DIET & NUTRITION
Understanding Rawhide Chews: A Dog Nutritionist’s Perspective
Do Rawhides make for good dog treats or are they a ticking time bomb? Learn about these popular but controversial dog chews from a canine nutritionist!
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If there is one thing all of our dogs have in common, it has to be their absolute passion for chewing on things. And it should come as no surprise either, chewing is an innately rewarding behaviour for our dogs that offers both physical and mental benefits. It helps maintain their dental health and hygiene while simultaneously providing them with a stimulating activity to do.
The quest for finding a dog chew that is both engaging and healthy for dogs has most pet parents utterly stumped. With so many options and ingredients available in the market, the search seems just about endless. However, in the complex world of dog chews, one name stands out in the spotlight, rather infamously- Rawhides.
Rawhide chews have been one of the very first iconic canine treats on the market, yet there have been so many questions raised about their safety and long-term effects on our dogs' health. Meanwhile, it remains an ever-favourite treat for a lot of dogs, one that can keep them engaged for the longest time.
As pet parents, it becomes our responsibility to be aware of the ingredients and processes that go into the making of these dog chews, things we need to look out for if we choose to give it to our dogs, etc.
The quest for finding a dog chew that is both engaging and healthy for dogs has most pet parents utterly stumped. With so many options and ingredients available in the market, the search seems just about endless. However, in the complex world of dog chews, one name stands out in the spotlight, rather infamously- Rawhides.
Rawhide chews have been one of the very first iconic canine treats on the market, yet there have been so many questions raised about their safety and long-term effects on our dogs' health. Meanwhile, it remains an ever-favourite treat for a lot of dogs, one that can keep them engaged for the longest time.
As pet parents, it becomes our responsibility to be aware of the ingredients and processes that go into the making of these dog chews, things we need to look out for if we choose to give it to our dogs, etc.
Firstly, what is Rawhide? How are Rawhide Dog Chews made?
Rawhide is the hypodermic interstitial tissue of animal skin, usually derived from cattle raised for meat production. While the outer layer of the hide is used by the leather industry, the inner layer, rich in collagen, is used to create dog chews due to its toughness and flexibility.
Once the layers are split, the Rawhide goes through several chemical treatments such as chemical bleaching to remove any fur, meat, fat as well as any impurities. It is then either moulded or glued together to form various shapes such as rolls, bones, etc. Some Rawhides can be further processed to add attractive colouring or artificial flavouring to make them more appealing to our dogs.
Once the layers are split, the Rawhide goes through several chemical treatments such as chemical bleaching to remove any fur, meat, fat as well as any impurities. It is then either moulded or glued together to form various shapes such as rolls, bones, etc. Some Rawhides can be further processed to add attractive colouring or artificial flavouring to make them more appealing to our dogs.
What are the potential benefits of giving Rawhide chews to our dogs?
Rawhide dog chews can have certain benefits as well, although it is essential to weigh them against the risks they can pose. The two primary benefits of Rawhide for dogs are:
1. Mental stimulation: Rawhides make for long-lasting dog chews that can provide mental stimulation and help alleviate boredom in our dogs. Chewing in general can be a stress-relieving activity for some dogs and help reduce anxiety.
2. Dental health: Chewing on Rawhide can help clean a dog’s teeth and exercise their jaw muscles. A 2009 study found that soft rawhides could help reduce calculus formation in our dogs' teeth.
1. Mental stimulation: Rawhides make for long-lasting dog chews that can provide mental stimulation and help alleviate boredom in our dogs. Chewing in general can be a stress-relieving activity for some dogs and help reduce anxiety.
2. Dental health: Chewing on Rawhide can help clean a dog’s teeth and exercise their jaw muscles. A 2009 study found that soft rawhides could help reduce calculus formation in our dogs' teeth.
Rawhide for dogs come in various shapes, sizes and colours today.
Why is Rawhide bad for dogs?
The potential health risks that Rawhide dog chews can pose vary from dog to dog (based on their chewing style) and from chew to chew (based on the ingredients and treatments it undergoes). However, here are some common potential issues that pet parents should be aware of.
- Chemical Processing: Rawhide undergoes extensive chemical processing, including the use of lime, sodium sulphide, sodium hydrosulphide, hydrogen peroxide and bleach. These chemicals can pose health risks to dogs.
- Digestibility Variation: The digestibility of Rawhides may vary from brand to brand, but generally speaking, Rawhides are not easily digestible for most dogs and can impact their digestive system.
- Intestinal Blockages: While Rawhides may soften as your dog chews on them, large chunks of Rawhide can also break off. If swallowed whole, these chunks can get stuck and create obstructions in your dog’s gut. Furthermore, given how indigestible they are, they can sit in your dog’s system for months without breaking down or passing through, leading to dangerous intestinal blockages or bowel obstructions that can lead to death, if not removed.
- Toxic Metals: Testing has revealed the presence of toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury in some Rawhide chews, potentially leading to organ damage, digestive issues, and cancer.
- Bacterial Contamination: Unfinished and wet Rawhides left outside can become breeding grounds for pathogenic bacterial infections like salmonella and campylobacter, posing health risks to dogs, as well as humans.
In light of all these serious risks that Rawhides can cause to our dog’s health, most veterinarians and canine nutritionists recommend safer alternatives for their dogs’ enrichment and dental care needs.
Want to learn about more types of dog chews? Check out this article here: https://thepack.in/articles/nine-types-of-dog-chews-every-dog-parent-should-know-about
Happy Pet Parenting!
Want to learn about more types of dog chews? Check out this article here: https://thepack.in/articles/nine-types-of-dog-chews-every-dog-parent-should-know-about
Happy Pet Parenting!
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