The 5 Best Dog Rawhides for Aggressive Chewers
Chewing is a natural instinct for our furry buddies, so if you want to keep them happy and occupied with some tasty chews, check out the best dog rawhides on Amazon.
Doggos love having something to chew, that much is obvious. Whether they are puppies or full-fledged adult canines, chewing helps to keep their teeth healthy, calm their nerves, and stop them from getting bored and restless.
The market is overwhelmed with chewable treats for sensitive stomachs, while others are specifically designed for your dog’s dental care. Among all those options, you’ll also find dog rawhides. They’re made from the soft inner layer of untanned cow, sheep, bison, or horse hide. They can keep your best pal busy munching away for extended periods of time, online some other types of treats that are usually gone in seconds or minutes, at best.
However, these chewy treats are often a subject of debate: are they really good for dogs? Some owners give raging reviews, while others don’t like the idea for various reasons and prefer to opt for alternatives. In this article, we’ll go deeper into the pros and cons of these controversial snacks and offer our picks of the best dog rawhides.
The Best Dog Rawhides to Consider
Rawhides are processed pretty simply. The soft inner layer of an animal’s hide is not exposed to any tanning process. It’s simply removed, cleaned, split, cut, and then pressed into various shapes, sometimes with added flavors.
Being selective is important when you’re choosing dog hides for your pup because their quality can be highly varied. There are also certain safety concerns worth noting before you offer them to your pet, so make sure they’re supervised those first couple of times they try these tasty treats.
Choking is one of the concerns, as not all rawhide treats are made equal. Stay away from products that have too many small and intricate pieces, and look for chews that are made from a single, thick sheet of rawhide. Examine the knotted versions carefully. Inferior ones will be made of smaller, separate pieces, while the superior ones are made from a single sheet that is rolled and knotted. The risk of choking or bowel obstructions can also be reduced if you take the treat away from your pooch when you see that it’s getting shredded into smaller pieces that shouldn’t be swallowed whole.
Some of the best chews are usually made from a square of rawhide and then rolled up like a newspaper before they’re left to dry. With smaller breeds, shorter rolls will do fine, but if you have a big dog, look for the longest ones you can find. That way, they’ll last longer before your furry friend chews them into pieces that could potentially be swallowed.
The smell is an important factor, too. Avoid using chews that have putrid smells, or opt for those without any odor. Likewise, don’t buy treats that seem unnaturally white, as this could be an indication of excessive chemical treatment, dying, or bleaching. In general, the best rawhides will have a color between off-white, cream, or even light yellow.
In spite of above mentioned potential risks, good quality rawhides have lots of benefits for your pooch. Apart from being delicious, rawhides also promote dental health in dogs, they can help reduce plaque and slow down tooth decay.
Most doggos will enjoy their chews immensely and lose themselves in a whirlwind of endorphins when you present them with a nice rawhide treat. It’s also a great way for them to be entertained while you’re busy and can’t give them your full attention. Plus, they’re more likely to leave your shoes and socks alone if there’s a tasty rawhide chew lying around. It’s a win-win situation for both you and your buddy!
Cowdog Chews Retriever Roll All Natural Dog Rawhide (Pack of 20)
Our top pick is the Cowdog Chews Retriever Roll. These dog rawhides are made of a single sheet without any smaller bits and pieces or filler ingredients. To put it simply: this is just natural, pure rawhide sourced from free-range, pasture-raised cattle in South America. As with any other natural product, there can be some variation when it comes to color, thickness, and density, but these differences only prove that it’s a good quality product.
These awesome chews support your pup’s dental health and can help discourage destructive chewing or various items around your home. They’re rich in collagen, so they’re also good for your buddy’s joints, bones, and fur. Your doggo will absolutely love them and get many hours of delicious fun out of every single one before they start to fall apart.
It’s worth noting, though, that these are handcrafted cowhides, so some of them are rolled inconsistently, making some rolls tighter than others. Due to this, the amount of time each roll lasts may vary. Nevertheless, they’re still some of the best dog rawhides available on Amazon, especially because they contain no artificial colors or preservatives, and they’re odorless, too. This package has 20 rolls, but you can also buy packages ranging from three to 80 rolls.
