Chew on This!

by Deb Dempsey | Oct 31, 2007

Learn the Risks About Rawhide and Other Tips on Healthy Chews for Your Pup

The Risks & Rewards of Rawhide

Rawhide can be a good chew for some dogs, but most rawhide on the market comes from overseas and can contain formaldehyde, bleach, BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin – all potentially cancer-causing ingredients. Also, many dogs have trouble digesting rawhide, and others bite off large chunks and swallow them whole, rather than just gnawing on the bone. Because the rawhide has been treated to resist breaking down, swallowing it can cause major complications in the intestine, including blockages that might result in expensive surgery. 

To keep your pet safe, purchase rawhide made in the United States, supervise your dog while chewing to ensure he is capable of digesting, and ensure any small, swallowable pieces are disposed of rather than ingested. 

 

“Parts” Please 

An even better solution is to look at the selection of “parts” found at most pet supply stores. Things like ears, tendons, tails, rolled cow cheeks, bully sticks are readily available. These items satisfy a dog’s need to chew and are fully digestable when swallowed. For dogs with allergies, chews from venison, ostrich, rabbit and buffalo are becoming easier to find. 

 

Going Raw-Be Safe 

Looking for a chew that will last even longer? Try hooves or bones. Raw bones are an ideal solution for voracious chewers. Look for marrow-filled shanks or knuckles with bits of meat still lingering on the bone. Your local butcher will help you find dog-proof bones. It’s worth searching for bones that are freerange and hormone / antibiotic-free. Pet supply stores often stock a wide variety of frozen raw bones that are cut specifically with chewing dogs in mind. Remember that most bones from your table are dangerous and can cause great harm to your pets. 

If you can’t bring yourself to purchase a raw bone for Fido, look for something that has been slow-roasted at a low temperature. Slow roasting decreases the chance that the bone will splinter under pressure. Just be sure to supervise your dog’s chew time to make sure there are no problems. 

 

Show Off Those Pearly Whites 

An added benefit: these chews also aid in cleaning your pet’s teeth. There is a common myth that dogs need crunchy biscuits to keep their teeth clean, but do you clean your teeth by eating cookies? Don’t rely on biscuits to keep your dog’s mouth sparkling. You can also try incorporating a variety of stringy, natural chews into your dog’s diet that will act like dental floss for your pet.