Dogs need something to chew. In case you are looking for something to satisfy the need of your dog, you’re in luck. The answer is pretty simple, and it’s to get a rawhide chew for your dog. Let’s go over the best rawhide for dogs. This is a great way you can stop your dog from chewing your slippers.
Best Rawhide for Dogs Guide
There are dozens of rawhides available for dogs to chew. Rawhide is made of cowhide and comes in many shapes. These are treats that can be delicious to keep your pet occupied. However, keeping proper supervision is a good idea. There are plenty of rawhide treats for dogs, but the best ones take value and shape into consideration. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. The ones that are of good quality are the ones that are recommended for dogs.
Here is a list of amazing rawhides for dogs you may want to check out:
What is Rawhide Made Out Of?
Dogs have an instinctive need to chew. This is the reason rawhide is the much-preferred treat for all the breeds and sizes of canines. Rawhide chews offer the advantage of being long-lasting and less costly than other chews. At the same time, most dogs prefer natural and original items.
Rawhide is from cows or horsehide, an inner layer. These hides are cleaned, cut, or ground while manufacturing. They are pressed in different sizes and shapes to make it chewable dog treats. It is made more appealing as the rawhide treats have liver, chicken, or beef flavorings.
The rawhide is the inner skin or soft hide of an animal. It is mostly from cows. It can be the hide of a sheep, pig, horse, or water buffalo. It depends on the place it is manufactured. The animal is not a matter of concern at any time, but the place it was raised, where it was raised, how it was raised, and the conditions it was raised in may all have an overall effect on the quality and safety of the rawhide; such that the rawhide may be thinner and drier.
There is so much spoken about rawhide that it is a must to know what rawhide is made of. Unlike other chews, rawhide does not relate to the beef industry. It is a by-product of the leather industry. The top layer cowhide grain at the tannery is tanned to produce handbags and shoes. The inner portion is left untanned in the ‘raw’ state. It is sent to a different factory to be made into chews.
These rawhide chews are made delicious for dogs and as it is basted with chicken, beef, or peanut butter. Rawhide is a natural product and is digestible.
In countries that are not the United States, it begins with a chemical bath to the rawhide. The aim is to preserve the product. Within the US, spoilage is prevented by shipping it in refrigerated containers. The imported ones will have chemicals as an extra dose. While, if it is made in the USA, it may contain less chemicals as the rawhide may be made from grassfed animals.
The rawhide making is a process when the hide of the animal is transported to plants for processing. It becomes chews as it is split, washed, and formed into the factory plants. The rawhide is washed in water first and in hydrogen peroxide solution and plain water. It is tested in batches continuously to ascertain there are no remains of residual peroxide after cleaning. Then the hides are cut, formed, and oven-dried.
The processing is a methodical approach. It is soaked first in an ash-lye solution so that the fat and the hair is removed. It is cleaned with bleach or water and hydrogen peroxide. Some may use formaldehyde or arsenic, although those chemicals are banned in the USA. Finally, it is left to smoke or kept natural by adding artificial flavors to lure the dog to chew the rawhide for hours.
The rawhides are taken for sorting after drying and it is packed. As a final precaution, it is treated before the shipment.
Are Rawhides Safe for Dogs?
Rawhide bones are safe for your pets. Dogs love treats and they love something to chew on. They’ll even leave their dinner aside for it. At such times rawhide appears to be a better alternative than your pet munching an item of furniture or some woodwork.
Rawhide chews offer dental advantages while keeping dogs entertained. It is much better than the harder treats such as bones, antlers, and hoofs. That’s because rawhides dissolve slowly and it also gets more soft as you chew.
Most dogs chew rawhide bones as it is safe. You can give them approved, and good quality chews. Rawhide is a wholesome choice for your furry friend and possibly even your cat.
Your dog’s safety is your responsibility. You can take certain precautions and ensure safety for your companion. You can reduce the risk of it getting exposed to contaminants. Keeping yourself safe and healthy is also important. It can be done by thoroughly washing your hands after handling dog treats. Also, ensuring your family members and children do not handle rawhide treats if they have immune system problems.
Safeguard your dog:
- Check with your vet about the safe amount to give your dog. For smaller dogs, fewer chews are a simple concept. Initially, it is just one at a time. You must wait to see if your dog’s intestinal system can handle it.
