Rawhide chews are one of the most common dog treats. You see them at pet stores, online, and in toy boxes. They look like a simple fix for a bored chewer: long-lasting, chewy, and cheap. But are rawhide chews safe? The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no. This guide will walk you through how rawhide is made, the risks, the possible benefits, when to avoid it, safer options, and how to supervise your dog when giving any chew.
Table of Contents
Quick note: for more chew ideas and safer long-lasting options, see this article on homemade long-lasting dog treats.
What is rawhide?
Rawhide comes from the inner layer of cow or pig hides. The hide is cleaned, then cut and shaped into bones, rolls, strips, or braids. Some rawhide is simply dried, while other products are chemically treated and flavored.
People give rawhide chews for a few reasons:
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- They can keep a dog busy for a long time.
- They may help remove some plaque from teeth.
- They are often cheaper than other chews.
But how a rawhide is made and how a dog chews it matters a lot for safety.
How is rawhide made?
Rawhide production can vary, but here are the basic steps:
- Hide is removed from the animal.
- Hair and fat are cleaned away.
- The inner layer is separated and cut.
- It is washed and sometimes treated with chemicals to clean and preserve it.
- The pieces are shaped and dried.
- Some chews are flavored or colored.
Because of these steps, rawhide chews can vary in quality. Lower-quality rawhide may be more likely to break into sharp pieces or contain chemicals. Higher-quality rawhide tends to be thicker and less treated.
Main risks of rawhide chews
1. Choking
If a dog chews off a large piece, that piece can get stuck in the throat. Choking can be life-threatening and needs quick action.
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2. Intestinal blockage
Pieces of rawhide that are swallowed can get stuck in the stomach or intestines. Blockages are serious. Signs include vomiting, not eating, belly pain, and lethargy. Blockages often need surgery.
3. Splintering and sharp edges
Some rawhide breaks into thin, sharp pieces. These can cut the mouth, throat, or intestines.
4. Contamination and bad chemicals
If rawhide is not processed well, it can carry bacteria or chemical residues. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may vomit or have diarrhea after eating low-quality rawhide.
5. Digestive upset
Even if rawhide doesn’t cause a blockage, it can upset a dog’s stomach and cause loose stools or vomiting.
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6. False dental benefits
Rawhide may remove some plaque. But if it is too hard, it can damage teeth. Chewing very hard chews over and over can cause tooth fractures.
Who should avoid rawhide?
- Puppies — Their teeth and digestive system are still developing. Puppies also tend to gulp chew pieces more often.
- Small dogs — A large rawhide piece can be dangerous if they swallow it whole.
- Dogs who inhale food or gulp — Some dogs bolt food and treats. They are at higher risk of choking or swallowing large pieces.
- Dogs with dental problems — Dogs with weak or broken teeth should not chew very hard rawhide.
- Dogs with a history of intestinal blockage — If your dog has had a blockage before, avoid rawhide and other chew treats that do not digest.
Signs rawhide is causing trouble
Watch your dog closely when you give rawhide. Stop the chew and call your vet if you see:
- Choking or gagging
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting or retching
- Refusing to eat
- Lethargy or weakness
- Swollen or painful belly
- Bloody or black stool
If your dog shows any of these signs, get veterinary help fast.
How to pick safer rawhide (if you choose to use it)
If you still want to give rawhide, follow these tips to lower risk:
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- Buy from a trusted brand. Cheap rawhide often has more processing chemicals.
- Choose the right size. The chew should be larger than your dog’s mouth so it cannot be swallowed whole.
- Avoid small, thin, or brittle chews. Thick, well-made rolls are less likely to break into dangerous pieces.
- Look for minimal processing. Some products say they are “naturally dried” or “no chemical processing.” These may be safer.
- Skip flavored or colored chews. These often have added chemicals.
- Check for recalls or reviews. If a product has many bad reviews about dogs getting sick, avoid it.
- Rotate chews. Don’t give rawhide daily. Use it sometimes as a supervised treat.
How to supervise chewing time
Never leave your dog alone with rawhide. Supervision is the simplest way to reduce the risk of choking or swallowing large pieces.
Good supervision habits:
- Stay nearby while your dog chews.
- Take the rawhide away if the dog starts to break off large pieces.
- Replace the rawhide if it becomes small enough to swallow.
