Rawhide Chews

Rawhide chews are a popular treat for dogs. All dogs need to chew. It’s a natural instinct. Some even spend hours chewing every day. Chewing can provide your dog stimulation and help relieve anxiety. But what do you know about rawhides?

What are rawhide chews made from?

Rawhide is a by-product of the leather industry. The inner layer of cow or horse hides is separated from the outer layer with chemicals (ash-lye solution or sodium sulphide liming). Then it is washed/whitened (hydrogen peroxide and/or bleach) and preserved. Some are treated with coloring and flavorings. They are then cut, shaped and glued together.

Photo: MaxShutter

The Dangers of Rawhide Chews

There are several risks correlated with rawhide chews:

• Exposure to toxic chemicals used in processing.
• Suspect origins of some of the chews. Some jerky pet treats sourced from China have been linked to the potentially fatal kidney condition Fanconi syndrome, which raises concern over safety standards generally Not to mention, sometimes there are unapproved additives.
• Choking hazard.
• Bowel blockage (rawhides are NOT digestible).
• Possible Salmonella and E. coli contamination.

You should weigh the risks and benefits of giving rawhides based upon your dog's chewing needs and behaviors.

Due to the risk of chocking and bowel blockages, we do not allow our guests to have rawhides while staying with us. We recommend alternatives such as bully sticks, antlers, frozen fruits and vegetables, Kongs, etc.