08/12/2025
Do NOT buy a rawhide chew for your dog this Christmas, or ever buy rawhide again.
RAWHIDE IS one of the Most Dangerous Pet Chews on the Market.
It’s easy to see why rawhide is so popular. Dogs chew on it for hours, it keeps them entertained, and it seems to last forever. But once you understand what rawhide actually is—and how it’s made, you’ll realise why it’s one of the riskiest items you can give your dog.
Most pet owners, especially new ones, assume rawhide is just a dried meat treat. Let’s clear that up right now: rawhide is NOT a meat product, nor is it related to the beef industry.
Rawhide is a by-product of the leather industry. The outer hide becomes leather goods, while the inner layer—left in its untreated “raw” state, is processed into dog chews. That alone is alarming… but the dangers go much deeper.
Why Rawhide Is So Dangerous
1. Poor Digestibility
Rawhide is extremely hard for dogs to digest. When pieces break off and are swallowed, they don’t break down easily. Once inside the stomach or intestines, they can swell, causing irritation, blockage, or even life-threatening impaction.
2. Choking & Internal Blockages
Because rawhide softens as dogs chew, large chunks frequently tear away. These pieces can lodge in the throat, esophagus, or intestines—one of the most common reasons for emergency vet surgery related to chew toys.
3. Chemical Processing
Rawhide doesn’t come out of a cow looking clean and white. To stop spoilage, remove hair, and preserve the product, hides may be treated with chemicals such as:
Bleach or hydrogen peroxide
Preservatives
Deodorisers and binding agents
Even if considered “safe in small amounts,” chemical residue is still ingested by your dog.
Did I mention artificial colours?
4. Risk of Bacterial Contamination
Rawhide can harbour harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, posing risks both to dogs and to the humans handling the chews.
5. Dental Damage
Many rawhides are extremely tough. While chewing can help with tartar, the hardness can also cause cracked or fractured teeth—especially in strong chewers.
6. “High-quality” rawhide doesn’t eliminate the risk
The issue isn’t the brand—it’s the material itself. Even top-tier rawhide can still splinter, swell, or block the digestive tract.
So What Should You Give Instead?
There are plenty of safer, healthier chew alternatives:
Natural, single-ingredient meat and other chews (properly sourced).
Your dog gets the fun and satisfaction of chewing—without the vet bills.
Join our community group to learn more about safer and healthy options
