Strong/Durable chewers will enthusiastically destroy just about anything you put in front of them. They may even lose interest over time and abandon the object. Soft/Light chewers are dogs that spend days or weeks slowly gnawing or nibbling away on a single chew toy or bone. This is where knowing your dog’s chewing style can help you determine if rawhide is a safe treat for him.Ī “chewing style” is basically the characteristics that form your dog’s unique chewing habits and preferences. This situation can also become a medical emergency, as it can cause your dog to choke. Intestinal obstruction can be a serious medical emergency requiring surgery.Īdditionally, enthusiastic chewers are often known to break off large pieces of rawhide and swallow them whole, which can get caught in the throat. This may result in digestive upset (at best) or intestinal obstruction (at worst). The digestive enzymes in a dog’s stomach usually aren’t able to break down rawhide efficiently, which means the product tends to travel through the system largely intact. Rawhide products are not easily digested. This is probably the most serious concern when it comes to rawhide. If your dog has a very sensitive stomach, I suggest you choose natural, minimal-ingredient treats.
This often manifests as digestive issues such as diarrhea. Some dogs are sensitive to the ingredients/chemicals used to make rawhide. While plenty of dogs do fine chewing on rawhide, there are some risks, drawbacks, and caveats you should be aware of:Īllergic reactions. Some adult dogs spend hours a day finding things to chew on, while others only do it if they’re bored, anxious, or excited. In fact, the act of chewing on bones, rawhide, or similar treats helps to strengthen the jaw and keep teeth clean and gums healthy.Īs dogs get older, the urge to chew may die down at bit, but the instinct is still there to varying degrees. It can also be a stimulating exercise that aids in brain development.Ĭhewing is important for dental health, too. For puppies in particular, chewing is a self-soothing activity that helps to ease discomfort associated with teething. In all seriousness, though, dogs have a strong instinct and desire to chew on things.
The main benefit of rawhide is that it provides your dog something to chew that’s NOT your favorite pair of shoes or grandmother’s antique coffee table. This entire process involves various chemicals to help process, preserve, and/or flavor the hides. So, it starts off natural enough.īut during manufacturing, the hides are cleaned, cut, and ground into different shapes and sizes. Rawhide is made from the inner layer of horse, pig, sheep, or cow hides-which are usually left over from the leather industry. The good news is, once you know what those are, you’re better equipped to decide if rawhide is something that your dog can safely enjoy. Well, the short answer doesn’t provide much clarity: “It depends on a few factors.” Some sources say rawhide can be a safe, healthy treat, while others claim it is dangerous. As such, you probably know that plenty of commercially sold bones, chews, and treats are really just canine junk food-full of byproducts, fillers, and artificial ingredients/flavorings.īut then, there’s that gray area…treats that seem ok on the surface but it’s hard to know for sure due to conflicting messages. As a dog owner, you know how important it is create a healthy foundation for your pup by choosing nutritious food and treats he will not only enjoy but thrive on.
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