Is rawhide safe for dogs? What is rawhide, how is it made and more...

Rawhide is a widely available dog chew that can be found in numerous dog shops and grocery stores. It is a chewable material made from the inner layer of animal skin, primarily derived from cows and horses. However, it is important to note that rawhide is considered a by-product of the leather industry rather than the meat industry. As a result, rawhide is not subject to the same level of health regulations and oversight as food products.

Rawhide is derived from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. To process rawhide, the hides undergo a series of steps. They are cleaned and stripped of hair and fat, then treated with chemicals like sodium sulphide or lime to remove remaining flesh and hair while preventing spoilage. The hides are washed, sometimes bleached, and pressed into flat sheets or shaped into various forms.

To make rawhide more appealing to dogs, it is often chemically treated and flavoured. However, it's important to note that many of these treatments primarily serve to preserve the chew's shelf life and make it visually appealing to humans, rather than improving the product for dogs. Chemical additives, such as artificial flavours and preservatives, are applied to the rawhide's surface to enhance taste and smell, making it enticing to pets.

It is natural that owners like you and I to question - is rawhide safe for dogs?

Rawhides can have some additional risks for our furry friends. Apart from the processing and chemicals, it's important to know that common bacteria like Campylobacter and Salmonella can be found on rawhide chews. If a dog accidentally swallows a piece of rawhide, it can expand in their stomach and cause digestion problems, leading to blockages. In some cases, larger pieces can get stuck in their throat or digestive tract, which may require emergency surgery to remove.

It's essential to be aware of these risks when giving rawhides to our dogs. Bacterial contamination can happen because rawhides are made from animal hides and are exposed to various environmental factors. The moisture content and porous nature of rawhide create a suitable environment for bacteria to grow.

To keep our furry friends safe, it's a good idea to consider alternative options that are less risky. Natural edible chews, like bully sticks or dehydrated meat treats, are a healthier choice and easier for dogs to digest. Durable rubber or nylon chews are also great options that provide long-lasting entertainment without the dangers associated with rawhide.