Is Rawhide Bad For Dogs?

Rawhide treats are one of the most popular chews for dogs, but the truth is that because of abysmal quality control standards (most come from China), generally poor digestibility, and the toxic mix of chemicals used in processing and manufacturing, rawhide can be very dangerous and ought to be avoided. And yes, there are many safe alternatives.

Here’s A Good Rawhide Alternative I Just Discovered!

Before continuing, I’ll share that I recently attended Global Pet Expo in Orlando and discovered a great plant-based treat developed by Earth Animal called No Hide Strips. I was given a sample pack of the Strawberries and Cream flavor and my Lab loves it! It’s made with goat milk and strawberries, yet without bleach, synthetics or preservatives. To be honest, I’m sold!

What Is Rawhide?

A rawhide chew toy is made using the leftovers from the leather industry. To make the chews, first the hides from the slaughterhouse are placed into a brine to help slow their decay (not stop; just slow). The hides aren’t only from beef . . . they can be from any animal used in leather manufacturing.

Then, it’s Processed . . .

The brined hides are shipped to tanneries, where the fat and hair are removed. This is done using chemicals like an ash-lye solution, or sodium sulphide liming, which is highly toxic.

Next the hides are treated with more chemicals that puff the hide, making it easier to split into layers. The outer layer of the hide is used to make leather goods like car seats, clothing, shoes, or purses. The inner layer is used to make your dog’s rawhide.

The inner layer is then washed and whitened using a solution of hydrogen peroxide, bleach or other stronger chemicals.

How is Rawhide Colored?

Chemicals used in this process may include toxic products. One of them is FD&C Red 40, a petroleum-based food dye that’s linked to behavior disorders like ADHD in children, as well as allergies and migraines.

How is Your Dog’s Rawhide Preserved?

Once rawhide chews or rawhide bones have been made, they’re preserved with various chemicals. These can include formaldehyde or chromium salts. When rawhide chews have been tested, they’ve shown things like lead, arsenic, mercury, and other toxic metals as well.

Why is Rawhide Chew Bad for Dogs?

Basically, there’s nothing natural about rawhides. It’s a piece of leftover animal skin . . . bathed, soaked, and colored in a stew of toxic chemicals. Choking is another common occurrence because the chews are indigestible for many dogs and may cause blockages in the intestinal tract. You don’t want to mess around with that . . . a blockage can be fatal.

This story was originally published in Dogs Naturally. You can read the full story here.