- If you have other pets, keep your dog away from the other pets, so that he or she can chew the rawhide peacefully. This way, your dog will not try to push down a large piece. This care should be taken in particular if your dog is very particular about eating its food.
- Other rawhide types can be given, but you must keep a vigilant eye to see if it can take the treat. Is he taking big bites or is he choking? Take the treat and consult your vet about the rawhide types or other chew treat types or toys that you can give your pet.
- If you find your dog is done with most of the rawhide chew, you may take it so that it does not swallow the last piece as it is. If you find your dog is not ready to give up the chew, order him to sit for a while, pet him, and give him some other type of treats.
Finally, watch for signs such as a blockage, gastric irritation, or bacterial contamination. You may contact your veterinarian; in case your pet shows signs of:
- Vomiting, fever, repeated swallowing, pain signs, lack of energy, gagging, diarrhea, weight loss, or denying to eat.
Benefits of Rawhides for Dogs
The positive aspects of rawhide chewing cannot go unnoticed. There is great pleasure in watching your dog slobber over the piece of rawhide that it’s chewing. Rawhides present a few safety hazards that many pet owners are unable to see if the benefits overweigh the risk.
Is it worth giving the best rawhide for dogs? The answer is “yes”. Choosing rawhides and giving them to your dog safely ensures it enjoys the benefits.
- Healthy gums and teeth: Chewing rawhide keeps the gums and teeth healthy of your dogs. It can prevent plaque and buildup of tartar. Rawhide chewing creates friction helping in polishing its teeth. Your dog will also have fresh breath
- Relieves anxiety: Dogs love chewing and this is seen as an instinct. The chewing of rawhide dog bones helps in relieving anxiety and provides dog stimulation.
Although some rawhides may provide dental benefits, it does not replace the brushing of teeth routinely and consistently. Dogs need professional dental care and treats should not replace that.
Activity
A good distraction: Rawhides provide a great way to distract your dog from being bored or chewing on things they’re not supposed to.
Something To Do
A great substitute: This is beneficial to puppies and is one of the best substitutes for your dining room table legs and leather shoes. If you notice your pet has the propensity to go digging through the trash can or your socks, it is high time to give him a rawhide bone.
Types of Rawhides for Dogs
Rawhides vary in terms of safety and quality. Here are some things you should look out for when picking the best rawhide for dogs.
- Pick a USA made rawhide chew: US made rawhide chews are regarded and accepted to be the highest quality and safest options available. Rawhides from other countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, or Western Europe are not bad either.
- Use multi-piece rawhides with caution: There may be multiple pieces of rawhides. These are available as flavored strips and can be twisted together. These multi-piece rawhides are loved by your pooches as they enjoy pulling the twisted ones apart. However, there is a problem that while breaking, if it breaks as large pieces and your dog tries eating, it may result in choking. Ascertain to use caution with rawhide types and closely supervise your dog for safety. If not, just buy rawhides in single pieces.
- Say “no” to extremely white rawhides. There is no attraction in the super-white rawhides. It is a form of undergoing bleaching or dying. It may have dangerous chemicals, mainly titanium dioxide. Thus, you may consider buying rawhides that are not white. Instead, look for cream, off-white, light yellow, and so on. Also, ensure they are undergoing and have come through gentler processing methods.
These are all things you may need to consider when picking the right rawhide chew for your doggo. Sometimes you may want to know more about the rawhide. These are some factors to consider as well.
- The original source of the hides
- The country in which it is processed
- A manufacturer method used in the processing of the hides
- How the hides are cuts and given shapes for sale
- The additives and flavors added to the hides
- The shape and the thickness given to the hides
Compressed
The compressed rawhides are a little differently processed than the sheet or roll style, the traditional style treats. The compressed rawhides are said to be the safest for your pooch. It also does not cause obstructions while eating for your pooch and does not hurt its mouth to cause mouth injuries. While your dog chews on it, everything will stay compressed and intact.
The compressed rawhides are the common types that are made from the rawhide layers. It is compressed to give a particular shape. Mostly it is given the bone shape and comes without the knots. It has a dense and hard dog chew and is the best as it lasts for a longer time. It is a variety of rawhide suitable for the large breed dogs that require chewing needs and also perfect for the aggressive chewers.
