Rawhide bones and chews provide your dog with satisfying relief while simultaneously cleaning his or her teeth, but can pose significant dangers if consumed whole or accidentally choked upon by your pup.
These problems tend to arise most often with dogs who gulp down their chews whole, but can still arise even in slower-chewing pups. To keep your pup safe, consider these suggestions:
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1. Know the Country of Origin
Though rawhide chews may tempt you, be wary before purchasing one for your pup. Unfortunately, traditional rawhides are usually not digestible and can lead to intestinal obstruction and vomiting. Furthermore, large pieces can easily cause choking hazards if consumed whole.
Choose a quality belly rawhide that was manufactured in the US as this will reduce exposure to harmful chemicals used during processing and tanning; rawhide tanneries outside of the US often utilize chemical baths containing lime, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach which can be toxic for dogs, as well as increasing their risk of choking while processing hides.
2. Know the Ingredients
Chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs, and chews like rawhide bones can satisfy this instinct while simultaneously cleaning teeth of plaque and tartar build-up. Unfortunately, manufacturing processes for rawhide may leave behind potentially hazardous chemicals that pose risks of choking or intestinal blockage; look for rawhide that has been thoroughly washed to lower these risks.
Better Belly’s line of dental chews are made of thin sheets of digestible rawhide that have been processed to break down tough collagen fibers and decrease risk of obstruction. They contain ingredients which reduce tartar build-up while freshening breath; perfect for toy breeds and smaller dogs alike – plus, they’re grain-free without artificial flavors or colors!
3. Know the Size
Better Belly rawhide safe chews are an ideal solution for dogs of all sizes, as they contain no fillers, binders, or artificial colors or ingredients. Their innovative manufacturing process also breaks down collagen fibers more quickly than standard rawhide, giving your pup more chew time without large pieces breaking off and potentially choking or intestinal blockage risks. Plus they come flavored with chicken liver for extra protein goodness – recommend giving one per day!
Small twists made with rolled pork hide are designed specifically to meet the needs of toy breeds, smaller dogs, and puppies. Offering natural smoky flavor without fillers or additives; digest 2X faster than traditional rawhide.
4. Know the Flavors
Chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs that strengthens their jaws, stimulates their minds, and prevents plaque and tartar buildup. Unfortunately, hard rawhide chews may lead to tooth breakage, bleeding mouths or other dental hazards.
Thankfully, safer rawhide alternatives exist and these tend to be softer and have more pleasing flavors, ensuring your pup can gnaw without risking health complications.
These chews are slow-baked with minimal ingredients to keep your pup’s teeth clean and healthy while supporting joint and skin health. Great for smaller and light chewers alike! Castor & Pollux offers this treat featuring a standard rawhide core wrapped with natural chicken breast slices – great for smaller dogs! Manufactured in the USA without gluten grains or artificial flavors!
5. Know the Safety
Rawhides can be difficult to digest, so any large chunks that break off and are swallowed present choking and intestinal blockage risks for dogs. Some chewers end up at an emergency vet’s clinic due to pieces becoming lodged in their esophagus or creating an intestinal obstruction requiring surgery removal.
Aggressive chewers or dogs that gulp whole chews run greater risks, often becoming stuck in their throat or intestines more than those who nibble more slowly and deliberately, or “nibble.”
If you decide to offer your dog a rawhide chew, be sure to monitor how they respond. If they seem disinterested or begin inhaling large chunks, switch it up! Additionally, providing their treat in a separate room while overseeing their consumption may help avoid digestive issues.
