Is Rawhide Good or Bad for Your Dog?

Have you ever stood in the pet store, staring at rows upon rows of chew toys and wondering if rawhide chews were the right pick for your beloved pup? You’re not alone. Though rawhide is still a popular chewing option for dogs, it's important to ask questions like — Is raw good for dogs? Is rawhide digestible?

For a long time, rawhide was practically the standard go-to for many pet parents who wanted to keep their dogs occupied and discourage them from nibbling on furniture or shoes.

Over time, though, a lot of us have started asking questions: Is rawhide good for dogs? Does it really help their teeth, or could it create bigger problems? Is it perfectly safe, or is rawhide bad for dogs because of potential choking hazards or hidden chemicals? These are valid concerns, and the answers aren’t always simple.

In this comprehensive discussion, we’ll explore exactly what is rawhide, dig into how it's made, talk about specific risks like why is rawhide bad for puppies, and consider whether rawhide bones are safe for your dog.

By the time you reach the end, you’ll have a detailed picture of whether rawhide is safe for dogs of all ages, or if there are safer choices that can keep your dog just as happy.

In this article, we’ll also look into the question, is rawhide digestible for dogs, because if your dog happens to swallow a chunk, you want to know what’s happening in their digestive system.

What is Rawhide for Dogs?

It might help to start with the core question of what is rawhide in the first place. You can think of rawhide as the inner layer of an animal’s hide, most commonly from cows. The outer layer with fur is removed, and the inner layer is what eventually becomes the rawhide we see in pet stores.

Typically, the hide is soaked in a solution—often lime or another chemical mixture—to help strip away any remaining hair and bacteria. After that, it gets cleaned, shaped, dried, and sometimes flavoured or coloured.

The final product might look like a classic knotted bone, a flat chew, or a twist.

Why is Rawhide So Popular?

One of the reasons rawhide became so popular is because dogs tend to love it. It’s firm enough to keep them occupied for quite a while, and that durability has always been a selling point for dog owners looking to give their pups something tasty to gnaw on.

At first glance, this sounds fantastic: a durable, widely available chew that can satisfy your dog’s urge to gnaw without them destroying your couch or shoes. But understanding what is rawhide also means exploring the potential downsides.

Understanding Rawhide Quality Concerns

When you ask if rawhide is good for dogs, it’s important to know exactly how it’s processed, what chemicals might be involved, and how your particular dog tends to chew. A dog who carefully gnaws might do better with rawhide than one who chomps aggressively.

Still, even with that in mind, there are a few health concerns any pet parent should be aware of before giving rawhide to their best friend.

Once you learn about the raw material itself, it’s natural to wonder what is in rawhide besides just skin. After all, many rawhide products on the market are not just plain dried skin.

To process rawhides, there are a number of other ingredients or materials that can be used:

• • Bleach or hydrogen peroxide is often used to clean and whiten the hide.
  • Preservatives can be used to make the final product shelf stable.
  • Flavourings and colours may be added to make the final product more palatable and visually appealing.

If you find the bleach and hydrogen peroxide concerning, we are with you. What happens if any of those substances remain on the chew? The amounts left behind are minimal, but if your dog is a regular rawhide chewer, then overtime your dog could be consuming more of these harsh chemicals than you think.

Plus, in regions where production facilities aren’t as tightly regulated, there’s a risk—however small—of contamination with heavy metals or other toxins.

For many people, this raises the question: are these potential hazards worth it? That’s one of the reasons you see owners increasingly searching for answers to “is rawhide bad for dogs” when they go online to do some research. They’re worried about ingesting questionable chemicals or bacteria, and they have every right to be.

Is Rawhide Good for Dogs?

Let’s be fair and talk about what rawhide can offer in a positive sense before jumping into the downsides. One reason rawhide became so popular is that it caters to a dog’s natural instinct to chew. Instead of gnawing on your favourite sneakers, your pup can work on a rawhide bone for a long time.

Many owners also believe it helps with dental health, reasoning that a dog who regularly chews on rawhide might scrub away plaque and tartar in the process.

There’s also the convenience factor: rawhide chews are everywhere—pet stores, online shops, sometimes even grocery stores—so they’re incredibly easy to find.