Rolled and Cut
Rawhide that is rolled and cut can soften quickly and can stretch when left wet. This can be a good thing for your dog, especially if your dog does not have the chewing power to get through the entire rawhide. Here is the process of making rolled and cut rawhides for dogs.
The rawhide laces are used for boots and the normal tanned leather is used to make baseball gloves. The rawhide is of no use when it becomes dry and is unsuitable to put into use. Any animal skin, deer, buffalo, elk, or cattle rawhide originated is removed of the meat, fur, and fat. The hide is stretched before it is put to dry over a frame. It makes the hide translucent and hard. It is then shaped by rewetting the hide. It can be rolled and cut before it is allowed to re-dry thoroughly. It is bent in different directions by rubbing on a post. It’s then greased or oiled for waterproofing. Thus, it is rolled and cut, then put to dry and packed.
The rolled and cut type is made into strips and it is given different shapes. It will feature on both ends of a knot. The knotted flat chew bones are softer in comparison to the rolled chew bones. This is because the knots on either end are easily chewed off. Thus, care should be given to keep your dog from trying to swallow it fully. The rolled and cut rawhide is loved by almost all dogs and a good choice for average chewers.
Granulated
The dog chews are made using granulated rawhides. It is the softest. It comes in small quantities. It crumbles easily and makes it suitable for light chewers and is appropriate for puppies.
Other types
There are other types of chips, strips, and chew flips. They are in flat and smaller portions. It is taken from the sheets of rawhide. These are the types that easily soften and are in a perfect size that mostly swallowing as a whole is a possibility. Such varieties are dangerous for the large puppies and dogs. It is also dangerous for active and aggressive chewers.
If you wish to have a safe rawhide alternative, something that your dog will love, you can find other options. Most dogs enjoy have the pig’s hoof or ear. Get bully sticks that are delicious and lasts for a longer time. The antlers are fun to chew and flavorful. The special bones are flavored and are in nylon. It’s great for chewing.
Important Features to Think About
There are natural and safe chews for dogs. You can get good quality rawhides. There is a need to supervise while your dog is chewing its rawhide. You can reduce the risk of bowel obstructions or choking. You should take away the chew once you notice it has begun shredding pieces. You should not allow your pet to swallow a piece of rawhide as whole or even to get close to the end. This is dangerous as it is a large piece and can get stuck.
The important features to think while giving a rawhide chew are:
- Look for chews made from a thick, single rawhide sheet.
- Avoid buying chews that have a bad smell or have no odor.
- Say no to the white rawhide products. It is because when it is extremely white it means it underwent high chemical treatment.
- In the pet stores, there may be many chewing items and do not end up buying them, even if they appear tempting to feed your furry friends. It is because they may be hard and cause broken teeth. On the other hand, if they are splintery, they are prone to risk perforated intestines and may cause other internal injuries.
- Give animal-based chews and never any plastic chew as swallowing plastic bits may be harmful. Even animal-based chews such as pigs’ ears appear dried to the extent that it invites internal injuries.
Natural Dog Chews
The fact is that the majority of rawhide products available in the market are of poor quality. They can also present dangers to your pet. Chews are made using the dried tendons, but it should have the ideal chewy consistency. The issue is that the large chews do not have the required consistency to chew and so the dogs are compelled to chew them very slowly or else they may choke on. Instead, the beef and other animal penises dried ‘pissles’ give ideal consistency. They are certainly chewy and are the anatomical parts that are easily identifiable such as the pig snouts that they are disgusting and nasty to handle.
This makes every dog owner turn towards rawhide chews. It is stiff and softens quickly as it is made using the dried animal skin. It becomes soft under the saliva of a dog and the dog’s jaw mechanical action enjoys the chewing feel. It should be purchased in a suitable form that the dog can chew off. However, it should take a lot of work from the dog and allow it to chew little bits. Thus, the risk of choking is less and the digestive problems are fewer. The rawhide chews are not messy, fouling, or disgusting to look or touch, though it is also an animal product. This is the reason dogs are happy and drawn to chewing the rawhides.
