Rawhide Risks and Healthy Chew Alternatives for Dogs

What is Rawhide Dog Chew?

We often buy rawhide chews for our dogs because they are easy to find and cheap, without knowing how harmful they can be. So, what is rawhide?

Rawhide is not food. It's made from leftover leather. Because it's not food, companies don't have to follow food safety rules.

How is Rawhide Dog Chew Made?

Step 1: Chemical Preservatives

Fresh hides are treated with chemicals or salty water to stop them from rotting before going to the factory.

Step 2: Hair Removal

At the factory, hides are soaked in a toxic mix to remove hair.

Step 3: Bleaching

Hides are cleaned with bleach and other chemicals to remove smells and make them white.

Step 4: Artificial Coloring and Flavoring

Rawhide can be flavored and colored. Some even have chemicals that claim to clean dogs' teeth.

Step 5: Product Shaping with Glue

Hides are shaped into things like "dog bones." Sometimes, glue is used to hold the shapes together.

The Dangers of Rawhide Dog Chews

Rawhide chews can be dangerous. They might have harmful chemicals, and scientific studies show they are hard for dogs to digest. Large pieces can break off and cause blockages in a dog's intestines.

A Better Choice: Himalayan Yak Cheese Chews

Himalayan Yak Cheese is made from yak and cow milk. It's a hard chew, digestible, grain-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free. It's a great alternative for your dog and lasts a long time.

Benefits of Himalayan Yak Cheese Dog Chews

  • Natural Chewing Instinct: Keeps your dog busy and helps with anxiety.
  • Dental Health: Stronger jaws, cleaner teeth, and fresher breath.
  • All-Natural Ingredients: Made with only four natural ingredients.
  • Low or No Odor: Doesn't make your house smell.
  • Fully Digestible: Safe for your dog's digestion.
  • Gluten and Grain-Free: Good for dogs with allergies.
  • Lactose-Free: Safe for dogs with lactose intolerance.
  • High in Protein: Provides lots of protein.
  • Low in Fat and Salt: Healthier than many other treats.
  • Long-Lasting: Tough enough for strong chewers.
  • Nutrient-Rich: High in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

If you want a healthy, long-lasting chew for your dog, try our Yak Cheese Flavors: Original Himalayan Chew, Turmeric Himalayan Chew, and Coconut Himalayan Chew.

Summary

Rawhide dog chews can be harmful because they contain chemicals and are hard to digest. A healthier option is Himalayan Yak Cheese, which is natural, digestible, and good for your dog's health.

 

 

references:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4473148/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23100588/

https://thesciencedog.com/2015/03/25/keep-those-doggies-rollin-rawhide-rawhide/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159121001593

 

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