Rawhide Bones Chews And Treats For Your Dog

Just about everyone is familiar with the image of a dog chewing blissfully on a bone. It’s good exercise, and it’s an enjoyable activity for them. But if you don’t have access to real bones, try rawhide bones chews and treats. They are extremely popular these days and have lots of benefits for your dog.

A rawhide chew is made of exactly that - rawhide. Rawhide is the thick inner layer of skin on cattle. When cattle are skinned, the hide is split into two parts. The outer layer goes to make leather for shoes, clothing etc. The inner layer is cut and formed into chews for dogs.

Most dogs love rawhide chews. These kinds of dog treats aren’t really suitable for training, but they’re great as chew toys. Rawhide chews come in different shapes, sizes, and even flavors to keep your dog interested. Remember - it is instinct for a dog to chew – much better to provide something he’s allowed to chew on than trying to stop him chewing on something he isn’t. A rawhide bone isn’t exactly a gourmet dog treat, but it’s a great “dog sitter” and will keep your pet occupied, interested and stimulated. 

Raw Hide is actually healthy for dogs

Aside from protecting your couch from your dog, rawhide bones have other benefits. First, they keep dogs entertained. Some dogs have been known to chew for hours on end (though this is not typically recommended). It can keep your dog busy while you’re at work or if you need some quiet time in the evening. Rawhide bones are high in protein but low in fat, so they’re also healthy!

Chewing on these bones keeps plaque from building on your dog’s teeth. The rawhide scrapes plaque away as it wraps around the teeth. This can help keep your dog’s breath from getting bad. It can also keep him from getting sick. Bacteria from plaque can get into your dog’s digestive system and cause health problems.

There are, of course, alternatives to rawhide bones chews or treats. Chews made of pork hide are relatively easy to find, as are pig ear treats. Your dogs will like these as well, but chews made out of pork (especially the pig ears) are higher in fat than rawhide.

Another alternative is real meat bones. It might be tempting to give your dog that big pork bone left on your plate. Dogs love these as well, but don’t do it! Any cooked bone is dangerous for your dog. The cooking process makes them brittle and they can splinter and cause very serious stomach perforation issues. Raw bones however, are perfectly OK – they are more pliable and will not splinter.

However, raw meaty bones aren’t always practical and they don’t keep well unless frozen.  Rawhide doesn’t have those issues.

There are many brands of rawhides out there, and your dog, ultimately, will determine which ones you buy. There are likely to be brands your dog won’t like. Regardless of brand, however, there are some things you want to watch out for.

Check the origin of the raw hide bones you buy

Check to see if the bones you are buying are made from American or Canadian Beef-hide. These bones are typically higher quality. No chemicals are added to preserve the hide and given the screening procedures now in place in North America, there is very little risk of the hide being taken from unhealthy cattle. These kinds of standards are not present in many other countries. If you want the highest quality chews for your dog, it is safest to go with North American Beef-hide.

Only provide rawhide bones sized for your dog

One more point to consider when purchasing rawhide for your dog. Make sure you match the size of the bone to the size of the dog. If a bone is too thin or small, your dog is more likely to try and swallow it whole. This can lead to choking. As your dog chews, the rawhide will soften up and eventually, your dog will be able to bit off large chunks and try to swallow. Take the bone away and give him another one when that happens. The rawhide will harden again and you'll avoid the danger of your dog swallowing a peice to big that could cause intestinal problems or even choking.

Likewise, smaller dogs can damage their teeth trying to break through bones that are too big. But, if you’re careful to get the right rawhide bones chews and treats, your dog will have an enjoyable treat and will spend plenty of time happily chewing away.

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