Rawhide chew placed in a dog food bowl, highlighting concerns about whether rawhide is safe for dogs.
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Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs? Risks and What to Use Instead

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Rawhide chews can present choking and intestinal blockage risks, particularly if large pieces are swallowed.

Rawhide is poorly digestible and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort.

Processing methods vary widely, increasing the risk of chemical residue or bacterial contamination.

Hard or dense rawhide chews can lead to tooth fractures, especially in strong chewers.

Puppies, small dogs and dogs with sensitive digestion are at higher risk.

Many vets recommend safer, more digestible alternatives to rawhide.

Rawhide chews are one of the most commonly purchased dog treats, often chosen for their durability and ability to keep dogs occupied. Because they’re made from animal hide, many owners assume rawhide is a natural and harmless option for satisfying a dog’s instinct to chew. However, the reality is more complex.


While some dogs appear to tolerate rawhide without obvious problems, veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations have raised ongoing concerns about its safety. Depending on how it’s chewed and processed, rawhide can pose risks ranging from digestive upset to choking and dental injury. Understanding these risks and knowing when rawhide may not be the best choice is essential for making informed decisions about your dog’s health and well-being.

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What Is Rawhide? Common Risks of Rawhide for Dogs Is Rawhide Bad for Puppies and Small Dogs? Can Rawhide Be Safe for Some Dogs? How to Choose Rawhide More Safely (If You Decide to Offer It) Safer Alternatives to Rawhide Chews Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs? Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Rawhide?

Rawhide treats are made from the inner layer of animal hides, usually cow or horse skins, that remain after leather production. The raw hides are washed, processed and dehydrated into a tough, chewable chew bone or twist. 


Because they are animal-derived and durable, many pet owners think rawhide is a natural option for satisfying a dog’s instinct to chew. In reality, the term “rawhide” doesn’t guarantee anything about how the product was made, what it contains or how safe it is for your dog. 

Common Risks of Rawhide for Dogs

Although some dogs appear to chew rawhide without immediate problems, veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations regularly warn that rawhide chews come with a number of potential safety risks. These risks vary depending on the individual dog, the quality of the product and how it is chewed, but they are significant enough that many vets recommend caution, or avoiding rawhide altogether.

1. Choking and Intestinal Blockage


One of the most serious concerns with rawhide is the risk of choking or intestinal obstruction. As dogs chew, rawhide softens and can tear into large, rubbery pieces. These pieces are difficult to break down and may be swallowed whole. If a fragment becomes lodged in the throat, it can cause choking. If it passes into the digestive tract, it may become stuck in the stomach or intestines, leading to vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating and dehydration. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.


2. Poor Digestibility


Rawhide is not easily digestible for many dogs. Even smaller pieces that do not cause a full blockage can sit in the digestive system for prolonged periods, irritating the gut lining. This may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or general digestive discomfort, particularly in dogs with sensitive stomachs.


3. Risk of Contamination


Rawhide production methods vary widely, and quality control is not consistent across all manufacturers. During processing, hides are often soaked, treated, or bleached to improve appearance and shelf life. If products are poorly processed or inadequately cleaned, there is a risk of bacterial contamination, including Salmonella or E. coli. This poses a risk not only to dogs, but also to people handling the chews.


4. Dental Damage


While chewing is often promoted as beneficial for dental health, rawhide can be too hard or dense for some dogs. Aggressive chewers, in particular, may crack or fracture teeth when biting down on tough rawhide pieces. Dental injuries are painful, costly to treat and may require extraction under anaesthetic.


5. Choking Hazard


As rawhide softens, it often breaks down unevenly, creating irregular shapes and slippery textures that are easy to swallow accidentally. This unpredictability increases the likelihood of choking incidents, especially in dogs that chew quickly or attempt to gulp treats rather than gnaw them slowly.


Because of these combined risks, many veterinarians advise avoiding rawhide altogether, particularly for puppies, small breeds, powerful chewers, and dogs with digestive sensitivities. Safer, more digestible alternatives are often recommended to satisfy chewing instincts without the same level of risk.

French bulldog chewing a rawhide bone, demonstrating the size and density of rawhide chews that may pose choking risks.

Is Rawhide Bad for Puppies and Small Dogs?

Rawhide is generally not recommended for puppies or very small dogs. Puppies’ mouths and digestive systems are still developing, and they are more likely to swallow pieces they cannot break down safely. Many vets suggest waiting until a puppy is older and has stronger chewing control, typically around six months of age, before offering any hard chew treat.


Small breeds are also at higher risk of choking and obstruction because rawhide pieces are proportionately larger relative to their throat and digestive tract.

Can Rawhide Be Safe for Some Dogs?

In adult dogs with moderate chewing behaviour, some owners report no obvious issues with rawhide chews. Safety depends heavily on individual chewing styles, product quality and supervision. For softer chewers that carefully gnaw small bits rather than break large chunks, rawhide may pose less immediate risk.


However, this variability is exactly why many animal health professionals remain cautious about recommending rawhide as a standard treat. What is safe for one dog can be dangerous for another.

How to Choose Rawhide More Safely (If You Decide to Offer It)

Corgi eyeing a tossed bone, why a dog won’t eat food but will eat treats

Why Is My Dog Not Eating His Food But Will Eat Treats?

If you still choose to give your dog rawhide, here are steps that may help reduce risk:


  • Choose a reputable manufacturer: Look for brands with transparent quality controls and clear processing standards.

  • Size matters: Select rawhide chews that are appropriately large for your dog’s size so they are less likely to swallow whole pieces. 

  • Supervise chewing: Always watch your dog while they’re chewing and remove the treat if large pieces break off. 


Even when precautions are taken, rawhide carries inherent risks that many owners choose to avoid entirely.

Safer Alternatives to Rawhide Chews

Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and, when done safely, can contribute to dental health and mental stimulation. Some alternatives that provide these benefits with lower risk include:


  • Bully sticks: Fully digestible, high-protein chews that are generally safer than rawhide.

  • Dental chews: Designed to reduce plaque and tartar without the dangers associated with hard hides. 

  • Rubber or nylon chew toys: Long-lasting and designed specifically to be safe and gnawable. 

  • Natural chews: Such as sweet potato chews or other high-quality treats that are easier to digest. 


These options can often satisfy a dog’s chewing instinct while lowering the risks of choking, obstruction or chemical exposure.

Dog chewing a rubber chew toy as a safer alternative to rawhide for dogs.

Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs?

In short, rawhide chews carry significant risks for many dogs and are not considered a universally safe treat. While some dogs tolerate them without issue, the potential for choking, intestinal blockage, dental damage and contamination means that owners should consider safer alternatives that still satisfy chewing instincts. Always supervise any chew treat and talk with your vet if you’re unsure about options for your specific dog’s needs. 

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for personalised guidance regarding your pet's health. We are not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rawhide bad for dogs?

Rawhide chews can be harmful because they may cause choking, intestinal blockages, dental fractures and contamination issues depending on quality and chewing behaviour. 

Can puppies have rawhide?

Puppies should generally avoid rawhide until their mouths and digestive systems are more developed, usually after about six months. 

Are rawhide treats digestible?

Rawhide is not highly digestible, and large pieces that are swallowed may get stuck in the digestive tract, requiring veterinary intervention. 

What are safer alternatives to rawhide?

Bully sticks, dental chews, rubber toys and natural, digestible chews offer safer options that still satisfy chewing urges. 

Should I supervise my dog with rawhide?

Yes. Supervision helps you remove large pieces before they become choking hazards or cause blockages.

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