Rawhide is attractive as an item for canine chew and is also wholesome and safe. Rawhide is available in different forms, so ensure the right form. As all the forms are not suitable for your dog. Top-quality chews are not available in a pet supply store. There may be a need to shop around or browse online to place an order. But it is worth to spend quality time to get good and reliably safe products.
Rawhides that are made in the USA
The factor of freshness is one of the strong reasons to buy the rawhide chews that are made in the USA. It is also a wonderful truth that there is no toxic or illegal chemical used in these rawhide chews. While manufacturing the products, the United States does not use any chemicals. In low-quality hides alone you can detect toxic animals, arsenic, lead, chromium salts, mercury, and formaldehyde. They are not made from grass-fed animals.
Anytime you buy, read carefully the label. The manufacturers of pet products know that the pet owners look for the manufacturing place. On seeing ‘Made in China’ it is viewed as a red flag. This is because China is clever in producing goods as if they are produced domestically. Products are bearing American flags and are made overseas. The fine prints are a way of presenting something and revealing different.
The South American beef hides, especially the Brazilian are blamed because they make the hides using beef. People are looking for natural rawhide that is made from cattle that are grass fed and has fewer antibiotics, pesticides, fewer hormones, that it is healthier. In the USA, the competitors claim that the cattle raised in equatorial, warm climates re thin-skinned and give less chewy thinner chews. It is said that this will make it dicey while it is manufactured.
However, remember to buy rawhides that have the hide thickness and the better part is to have thicker chews. It will take more time for the dog to chew. Also, concentrate on the color. There is no need to get extreme white hides. They are not natural. They may be painted or bleached to give such a white appearance. Even lightly bleached or natural rawhides have a light tan.
These hides are less-processed and they retain more aroma and natural flavor. On the other hand, the smoked, basted, and tinted products may be in any odor or color that beneath the coating, nothing comes to notice and it is best to avoid flavors and dyes as dogs rawhide chews.
The animal’s dried skin certainly gives aroma. This is the reason a rawhide chew must not have a rotten smell. If it has such an odor it means there is a load of high bacteria on it. At the same time, a rawhide chew should also not be odor-free completely. If the rawhide indicates nothing it is a sign that the product went through extreme bleaching.
Size
The size is a very important feature to consider. The chews you plan to buy for your dog should be small. This is because it will allow your dog to pick up with ease. Likewise, it should not be very small that it will try to swallow as a whole and it gets choked on.
Ingredients
Mostly there is beef hide in the rawhide chews. Some are also made from buffalo or horse hides. However, if you are looking for an ingredient that does not harm your dog or cause allergies, you must make it a point to read the labels of the ingredients while buying the chews. The cowhides are the best chews.
Digestibility
Referring to the digestibility part, the safest chews of rawhide are sourced and process in the USA. The best part is that during the manufacturing process the do not add any harmful preservatives or chemicals. Besides the ones from South America sourced are from cows that are raised on the farms. Thus, the USA produced rawhides are the best.
Alternatives to Rawhide Bones
The ingredients for rawhide bones can come from a variety of different sources. Some of these can be better for your dog and some of these your dogs may or may not like. It all depends on your dog and what your dog enjoys chewing. In case your dog does not like rawhides, you can give it some alternatives.
Antlers
Your pet will love elk and deer antlers as treats. They also make the best benefits such as it keeps your dog healthy, provides essential nutrients required to his body, and ensures clean teeth. The antlers are full of zinc, potassium, manganese, and calcium. It promotes extended life and fittest survival. The best part is that antlers are the toughest chewers. However, ensure to keep a watch on your pet when you give an antler, in case your pet breaks it.
Sweet Potato Chews
Sweet potatoes are not the favorite of human beings alone. It is the light ultimate snack loved by your pup, as well. You have to ensure you cook it properly. Also, ensure your pup is engaged so that while it is getting cooked you can clear the unwashed dishes or get finishing with a set of laundry as a quick load. The sweet potatoes are high in fiber that it is of immense help to support a healthy digestive system. It showers the best of the nutrients that are required for your dog. You may dry it out in an oven and give your buddy’s teeth some cleaning work.
