Rawhide, or no Rawhide? That’s the Question!
February is Pet Dental Health Month, a time to focus on keeping our pets’ teeth clean and healthy. Many pet owners turn to dental chews to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but not all chews are created equal. In fact, some common dog treats—especially rawhide bones—can pose serious health risks.
If you’re a Moore County pet owner looking for safe and effective dog dental chews, it’s important to understand the dangers of non-natural bones and poorly regulated treats. Especially those produced outside the USA. Let’s dive into what you need to know and how to choose safer alternatives for your fur-family.
Long-Lost Intentions: How Rawhide Should Be Used
Rawhide has been around for many years, and aided many puppies through their teething stage. But why do we commonly hear that it’s bad for dogs? The short answer – health issues. While rawhide can be good for your pet’s teeth, and help to provide a good source of entertainment, there are also some potential health risks if ingested. Let’s take a deeper look at why.
When rawhide first came to be used for pets it was given as a chew-item, not to be ingested. Pet owners would give the treat to their pet to gnaw on, until it became soft, and then take it up to dry and firmed up again. But why is that? Keep reading, and let’s discuss why.
The Hidden Dangers of Rawhide Bones
Rawhide is still one of the most popular dog dental chews on the market, but many pet owners are unaware of its risks. While rawhide is marketed as a long-lasting chew that promotes dental health, it comes with several serious health concerns:
- Choking Hazard & Blockages: Rawhide softens as dogs chew, making it easy for large pieces to break off and be swallowed. This can lead to choking or life-threatening intestinal blockages, requiring emergency surgery. One common health hazard of rawhide is bloat, a condition in which the stomach contorts, blocking the GI track and blood flow.
- Chemical Processing: Most rawhide treats undergo heavy chemical processing, including bleaching with hydrogen peroxide or chlorine to give them a clean, white appearance. Some even contain toxic preservatives like formaldehyde. Chews produced outside the US often contain these chemicals, as a result of
- Risk of Contamination: Because rawhide is often produced in countries with lax quality standards, it has been linked to bacterial contamination, including Salmonella and E. coli, which can harm both pets and humans.
Perhaps the biggest kicker out of these health hazards is that rawhide is not digestible; if consumed, the hide (or skin) quickly absorbs water and enlarges inside your pet’s gut. The resulting medical condition, widely known as “Bloat” or stomach torsion, is fatal if not immediately treated. Because of this, emergency medical procedures to reverse bloat have become a more common procedure in today’s veterinary practices.
Dangerous Non-Natural Bones & Treats to Avoid
Another thing to look at is where your pet’s treats came from. Due to different pet food regulations overseas, rawhide treats or chews that are made outside of the US are often sprayed with formaldehyde to speed the drying process.
Aside from rawhide, many other dog chews made from artificial ingredients, synthetic plastics, or poor-quality materials can also pose health risks. Two common culprits produced outside the USA include:
1. Pressed Rawhide Chews (China & Mexico)
- Adhesives: These chews are made from compressed layers of rawhide scraps and bound with glue-like adhesives, often containing harmful chemicals.
- Arsenic & Lead: Imported pressed rawhide products have been found to contain arsenic and lead, posing long-term health risks for dogs.
Dogs chewing on these kinds of treats may suffer from digestive issues, vomiting, or blockages if large pieces are swallowed.
2. “Milk Bones” & Other Processed Biscuits (China)
- Contamination: Some imported dog biscuit treats, often labeled as “milk bones” or generic “dental biscuits,” have been recalled due to melamine contamination—the same toxic chemical responsible for deadly pet food recalls in 2007.
- Many of these treats contain artificial flavors, synthetic preservatives, and excessive starches, which can contribute to obesity and dental decay rather than preventing it.
Safer Alternatives for Dog Dental Health
The good news? There are plenty of safe and natural options to keep your dog’s teeth clean and their chewing instincts satisfied. Consider these alternatives:
- USA-Made Natural Chews: Look for single-ingredient chews like bully sticks, beef tendons, or dehydrated fish skins, which are high in protein and easily digestible.
- Veterinary-Approved Dental Chews: Brands like Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Chews or Greenies are specifically designed to fight plaque and are safer than rawhide.
- Raw, Red Meat Bones (With Supervision!): Raw marrow bones or raw knucklebones (sourced from reputable butchers) can be a natural, effective dental chew option. Avoid cooked bones, which can splinter and cause injuries.
- Dental Toys & Brushes: Invest in rubber dental toys like KONG Dental Chews or Nylabone DuraChews to help scrape away plaque naturally.
Thankfully, over recent years several USA based companies (such as Red-Barn, Barkworthies), have grown and become more readily available within the pet industry. Although many of these are still not intended to be fully ingested, rest assured they are a good quality all natural chew for your pet.
So as long as you select a USA made rawhide and use it as intended (not to be ingested) all lights are a go! Simply pull your pet’s USA made rawhide up when “soggy”, allow it to dry, and chew-chew-again!
There are also multiple rawhide alternatives on the market also. Some brands have come up with a simple solution to your pet’s “eat-me-not” dilemma. A few good examples are Nylabone edibles, and the grain free version of SmartBones. These alternatives closely mimic rawhide in that they are good for your pet’s teeth, are quickly and easily digested, and are mentally stimulating without any adverse side effects.
Beyond Dental Health: Keep Your Pet Mentally and Physically Stimulated
Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy is just one part of their overall well-being. Mental stimulation and enrichment activities are just as important for a happy, well-balanced pet.
At Your Pet Care Connection, we offer mentally enriching games for both dogs and cats, ranging from one to three hours in duration. Our Pet Enrichment Services help:
- ✅ Prevent boredom and destructive behaviors
- ✅ Improve problem-solving skills and confidence
- ✅ Provide physical and mental exercise tailored to your pet’s needs
By incorporating these activities into your pet’s routine, you’re giving them a healthier body AND a sharper mind!
Book Your Pet’s Enrichment Session Today!
This Pet Dental Health Month, let’s go beyond just choosing better chews—let’s elevate your pet’s entire well-being! Whether it’s through safe chew alternatives or interactive play sessions, we’re here to help.
🎾 Book a Pet Enrichment Session today and give your pet a fun, stimulating experience that keeps them engaged, happy, and active.
📞 Contact us now to schedule your dog or cat’s enrichment session and make 2025 their healthiest, happiest year yet!
P.S. to our pet care fam – none of the above recommended products are given based on endorsement, but rather what we’ve found to work over the years, so you know that they are recommendations you can trust! 😉