- Offer water while the dog chews — dry rawhide can be a choking hazard if the dog gets dry mouth.
If you can’t watch the dog, give a safer chew or toy instead.
Safer alternatives to rawhide
There are many safer options that still satisfy a dog’s need to chew.
Bully sticks
Bully sticks are made from dried beef. They are fully digestible and usually safer than rawhide. But they can be high in calories and cost more. Read more about bully sticks.
Dental chews and vet-approved products
Look for dental chews that are made to break down safely and help clean teeth. Products with a veterinary seal often have safer designs.
Durable rubber toys
Brands like KONG make rubber toys you can stuff with food. These toys can last a long time and are less likely to break into sharp bits.
Nylon or composite chews (with caution)
Some hard chews are made from nylon or composite materials. They are long-lasting but can wear down teeth if the dog is a heavy chewer. Replace them if they get sharp or small.
Edible chew alternatives
- Dehydrated sweet potato chews
- Frozen plain yogurt or broth in a Kong
- Homemade long-lasting treats
Natural chews
Antlers, hoof chews, and other natural products can be long-lasting. But they can also splinter. Choose softer natural chews for dogs that tend to break things.
What about “digestible rawhide” or “processed” labels?
Some companies sell “digestible” rawhide that claims to break down in the stomach. These products may still carry risk if large pieces are swallowed. Check ingredients and reviews. Even digestible rawhide can cause blockages if the dog swallows a big chunk.
Tips by dog size and chewing style
For small dogs
- Pick smaller, softer chews designed for small jaws.
- Avoid heavy or thick rawhide pieces.
- Supervise closely.
For medium dogs
- Choose chews that match their chewing strength.
- Rotate chews to avoid dental wear.
For large, powerful chewers
- Avoid rawhide if the dog destroys chews quickly.
- Use heavy-duty rubber toys or vet-approved hard chews.
- Consider bully sticks or other fully digestible options.
For puppies
- Use soft, safe chews made for teething.
- Offer frozen washcloths, soft rubber toys, or vet-recommended teething treats.
- Teach gentle chewing with items like plush toys or teething rings.
Training and chewing: teach your dog to chew safely
Chewing is natural. But you can teach your dog safe chewing habits.
- Provide plenty of approved chews. If the dog has a toy or chew that’s allowed, they are less likely to grab unsafe items.
- Teach “drop it” and “leave it.” These commands help you remove dangerous chews quickly.
- Reward gentle chewing. Praise and treats when the dog chews safely will help the behavior stick.
- Redirect unwanted chewing. If your dog chews furniture or bedding, offer a toy instead and reward them for the swap. For tips on stopping destructive chewing, see this article on stopping puppies from biting everything.
Rawhide and dental health — what to know
Some owners give rawhide for dental health. While chewing can help scrape away soft plaque, rawhide is not a substitute for brushing. Here’s what to do for dental health:
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
- Use vet-approved dental chews.
- Have annual dental checks with your vet.
- Use dental rinses or water additives if recommended.
If your dog has bad breath or signs of dental disease, talk to your vet before giving hard chews.
What to do if your dog swallows rawhide
If you think your dog has swallowed a large piece:
- Stay calm.
- Try to see if the dog is choking. If they are gagging or cannot breathe, you may need emergency help.
- Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. They will advise you on whether to bring your dog in.
- Watch for signs of blockage for 24 to 72 hours: vomiting, no appetite, belly pain, and lethargy. If any appear, go to the vet right away.
Do not try to make the dog vomit unless your vet tells you to do so.
Final checklist — should you give rawhide?
Ask these quick questions:
- Is my dog a heavy chewer or quick gulp-er? If yes, avoid rawhide.
- Can I supervise my dog while they chew? If no, avoid rawhide.
- Does my dog have dental issues or a small throat? If yes, avoid rawhide.
- Can I buy a high-quality chew or a safer alternative like bully sticks or durable toys? If yes, choose those.
If you choose rawhide, buy quality, match the size to your dog, and always watch your dog while they chew.
Closing thoughts
Rawhide chews are not a simple yes-or-no item. They can be safe for some dogs when chosen and used carefully. For other dogs, rawhide is too risky. The safest plan is to know your dog’s chewing style, pick the right chew, and supervise every session.
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian. They know your dog’s health and can guide you to the best chew choices for a happy, healthy pup.