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Dogs are natural chewers, and rawhide chews are a popular outlet for a pup’s instincts. Many pet parents like rawhide because it’s tough and long-lasting. But those attributes can also make it a riskier treat than most.
In recent years, concerned pet parents have flagged a range of potential risks:
- Choking
- Digestibility and gastrointestinal obstruction
- Dangerous processing methods
- Bacterial contamination
With arguments both for and against rawhide, it’s hard to know where to land. We’ve consulted three veterinarians to outline the risks of rawhide so you can make an informed decision. We’ll also look at some safe alternatives.
What Is Rawhide Made Of?
Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of animal skins. Usually, this is sourced from cows, but it can also be made from pigs, sheep, horses, or water buffalo.
While the top layer of skin goes to the tannery to be made into leather, the inner layer is cleaned, dried, and shaped into dog chews.
One of the ways rawhide differs from other edible chews is how it’s processed. This can involve several chemicals of questionable safety. Hides are often cleaned with detergent and sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. Then, a solution of sodium sulfide and lime is used to strip the fat and hair.
The result is a dense, rigid chew that can be shaped and flavored for maximum dog appeal.
Choking Hazards of Rawhides
As dogs gnaw on rawhide, it can become slippery. Habitual gulpers may bite off large pieces that can get lodged in the throat.
Dr. Jennifer Sperry, a veterinarian with Pets Plus Us Insurance, explains. “While rawhides only cause these problems occasionally, it’s something to be aware of, especially if your pet tends to swallow large pieces of their chews.”
The choking risk depends largely on a dog’s chewing style, points out Jacqueline Brister, DVM at Embrace Pet Insurance. Polite chewers who take their time and chew thoroughly may be able to enjoy rawhides safely. However, intense chewers are liable to break off chunks that are too big to pass through the esophagus.
The size, shape, and firmness of the rawhide also play a role. “Chews that crumble into small pieces with chewing pose a lower risk,” says Dr. Sperry.
She explains that choking is more prevalent with rawhides that maintain their shape or those that swell when wet. “Any chews with knots, knuckles, or other round, detachable shapes will pose more of a choking hazard than a flat or strip-like chew.”
To reduce the risk of choking, Dr. Brister suggests:
- Taking away the rawhide once it has been chewed down into pieces that could cause choking or blockage
- Selecting a rawhide that is appropriate for your dog’s size
- Supervising dogs with rawhides and other types of chews
Rawhide and Digestibility
The digestibility of rawhide is a matter of debate among veterinary professionals, says Dr. Brister. She finds that rawhide generally doesn’t digest well, especially when swallowed in larger chunks.
The research tends to agree. One study evaluated the digestibility of various chew types and found that while rawhide was more digestible than bones, it was less digestible than dental sticks, biscuits, and other chews.
Digestibility matters because rawhide material doesn’t break down readily. Instead, it tends to swell inside the stomach, which can lead to an obstruction. In some cases, this may become an emergency situation. Dr. Kathryn Dench, Chief Veterinary Advisor at Paw Origins, has experienced this firsthand.
“In my years of practice, I’ve observed a noticeable percentage of intestinal blockages in dogs being linked to large, undigested pieces of rawhide,” she reports. “The risk increases with smaller dogs or those that tend to swallow large pieces without adequate chewing.”
Rawhide and Chemicals
Rawhide production often involves harsh chemicals, preservatives, and bleaching agents. Manufacturers may use:
- Degreasers, detergents, and hydrogen peroxide to clean and sterilize the hides
- Lime to remove hair and fat
- Glues to maintain the chew’s shape
- Artificial colors and flavors
“While these chemicals are generally considered safe in the final product, there are concerns about the long-term safety of potential residues, especially with frequent exposure,” Dr. Dench tells Rover.
Keep in mind too that processing protocols vary among countries. Those made overseas may not adhere to the same level of regulation as those made in the United States. In 2017, a voluntary recall was issued for several brands manufactured in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil that processed rawhide with ammonia.
This highlights the importance of selecting rawhides from brands with strict safety protocols in place. “It is best to choose rawhides from a trustworthy domestic manufacturer that is willing to share their ingredients and process,” says Dr. Sperry.
Rawhide and Contamination
Like any natural protein chew, rawhides pose a risk of microbial contamination. In the past, there have been periodic reports of contamination with Salmonella, E.coli, and Clostridium. Dr. Brister says it can help to purchase from a reputable company, but sometimes contamination happens regardless.
To minimize the risk of bacterial contamination, rawhides must be stored in dry conditions and consumed promptly. “The longer the rawhide lasts in your home, the higher the risk for contamination gets,” adds Dr. Sperry.
Rawhide and Dental Health
A chew that’s too hard can wear down a dog’s enamel or cause tooth fractures. Dr. Dench explains this risk is higher for dogs with pre-existing dental issues. Aggressive chewers, puppies, and small dogs with tiny teeth are also more likely to experience tooth damage. Not only is a fractured tooth painful, but it can also lead to secondary infections.
That’s not to say rawhide will cause dental problems in all dogs. In fact, Dr. Brister points out that the Veterinary Oral Health Council has actually approved some rawhide products. Some studies have even shown that soft rawhides may reduce the formation of dental calculus and gingivitis in dogs.
For a chew that’s gentler on teeth, pay attention to the shape. “From a dental perspective, flat rawhide strips can be quite beneficial for a dog’s teeth,” says Dr. Sperry. Flat chews can remove plaque and tartar without posing a high risk for enamel erosion or fractures.
However, the risk of dental damage goes up with rolled, compressed, or knotted rawhides. That’s especially true for enthusiastic chewers.
Rawhide Calorie Content
Fortunately, for most dogs, rawhides won’t contribute to excessive weight gain. According to Dr. Sperry, they’re moderately caloric and take more time and energy to ingest than other chews. That means they can add fewer calories to your dog’s diet.
That said, rawhides should still be offered in moderation. Because rawhides aren’t considered “food” by the FDA, manufacturers are not required to disclose calorie content on the label. If your pup needs to watch their weight, it’s best to find a brand that’s transparent with calorie content.
How To Decide if Rawhide Is Right for Your Dog
Like so many things in life, rawhides are not universally “good” or “bad.” Certainly, for some dogs, the risks of these chews will be too high. For others, rawhides can provide an anxiety-relieving distraction and improve oral health.
To decide if rawhide is right for your dog, consider:
- Your dog’s chewing habits and style
- Their age and size
- Their dental health
- Any digestive sensitivities
- How often they get chews
However, there are some dogs who should probably avoid rawhides, including:
- Power chewers with a tendency to swallow things whole
- Puppies with delicate baby teeth
- Dogs with dental issues
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs
Alternatives to Rawhide
If you decide rawhide isn’t for your pup, there are lots of rawhide alternatives out there.
Bully sticks, like Best Bully Sticks, are made with a single ingredient (beef muscle) and are popular for their durability and digestibility. You can reduce the risk of choking by using a bully stick holder.
There are also mess-free yak chews, which are geared towards medium to heavy chewers. They tend to be both long-lasting and relatively low-odor.
