Chewing is an instinctive behavior in dogs. Young dogs chew as their teeth come in, while older dogs chew to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean. They might also chew to relieve anxiety, frustration, or boredom.
How do you satisfy your dog’s desire to chew? If you answered this question with a rawhide bone, it is time that you knew the truth about this “natural” treat imposter.
Yes, it can keep your pet busy and chewing for hours, but is it safe? The short answer is no, not really. Is it natural? No, not by a long shot. Is it dangerous? Yes, most definitely, rawhides pose a serious risk to your pet’s health and well-being.
But they look so natural and authentic, right? If you have some image in your mind of a healthy piece of beef skin dried into shapes, it’s time to replace that with the truth.
Rawhides are made using leftovers from the leather industry using a highly toxic process. Plus, there are more dangers than that.
Here are seven scary reasons why your dog should never chew on a piece of rawhide.
Rawhides contain dog skins
Typically, rawhide pet products are made using cow or horse hides, but one investigation found something bizarre. The Human Society International discovered that skins from slaughtered dogs were used in certain rawhide products from Thailand found in stores in America. Dog slaughtering for meat and hides is common in many parts of Asia, and this horrific practice is now being seen in the production of rawhide animal products.
Raw hides are made with highly toxic chemicals
Brine-soaked hides are sent to tanneries where hair and fat are removed using toxic chemicals. More chemicals make the hide puff up and cause it to be easier to split apart into layers. The first layer of the hide is used to make leather goods such as shoes and purses, and the inside is used to make rawhide chews and other products, including glue.
The rawhide is then washed and whitened with hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or strong chemicals. This process also removes the odor of rotting leather. Even though hides soak in brine – the decay process still continues.
Synthetic flavors and colors are added and chemicals used include toxic dyes like FD&C Red 40. This dangerous dye is linked to behavioral issues in chidlresn, migraines, and allergies.
Tracking the impacts of chemical exposure in pets is very difficult as the poisoning happens in small amounts over some time. The Center for Veterinary Medicine – the FDA’s veterinary branch, only checks additives in pet food after receiving a substantial number of complaints regarding a particular chemical.
Rawhides are manufactured in substandard factories
The bad news is not only about how the rawhides are made but where they are made. Foreign manufacturing facilities have loose standards of operation, leading to issues regarding processing and contamination.
Arsenic, antibiotics, and pesticides have been discovered in imported rawhide dog chews. Also, with few regulations, dangerous bacteria may grow on rawhide, making your dog incredibly sick.
Rawhides put a tremendous strain on the gastrointestinal tract
If you have ever given your dog a rawhide chew, you may be surprised to see it come out the other end looking smaller but similar to how it started. This is because this byproduct of the leather industry is chemically engineered to be durable and tough. In doing so, they make them undigestable.
According to Dr. James Barr from Teax A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,
“Most commonly, they swallow things that are too big to pass and end up stuck in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.”
Dogs will chew on rawhide, softening it and breaking it down into smaller pieces. Thees pieces, however, are non-digestible and are swallowed whole. They swell up in the gut and can cause anything from minor stomach pain and elimination issues too far more severe and life-threatening obstruction.
Dr. Jevon Clark of The Animal Clinic of Kalispell has this to say about rawhides,
“Often times dogs are able to get those things all soft and gross and gushy and swallow great big chunks of them which can pass through their esophagus into their stomach, but then they can’t get out of their stomach. And so, they can either get intestinal blockage in their small intestine. Or, they actually just stay in the stomach and we have to go in and get those things out.”
Rawhides can cause choking
Giving your dog a rawhide chew is a bad decision, but leaving them alone with the chew is even worse. If a piece of the chew breaks off, it can lodge in the throat and block the airway leading to choking and even death.
Rawhides can cause teeth fractures
Dr. Nadine Fiani from Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine says rawhide is the most common cause of canine tooth fractures. This is especially true for puppies who are aggressive chewers. Once a tooth is fractured, it is an opportunity for an infection to start and spread, which can be extremely serious.
Say no to rawhides and seek healthy alternatives
Don’t let the packages, advertising, or fake natural appearance of raw hides fool you. They are something that pet parents should steer far from to keep their furry friend healthy. Thankfully, numerous healthier options satisfy your pet satisfies your pets urge to chew.
Carrots
Full-size carrots are an excellent choice for chewers. They contain nutrients, are low in calories, and are hard enough for dogs to get their munch on. Begin offering carrots to your dog at a young age, and they will beg for them whenever you reach for a bunch.
Antlers
Both elk and deer antlers contain calcium, zinc, potassium, and manganese. They don’t stink and will not upset your pup’s tummy. Use caution when giving these to dogs, as they are quite hard. They might not be the best choice if your dog is an aggressive chewer.
Organic Raw Meaty Bones
Your dog’s ancestors ate whole prey-bones and all. Look inside your dog’s mouth at those big back teeth – they are the bone crunchers. Raw organic meat bones are good for dogs, they contain loads of fresh cartilage, a source of glucosamine, collagen, chondroitin, and vitamin C. Bones also provide roughage and help digestion.
Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are a fantastic rawhide alternative. They are tough enough to give your dog a good chew workout, yet they won’t splinter, crack, or swell in the belly. They are single ingredient chew, made from beef muscle, and contain no additives, chemicals, or artificial ingredients. You can find them in various styles depending on your pup’s chewing intensity. Bully sticks last a long time, and the only downside is that they tend to have a strong odor, so you might want to reserve them for an outside treat.
Salmon skin bones
Salmon skin bones are highly nutritious and delicious bones made of salmon skins. These are a great treat for dogs who have allergies or are sensitive to other proteins. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids and digestible.
Never leave your dog alone with a bone or chew
No matter what alternative you choose for your canine companion, it is best and safest to never leave your pup alone with a chew. Supervised chewing will keep your dog safe, so remember to put all bones up when you leave the house.
