Why Rawhide Is Bad For Your Dog

Rawhide is a very popular treat for dogs. You can find Rawhide bones pretty much anywhere and typically for relatively cheap. Although this sounds like a good idea since rawhide can satisfy your dog's natural instinct to chew, they are not a healthy option for your dog.

Rawhide treats come from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. During manufacturing, the hides are cleaned and cut or ground before being pressed into chewable dog treats. To make them more appealing, some treats contain beef, chicken, or liver flavorings.

The most common rawhide risks are contamination, digestive irritation, and choking/blockages.

As with pet toys, rawhide chews can contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals. Salmonella or E. coli contamination is also possible.

Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to rawhide or other substances used in manufacturing.

Rawhide and other edible chews can pose a choking and blockage risk. This risk is much bigger than contamination or digestive irritation. If your dog swallows a large piece of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or digestive tract. Depending on its size and where it's located, a vet may be able to remove these pieces through the throat. But sometimes, abdominal surgery is needed to remove them from the stomach or intestines. If it isn't resolved, a blockage can lead to death. Even if your dog has had rawhide in the past and you're thinking "Oh, he'll be fine, he's never swallowed a chunk before", think again, as the rawhide itself is not easily digestible and any amount of rawhide can quickly become an issue.

Manufacturers will often put "Easily Digestible" on their rawhide labels but it is no different than regular rawhide. It's best to avoid these treats all together to avoid any potential issues with your dog. Anything that says "No Rawhide" or "Rawhide Free" would be best.

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