Pros:
- Natural chews made from free-range, pasture-raised cattle
- Single rolled sheet of rawhide
- Long-lasting
- Helps to curb destructive chewing habits
- No small bits and pieces
- No odors or artificial ingredients
- Collagen-rich for healthy joints, bones, and hair
Cons:
- They’re handcrafted, so they’re rolled inconsistently
- They’re quite hard, but it helps if you wash them in hot water
Purina Busy Dog Rawhide Small/Medium Breed Dog (Pack of 9)
For owners of small and medium-sized breeds, we recommend these Purina Busy dog rawhides. They’re designed to last long, so you can watch your little buddy get lost in their own playful and blissful chewy world. These classic chews have exteriors made from real beef hide, while the savory centers feature real meat without artificial colors or flavors.
Each chewy rawhide provides both fun and flavor to entertain and satisfy your furry friend, all the while helping to clean their teeth. You can say goodbye to destroyed shoes, clothes, socks, and furniture.
Pros:
- Real beef hide exterior
- Savory middle
- Ideal for small and medium-sized dogs
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Long-lasting
- Great for dental health
Cons:
- Extra-aggressive chewers might go through them faster than others
- They are sticky, so if you let your doggo chew them on a carpet or a blanket, they might become glued to those surfaces
Premium Thick Cut Chips, Top Dog Rawhide (5lbs)
This premium pick is a bit more expensive than some others, but these dog rawhides are made from a single natural ingredient, and some of them are very thick. Whole grain rawhide uses both the upper part of the hide and the bottom lower part, while most other rawhide treats only use the inner part, resulting in different properties. The top grain of the hide is known for its high resistance, which increases chewing time. That means your pooch will chew on these delicacies for hours with utmost pleasure.
Since these chews are natural, you’ll notice some variation when it comes to color, thickness, and density, but that’s completely normal. The only downside is that the thinner pieces won’t last as long as the thick ones.
The good news is that these treats are not greasy and they don’t smell, so you don’t have to worry about nasty carpet stains. They’re also slightly flexible, so they’re less likely to brittle and break into pieces. Instead, they gradually wear away while your puppy chews on them.
Pros:
- Natural product
- Sourced from free-range, grass-fed South American livestock
- Wholegrain is thicker and more resistant to chewing
- Odorless and non-greasy
- No breaking into pieces
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Size and thickness can vary quite a lot
- They’re more expensive than other options
Good’n’Fun Triple Flavored Dog Rawhide Kabobs (24oz)
For puppies who love some variety in their delicious treats, we’ve picked the Good’n’Fun Rawhide Kabobs featuring rawhide and pork hide. These chews are packed with flavor, and they come in the form of a kabob stick with pieces of chicken, duck, and chicken liver.
The one thing that might present a problem with these treats is their size. They’re quite small, so larger dogs will finish them in a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, chews like these can be used as smaller rewards for training and good behavior rather than serving as long-term chewing entertainment. Most doggos absolutely love them, so you’re sure to notice some serious tail wagging as soon as your pooch sees them coming.
Pros:
- Made from rawhide and pork hide
- Wrapped with real chicken, duck, and chicken liver
- Great source of protein
- Helps reduce tartar buildup and remove plaque
- Healthy and delicious
Cons:
- They’re quite small, and most dogs will finish them quickly
- Some users say that the amount of meat on the rawhide sticks has gotten smaller in recent purchases
Dreambone Twist Sticks, Rawhide-Free Chews For Dogs (Pack of 50)
DreamBone Twist Sticks are a very popular product among dog parents, providing all the benefits of dog rawhide, but they’re not made of actual rawhide. Instead, they’re made with real chicken, beef, bacon, and cheese or sweet potato and wholesome vegetables. These treats offer a sensational taste most pups simply can’t resist.
These chews are easily digested, and they’re enriched with vitamins and minerals. The twisted shape is the absolute favorite for many pooches, as they’re more fun and interesting to chew on. Plus, they do an excellent job of cleaning the dog’s teeth and gums, and they’re suitable for all dog breeds and sizes. The manufacturer recommends giving your puppy one or two of these per day, and supervision is also advised.
Pros:
- Benefits of a rawhide chew without the rawhide
- Made with real chicken and wholesome veggies
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals
- Helps maintain healthy teeth
- Twist shape makes it more fun for the dogs
Cons:
- We’d prefer it if they were a bit bigger and thicker
- They work better as treats than long-term chews
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave a dog alone with a rawhide?
Like other chewy treats, dog rawhides are delicious, and your puppy will enjoy them. However, they also come with a certain level of choking risk, fractured teeth, oral injuries, airway obstruction, or even bowel complications if they get shredded into smaller pieces that your pooch can swallow whole. That’s why you should avoid leaving your dog completely unattended with these chews, especially if you see that the treat is starting to fall apart.
How long can a dog chew on rawhide?
Is rawhide safe for young puppies?
long-lasting dog treats for your little buddy.
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