Frozen Carrots
Keeping the rawhide away is not a big task. There are natural treats that dogs will love to enjoy. The most perfect is frozen carrots. It looks perfect to chew and as you keep the carrots for some hours in the freezer, they become long-lasting. The advantage is that they are low on calories and you can be happy that your dog is getting something healthy to chew and you are not making your pooch plump.
Raw Bones
Raw bones are a fascinating source of minerals. Other nutrients are also good for clean teeth. You can go with a femur or hip bone form the large animals such as bison and cows, that are filled with marrow. Place under your dog a towel so that it does not get messy. Also remember to avoid cooked bones as it may perforate the intestines of your pet, cause death or serious injury.
Venison Ears
Check the pet stores as they have lots of ear chews and it includes a variety of beef or pig. Venison chews are low in fat. However, your pup will find it hard to chew, but it is a healthy treat that will also make him happy. It will not break easily and so there is very little or no choking hazards. Yet, staying in the same room while it is gnawing or try at one is best.
Fish Skin
Are you aware that chews are made using fish skin? These are healthy chews and the name is a misnomer. The name is due to the shape of the chews. It is non-greasy and low in fat. However, it is the right choice and substitutes to the traditional rawhide bones. It has a jerky texture and these chews are the best for your pups’ skin. You can get dried fish skins that are also great providing essential Omega 3s and protein while you can offer its wishful treat and clean your pup’s teeth.
Himalayan Chews
This is a tough find at the local pet stores. However, the Himalayan chews are a wonderful choice for the dogs who have issues with digestion. The Himalayan chews are made of cow and yak milk. It has an inclusion of lime juice and salt for flavor. A common aspect is that most dogs face no stomach issues on eating the Himalayan chews. They mostly are tough as bones and even if they get broken, they are not a hazard if your dog swallows it intently or by mistake. However, you should keep a watch from it gulping huge chunks, though the risk is not similar to gulping a rawhide chew. The Himalayan chews last for many hours.
Always Monitor
It is important to understand that your dog can be given chews of any type, but you should be alert enough and monitor its activity. It is because you should ensure the pieces are not swallowed or broken. It may choke them. Ensure it chews regularly and keep it safe from any bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Give a Rawhide Bone to Your Dog?
It is common for dogs to chew rawhides. They are classic chew toys. The rawhides are made using the cowhide inner layer. It is cleaned, shaped, and cut. It is dried and flavored that it offers the dogs the chewing pleasure for a few hours. It is good to gulp down and the dogs are more than happy to enjoy this chewing experience.
What breeds can rawhides be given to?
It is safe to give rawhides to dogs. This also includes giving to Pit Bulls and Labrador Retrievers. However, one should be very careful as these dogs are heavy-duty gulpers and chewers. These are the dogs that swallow biting large rawhide pieces. The chunks can get stuck in their stomach, esophagus, or intestinal tract posing a risk of choking. It may need endoscopic removal or emergency surgery. It is good for other dogs as they will take a long time and will gnaw the rawhide for hours and maybe days.
This is the reason that even the veterinarians accept giving your dogs a rawhide.
Rawhide Safety
Rawhides safety is a matter to be considered seriously. The rawhides in the United States are washed using detergents and degreasers. It is sterilized using hydrogen peroxide and is rinsed thoroughly. These rawhides are refrigerated and are processed so that the rawhides are fresh. The other countries producing the rawhides adhere to less stringent practices that there are possibilities that it may contain with toxins.
The Food and Drug Administration has no regulation procedures in some of the countries. Yet, it is for the consumers to check with the USA and to understand their practices.
Quality Rawhides Are Expensive, But Are They Worth It?
The rawhide bones, rolls, chips, and twists are moistened and chewed. These wrap around the teeth and thus it removes the calculi and plaque off the dog’s teeth. It reduces bad breath, eliminates serious dental issues, and keeps teeth shining.
Buying quality rawhides or sticks of rawhides are the best. It offers the worth even if it is expensive. It helps in cleaning the plaque and is chewy. It stimulates the blood flow with saliva production and assures good dental health. The soft rawhide is helpful. Avoid buying the brittle type of rawhides as it may cut the gums of your dog. Thus, buy quality rawhides even if expensive, and ensure it is chewy and smooth.