Does that automatically mean rawhide is good for dogs across the board? Not necessarily. If your dog is a gentle chewer and doesn’t swallow large pieces, rawhide might serve as a semi-okay choice in moderation, but not all dogs are so lucky.

Some veterinarians or experienced trainers may say it can be an occasional treat for a dog who gnaws methodically rather than chomping down in big gulps. But even then, the general sentiment is that owners need to be very watchful because rawhide can carry some notable risks.

Are Rawhide Bones Healthy for Dogs?

So we’ve talked about the benefits and risks, but one of the major claims by rawhide companies is that rawhide is the best chew for teeth. So, can rawhide bones promote good dental health”?

If rawhide bones are healthy for dog teeth, then does the benefit outweigh the risks? The answer tends to be complicated and nuanced.

Yes, the act of chewing can help scrape off some plaque, and it can also provide mental stimulation and keep dogs from destructive behaviours. But rawhide itself doesn’t offer much in the way of nutrition. It’s not exactly a nourishing snack like a treat that’s high in protein, calcium, or other nutrients.

So we can't say that rawhide bones are healthy for dogs, but that doesn't mean they don't have a purpose for some dogs.

Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs?

Even in your basic preliminary research about rawhide for dogs,  you’ve likely come across a few key health concerns. One of the biggest and most talked about is the risk of choking and blockages.

Unlike many natural chews, rawhide isn’t fully digestible, so if a dog tears off and swallows a chunk, that piece can stay largely intact as it moves—or gets stuck—in their digestive tract.

A stuck piece of rawhide might cause anything from mild constipation to a life-threatening obstruction that demands surgery. And if a chunk lodges in the throat, the immediate danger of choking is obvious.

Some dogs, especially those with allergies or sensitive tummies, can also have gastrointestinal upset when trying to break down rawhide. You might see symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.

Others might have adverse reactions to any leftover chemicals or dyes used during processing. In addition, rawhide can sometimes become a bacterial playground if it’s produced or stored improperly, meaning Salmonella or E. coli could theoretically hitch a ride right into your home or your dog’s digestive system.

In short, many common rawhide concerns revolve around physical blockages, chemical exposure, and bacterial risks.

Is Rawhide Digestible for Dogs?

A question that keeps coming up in discussions about rawhide is “Is rawhide digestible for dogs in the first place?” Well, it’s partially digestible—meaning your dog’s stomach might break down some of it over time, but not very efficiently.

Large chunks can remain relatively solid as they move through the digestive tract, which is where the risk of blockage becomes very real.

If a piece of rawhide lodges in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, you could see anything from mild discomfort to severe vomiting or even an inability to pass stool. In the worst-case scenario, surgery could be required to remove the blockage before it does permanent damage.

This is why so many pet owners and vets raise the question of is rawhide bad for dogs—the partial digestibility can be a serious problem, especially for dogs who don’t thoroughly chew each piece.

Is Rawhide Bad for Puppies?

It’s worth emphasizing that puppies are a special case and deserve a bit more caution. Why is rawhide bad for puppies in particular? The simplest answer is that puppies have developing teeth, jaws, and digestive systems, so they’re more likely to run into trouble with something as tough and difficult to digestible as rawhide. 

A puppy that’s teething will often gnaw on anything they can get their mouth around, which might mean they shred and swallow bits of rawhide more aggressively than an older dog who’s a bit calmer.

Furthermore, puppies don’t have the experience to know what’s safe or how to pace themselves. They might try to gulp down large pieces without giving it much of a second thought, which can quickly lead to choking or stomach blockages. 

For that reason, many vets strongly advise against giving rawhide to puppies, no matter how many puppy chew toys they go through in a week.

Puppies simply have enough going on as they grow—learning to navigate life, forming good chewing habits, and building strong teeth—so saddling them with potential hazards from rawhide often isn’t considered worth the risk.

Rawhide Safety Tips for Dogs

The debate often boils down to: “Is rawhide safe for dogs in any capacity, or should we avoid it altogether?” Some owners have used rawhide for years with no real problems. Their dogs nibble responsibly, never gulp large chunks, and seem to handle rawhide’s partial digestibility just fine. But that’s not the case for every dog. 

