Raw Bones vs. Rawhide: Which Is Safe for Your Dog?

The Rawhide Problem

Rawhide is made from the inner layer of cowhide. It is processed with chemicals (including bleach and hydrogen peroxide), pressed into shapes, and sometimes flavored. It is not regulated as a food product because it is classified as a “chew,” meaning it has no safety or quality standards.

Why Rawhide Is Dangerous

1. Choking Hazard: As dogs chew rawhide, they soften it into large, slimy chunks. Many dogs swallow these chunks whole. The softened rawhide can lodge in the throat, causing choking.
2. Intestinal Blockage: Swallowed rawhide does not digest well. Large pieces can cause life-threatening intestinal obstructions that require emergency surgery.
3. Chemical Contamination: The manufacturing process involves harsh chemicals. Some rawhides have tested positive for arsenic, lead, and formaldehyde.
4. Bacterial Contamination: Salmonella and E. coli have been found on rawhide products.

Raw Bones: The Safer Chew (With Rules)

Raw, uncooked bones from beef, bison, or lamb are generally safer than rawhide and provide dental benefits (scraping plaque off teeth) and mental enrichment.

The Rules for Raw Bones

• NEVER give cooked bones. Cooking makes bones brittle. They splinter into sharp shards that can perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
• Size matters. The bone should be larger than the dog’s head so they cannot fit it entirely in their mouth. A knuckle bone or marrow bone from a cow is appropriate for a medium-to-large dog.
• Supervise always. Never leave a dog alone with a bone.
• Limit chewing time. 15-20 minutes per session. Excessive chewing can crack teeth.
• Discard after 3-4 days. Raw bones left out will develop bacterial growth.
• Avoid weight-bearing bones of large animals (like beef femurs) for aggressive chewers; these are dense enough to crack teeth.

For more on this topic, see our guide on Dog First Aid Kit: The Essential Supplies Every Owner Needs.

Safer Alternatives to Rawhide

• Bully sticks: Made from dried beef muscle. Fully digestible. (Supervise, as they can become a choking hazard when small.)
• Himalayan yak chews: Hard cheese chews that soften slowly. Long-lasting.
• Frozen stuffed Kongs: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food and freeze it.
• Dental chews (Whimzees, Greenies): Designed to be fully digestible.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Switch Dog Food Without Upsetting Your Dog’s Stomach.