Skip to main content

Follow Me

🐶 The Hidden Risks of Rawhide Chews for Dogs

🐶 The Hidden Risks of Rawhide Chews for Dogs

What Every Pet Owner Should Know Before Reaching for That Rawhide

If you’ve ever walked into a pet store or browsed an aisle online for dog treats, chances are you’ve seen rawhide chews marketed as a great way to clean teeth and keep your pup busy. But beneath their shiny packaging lies a product that could pose some serious risks to your dog’s health.

Here’s why you might want to think twice before tossing one in your cart.

⚠️ What Is Rawhide, Anyway?

Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. The hides are cleaned, chemically treated, and then formed into shapes like bones, twists, and donuts. Often, artificial colors and flavorings are added to make them more appealing.

Sounds a little less “natural” now, doesn’t it?

🚨 Health Risks Associated With Rawhide

1. Choking and Intestinal Blockage

Rawhide doesn't break down easily in a dog’s stomach. Large or improperly chewed pieces can lead to:

  • Choking
  • Esophageal blockage
  • Life-threatening intestinal obstruction

➡️ According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), digestive blockages from rawhide can require emergency surgery and, in worst-case scenarios, can be fatal.

2. Chemical Contamination

Rawhides are often bleached and treated with harsh chemicals like:

  • Sodium sulfide
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Artificial preservatives like BHA or BHT

➡️ A study by the Journal of Environmental Health found traces of harmful chemicals used in the processing of some rawhide products, which may contribute to long-term health issues in pets.

3. Bacterial Contamination

Rawhides can harbor Salmonella or E. coli, which are dangerous to both pets and humans handling the treats. Dogs can get sick from contaminated chews, and so can children or adults who touch them.

➡️ The FDA has issued multiple recalls on rawhide products for bacterial contamination over the years.

4. Digestive Irritation

Even small amounts of rawhide can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or gas—especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

🐕 Safer Alternatives to Rawhide

You don’t have to sacrifice chew-time to keep your dog safe. Here are some healthier options:

  • Dehydrated sweet potatoes
  • Natural bully sticks
  • Carrots or frozen green beans
  • Vet-approved dental chews (look for the VOHC seal)
  • Nylon or rubber chew toys

Always supervise your pup with any chew item, and consult your vet for personalized recommendations.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Choose Health Over Hype

Rawhide may be common, but that doesn’t make it safe. With the many healthier, safer alternatives now available, there's no reason to risk your dog’s well-being for a treat wrapped in questionable ingredients and potential hazards.

Your dog deserves the best—and sometimes, that means leaving old habits (and chews) behind.

References & Resources:



Please check out these chew toys, giving your dog more safe chewing!


Balls

Rope toys

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Winter Effects on Your Dog’s Weight

Winter Effects on Your Dog’s Weight: Why It Happens and How to Help Winter can be a challenging season for dogs — from icy walks to long, lazy days indoors. But did you know that cold weather can also affect your dog’s weight? When the snow starts to fall and temperatures drop, many of us notice changes in our dogs — from lower energy to dry skin. One change that can sneak up on pet parents is weight fluctuation . Dogs may gain or lose weight in the winter depending on their activity level, metabolism, and environment. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you keep your pup at a healthy weight year-round. A brisk winter walk can help your dog maintain a healthy weight. 🐾 Why Dogs May Gain Weight in Winter Less activity: Cold weather and shorter days often mean fewer walks, shorter playtimes, and less overall movement. Extra calories: Many owners add “comfort foods” or extra treats during the holidays, leading to calorie overload. Indoor l...
6 comments
Read more

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats Because good ingredients don’t need a species label. We live in a world where dogs steal cat treats and cats nibble on dog jerky—and the truth is, many treats don’t need to be separated by species at all. Especially in multi-pet homes, the overlap in healthy, species-appropriate ingredients is huge. So why are treats marketed so differently? Why the Divide Exists Short answer: marketing and money. The pet industry thrives on duplication—more labels, more packaging, more sales. But if you read the back of a high-quality single-ingredient cat treat and compare it to a dog treat… they’re often identical. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, and both benefit from meat-first, low-carb, additive-free snacks. Treats That Are Perfect for Both Dogs and Cats 🐟 Freeze-Dried Fish (Salmon, Minnow, Whitefish) Why it works: High in Omega-3s, supports joint and coat health, and irresistible to both speci...
7 comments
Read more

Cultivated Meat & Pet Food Innovation in 2025

Next-Gen Pet Food: Cultivated Meat and Feeding Innovations in 2025 If 2025 proved anything, it’s that the future of pet food is already here. Beyond fresh meals and functional chews, the year brought bold innovations — including the world’s first retail launch of cultivated meat for pets. These breakthroughs aren’t just about novelty; they’re reshaping how we think about sustainability, animal welfare, and the way we feed our companions. Meatly: Cultivated Meat Arrives The star innovation of the year came from Meatly , the first company to bring cultivated meat into the pet food aisle. Teaming up with UK-based brand THE PACK and available at Pets at Home Brentford, Meatly introduced the world’s first retail-ready cultivated chicken ingredient in pet food. Cultivated meat, sometimes called “lab-grown meat,” is produced by taking a small sample of animal cells and growing them in a nutrient-rich environment. The result? Real animal protein without the need to raise and slaught...
6 comments
Read more