As we’ve discussed, rawhide can harbour chemical residues or bacteria, and it poses a risk of intestinal blockages or choking.

Most veterinarians would advise being extremely cautious, especially if your dog is a powerful chewer or a puppy. 

In fact, a growing number of vets suggest skipping rawhide entirely for younger dogs or those who tend to devour chews in giant chunks. Senior dogs may also be at higher risk because their teeth could be more fragile, and their digestive system might not handle rawhide as well as a younger, healthy adult dog’s system might. 

Overall, the consensus is leaning toward the idea that rawhide isn’t the safest choice, and with so many safe rawhide alternatives available, we generally recommend skipping rawhide as your dog's top chewing option.

Rawhide Handling and Supervision: If You Still Choose Rawhide

Even if you understand the risks, you might still decide to give rawhide a chance with your dog. Maybe your dog has never had a problem with it, or perhaps your veterinarian has said it’s fine in small, supervised doses. If that’s the route you’re taking, there are a few guidelines that many experts recommend.

1. Select rawhide that’s marketed as all-natural and comes from reputable countries with stricter quality controls, such as Canada or the United States. While nothing can guarantee absolute safety, products made under stricter regulations often have fewer chemicals, dyes, or preservatives.
2. Skip the artificial flavours. Many meaty flavours, like chicken or beef, are used to make rawhide chews extra tasty for picky chewers, but not all flavourings are natural or made from high-quality ingredients. Be very careful about selecting flavour-treated rawhides or just skip the flavours all altogether.
3. Keep a very close eye on your dog whenever they’re chewing rawhide. The moment the piece becomes small enough that your dog could swallow it whole, take it away. Yes, you might feel bad for interrupting their chew session, but it’s better than an emergency vet visit if they choke or get an intestinal blockage.
4. Limit how long your dog can chew on rawhide in one sitting. Many people use a timer—maybe 15 or 20 minutes—and then store the chew away for next time. This helps reduce the likelihood that your dog will consume large amounts in one go.
5. Take away the last bit. Once your dog is coming to the end of the chew, they are much more likely to try to tackle that last chunk in one big gulp. Once your dog has chewed down the rawhide to a large but swallowable size, take it away and discard it. It may seem like a waste of money, but it's a lot cheaper than surgery to remove a rawhide bowel obstruction.

Finally, watch for any signs of distress, like gagging, pawing at the mouth, or excessive drooling, and be prepared to contact your vet if something seems off. When it comes to your furry friend’s health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Roundup: Rawhide - Dog Friendly or Not 

Whether you decide to stick with rawhide, give it up, or test out new alternatives, the ultimate goal is the same: a happy, healthy dog who can enjoy chewing without facing unnecessary risks.

If you find yourself wondering about specific products or want to cater to your dog’s unique needs, your veterinarian is always a great resource. You can ask them directly if rawhide bones are healthy for your dog, given your dog’s breed, chewing habits, and overall health.

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but being informed helps you make the choices that keep your pup’s tail wagging for all the right reasons. Dogs are family, and ensuring their well-being—right down to the type of chew they enjoy—is a loving gesture that shows you’re doing your best to protect them.

If you’d like to explore alternatives to rawhide for dogs, hop over to our 10 Best Rawhide Alternatives for plenty of safe and tasty options to satisfy chewers of all kinds.

Frequently Asked Rawhide Questions

Can rawhide cause digestive issues in dogs?

Yes, rawhide is only partially digestible, meaning large pieces can cause blockages or upset your dog’s stomach. Some dogs may also react to the chemicals used in processing, leading to vomiting or diarrhea.

Is rawhide safe for aggressive chewers?

Not really. Aggressive chewers tend to break rawhide into large chunks, which increases the risk of choking and intestinal blockages. Safer alternatives like bully sticks or yak cheese chews are better options.

How often can I give my dog rawhide?

If you choose to give your dog rawhide, it should be limited to occasional use and always under supervision. Many vets recommend avoiding it altogether due to safety concerns.

What are the best alternatives to rawhide?

Safer options include bully sticks, yak cheese chews, fish skin chews, and natural dental chews. These are more digestible and less likely to cause choking or blockages.