Mabel the Rescue Dog

2 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

All dog parents know that most dogs love to chew on things. They love having a tasty treat that they can chew on from time to time. One of the most common chews that you will see for dogs is rawhide.

Since rawhide is so common, a lot of dog parents purchase it for their dogs. However, this treat is actually not good for your furry friend and can cause them a number of health concerns. So, it’s important to spread the word and help other dog parents find a healthy alternative.

What is Rawhide?

Rawhide is a treat that’s made with the inner layer of a cow or horse hide. They’re pressed into treats that are chewable for dogs. You’re able to purchase them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Most dogs will gladly accept a rawhide bone as a treat, but that doesn’t mean that they should.

Why is Rawhide Unhealthy?

The biggest problem with rawhide is that it’s difficult for dogs to digest. This means that it’s very easy for dogs to choke on it. If your dog swallows a large piece of rawhide, it can easily get stuck in their digestive tract.

Many dogs are also sensitive or allergic to rawhide or the other substances that are used when it’s manufactured. It can cause digestive irritation, which can result in diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of pain for your dog.

Contamination is also fairly common in rawhide treats. They could possibly contain toxic chemicals that are often found in cheaply made dog treats. Therefore, it is best to only give your dog treats that you know will be safe and healthy for them.

What are Healthy Alternatives?

There are lots of healthy alternatives to rawhide. Many dog chews are made with completely natural ingredients that your dog will be able to digest much easier than rawhide bones.

Here are some healthy alternatives to rawhide:

• Antlers
• Bully Sticks
• Fish Skin
• Himalayan Chews
• No-Hide Chews
• Sweet Potato Chews
• Whimzees

These are just some of the many delicious treats out there. I enjoy all of them and I’ve never had any issues with digesting them. I hope this helped you to switch your dog to a healthy snack that will keep them safe!

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Featured Image: Bennilover Flickr