat. Dogs can eventually soften it with saliva and constant chewing, but not every chunk that they swallow will break down in their digestive system, so this is the first thing you should be paying attention to.

Why Do Dogs Like It So Much?

Dogs love chewing stuff. It can be wooden furniture, rubber toys, your favorite slippers, or rawhide, of course. It gives them something to do, provides mental stimulation, and may help them settle when they’re bored or restless. Puppies are probably the worst offenders when it comes to chewing, as they love exploring the world with their mouths lined with sharp little teeth.

The scraping action created during chewing may also help them essentially brush their teeth. But not every rawhide product is the same, and some don’t even do that part of their job. If you’re looking for dental care, consider products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s acceptance seal and remember that chews do not replace regular veterinary dental care or toothbrushing.

What Are the Main Risks?

While rawhide is not toxic (at least it shouldn’t be), its biggest problem is that some dogs can break it into pieces large enough to cause choking or an obstruction. A softened chunk may become lodged in the throat or esophagus. If swallowed, it may disrupt the dog’s stomach or make a mess out of the intestines. The solution to this problem may be as easy as an endoscopy (yes, that’s the easy way), or as difficult as abdominal surgery. Thinking, “Oh, it’ll come out naturally,” may lead to intestinal blockage and can become life-threatening.

A sensitive dog might develop vomiting, loose stools, or diarrhea after chewing on rawhide. But wait, there’s more! Like other animal-based products, rawhide can be covered in bacteria such as Salmonella or even worse — E. coli. And guess what? If there’s nasty stuff on the rawhide, people are also likely to get it, especially young children who often play with the doggy.

And lastly, extra hard rawhide may also damage a dog’s teeth and gums, especially when the dog is an aggressive chewer dead-set on defeating the rough treat through brute force.

Is There a Safer Rawhide Option?

There is no way to make every chew completely risk-free; otherwise, everyone would be using that option, but if you look after the dog and its habits, you can surmise what it needs by choosing a treat that is appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style.

For starters, it should be too large to be swallowed whole. Don’t even entertain getting a small version for a big breed. Next step is to stay nearby while your dog chews. Take away the rawhide if your dog begins shredding it like paper, gulping pieces, gagging, or trying to swallow it. Naturally, throw the rawhide away when it becomes small enough.

Do not try to wrestle it away; instead, teach your dog to “drop it” and trade the chew for a nice and juicy treat. Now you’re done! Just wash your hands after handling rawhide, and clean any surfaces it touched. Also, as stated before, children should not be allowed to play with or handle a dog’s half-chewed treat for their own protection.

Which Dogs Should Avoid Rawhide?

Rawhide is probably not the best option for dogs that tend to swallow treats without chewing. It may also be unsuitable for dogs that have previously choked on toys or treats, have a history of intestinal obstruction, or develop vomiting or diarrhea after eating rawhide. As their owner, you should probably already know all this. Also, if you have a puppy, senior dog, or dog with digestive or dental conditions, have a quick chat with a vet before offering any new chew.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Problem?

Contact a veterinarian if your dog starts gagging repeatedly, vomiting, regurgitating, drooling too much, has clear signs of abdominal discomfort, low energy, loss of appetite, or difficulty passing stool after chewing rawhide. If your pet has trouble breathing, is obviously choking, and has blue or pale gums, get immediate help.

Safer Alternatives You Should Try Instead

First things that come to mind are durable rubber toys, food-dispensing toys, and dental chews designed for the dog’s weight. There are also softer edible chews, but you still need to pay close attention. Hard stuff like bones, antlers, and some extra-rigid chews are not always better or safer, as they may not only break the dog’s teeth, but also shatter into dangerously sharp pieces.

At the end of the day, the best chew is one that matches your dog’s size, health, and chewing habits, so take those parameters into account when buying your woofer a new little treat. And, just to be sure, keep an eye on that rawhide piece as much as you can because the alternative may not be great for either the dog or your wallet.