Your dog is a beloved member of the family, so, of course, they deserve the very best when it comes to what they eat and play with! If you visit any pet store, you’ll likely see an entire section dedicated to rawhide treats. These chew toys provide many benefits, but they also have several risks associated with them. Let’s discuss.
What Are Rawhide Dog Treats?
A rawhide dog treat is made from the inner layer of a cow or a horse hide. Specifically, the hide is cleaned, cut or grounded, then pressed into varying sizes of artificially flavored bone-shaped chews. Though this process may sound quite disgusting, most dogs love rawhide treats!
Benefits of Rawhide Treats
Satisfies Their Natural Instincts
All dogs have an innate urge to chew on things. Chewing helps with their anxiety and has been shown to increase serotonin levels in their brains. Rawhide is a durable material that can give your pup endless hours of chewing!
Entertainment for Your Pooch
A rawhide dog treat gives your dog something to focus on rather than destroying furniture or getting into stuff they’re not supposed to. Plus, a rawhide bone is a type of toy! If you’re looking to reward or just make your pup happy, consider giving them a rawhide treat.
Helps Clean Teeth
Not only is the rawhide treat useful for entertainment purposes, but it also helps clean your dog’s teeth. The continuous chewing on the rawhide helps remove excess plaque. So, if your dog despises getting their teeth brushed, a rawhide bone may be an easier way to clean their teeth.
Risks of Rawhide Treats
Choking Hazard
There is the potential risk that your dog can choke on a rawhide bone. If your pup swallows a large amount of rawhide, it could get stuck in their throat or esophagus. Therefore, you should always supervise your dog when giving them rawhide treats and never leave them unattended.
Digestive Issues/Stomach Problems
Depending on how sensitive your dog’s stomach is, a rawhide treat or bone can upset their stomach, causing gas, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Consider alternatives to rawhide that provide the same benefits without the risks.