Excessive weight in dogs can be unhealthy, just as it is in humans.Īre rawhides bad for dogs? The topic remains controversial. Rawhides also come with additional calories that can often lead to weight gain. These basting juices can also lead to gastrointestinal upset. In addition, the makers of these products often baste rawhides in various gravies, which also adds to the caloric intake. Caloric Intakeīecause rawhides for dogs are made from animal byproducts, they tend to be high in calorie count as opposed to rubber based chew toys that have no calories. With this in mind, many are hard pressed to categorize rawhides as safe dog chews. Not knowing the type or origin of these chemicals remains a great concern. When a dog chews on rawhide, whatever remaining chemical residue that remains in the product will be ingested into the animal. This is a big concern because the manufacturing process for rawhide remains mysterious, and the chemicals used in the curing process cannot safely be verified. Nearly all rawhide chews are made overseas and not in the United States. Potentially Toxic Chemicals in Manufacturing Procedures of this nature are complicated, can risk the animal’s health and certainly can be very expensive for the pet owner. Sometimes dogs cannot pass the rawhide through the bowels and the blockage must be removed surgically. When pieces of rawhide enter the stomach and intestines of a dog, there exists the chance that it will cause a blockage or obstruction in the animal’s system. Rawhide alternative products generally do not cause these problems. This can lead to vomiting, flatulence and diarrhea. Consequently, larger rawhide pieces wind up in the dog’s stomach and intestines. Most dogs do not take the time to completely chew the rawhide into small chunks. Because of the product’s curing process, the acids in a dog’s stomach do not break down the material effectively like it does food. DigestibilityĮvidence has shown that rawhides for dogs are not easily digested. Here are some of the more common concerns with rawhide that should be considered. These professionals often suggest rawhide alternative chewing options. Many veterinarians and other animal health care experts have raised concerns about giving rawhide products to dogs for chewing. The inner layer tends to be softer and is used for items such as rawhide dog chews. Rawhide is essentially the skin of an animal, most commonly a cow. Rawhide chews for dogs are a byproduct of the leather industry. What is rawhide anyway? Are rawhides bad for dogs? Should you consider a rawhide alternative product? Let’s start with the basics. Rawhides for dogs may be a more natural alternative to rubber toys, but letting them chew on it remains a controversial subject. While many chew toys today are made from various types of nearly indestructible rubber, some pet owners still prefer to have their four legged friends chew on something more "natural." However in recent years, pet owners have been given many options regarding alternative chewing products (toys) that dog owners can give their furry companions to satisfy their need to chew. Years ago, the only thing most people would give a dog to chew on was an actual bone. She is AO certified, USDA-APHIS accredited, and is a member of the CVMA, ISVMA, AVMA.ĭogs love to chew. She received her BS in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois- Champaign Urbana, where she also completed her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Joyce Ashamalla is the managing partner at Hinsdale Animal Hospital with Kremer Veterinary Service, as well as a partner at CARE Animal Emergency Hospital.
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