When it comes to keeping our dogs happy, occupied, and mentally stimulated, chews are often a go-to. But not all chews are created equal - and one of the most commonly sold options, rawhide, is also one of the most dangerous.
Despite its popularity, rawhide poses significant health risks to dogs, and here at Doghouse, we believe in choosing better, safer alternatives for our four-legged friends.
What is Rawhide, Really?
Rawhide is made from the inner layer of animal hides (usually cow or horse), which is chemically processed, cleaned, and shaped into bones, twists, and rolls. On the surface, it may look like a harmless chew, but what’s beneath tells a different story.
The Risks of Feeding Rawhide to Dogs
🐾 1. Choking and Blockages
One of the biggest dangers of rawhide is that it doesn't break down easily. As dogs chew, large chunks can be torn off and swallowed - and because rawhide is so tough and sticky, it can become lodged in the throat or digestive tract.
🐾 2. Digestive Upset and Intestinal Blockages
Rawhide is extremely hard to digest. If your dog swallows it, pieces may sit in their stomach for hours or days, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or worse - a life-threatening intestinal blockage.
Some dogs have even required emergency surgery to remove rawhide stuck in their intestines, especially smaller breeds or enthusiastic chewers.
🐾 3. Chemical Exposure
Rawhide chews are often treated with harsh chemicals - including bleach, preservatives, artificial flavouring, and dyes. These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, irritate the stomach lining, or cause long-term health issues if consumed regularly.
🐾 4. Contamination Risks
There have been multiple recalls on rawhide products over the years due to bacterial contamination (like salmonella and E. coli) - which can affect both dogs and humans who handle the chews.
So Why Is It Still Sold?
Unfortunately, many of Australia’s big-brand supermarkets and retailers - including Woolworths, Big W, and major pet chains - continue to sell rawhide. It's inexpensive to produce, long-lasting on shelves, and highly profitable.
But that doesn’t make it safe.
It’s disheartening to see so many products on shelves that can be so detrimental to dogs’ health and wellbeing. That’s why at Doghouse, we’ve made the conscious choice to never stock rawhide. Ever.
Safe Alternatives to Rawhide
Looking for long-lasting, satisfying chews that won’t harm your dog? We’ve got you covered.
Here are some safe, natural alternatives we do stock at Doghouse HQ:
🦴 Veal Tendons - Naturally chewy, fully digestible, and perfect for puppies and adult dogs alike.
🐟 Dehydrated Fish Skins - High in omega-3s, gentle on the gut, and super tasty.
🐄 Beef or Roo Chews - Great for teeth and digestion, with no additives or nasties.
🐓 Chicken Feet or Duck Necks - Natural sources of glucosamine, helping joint health.
Each of these options is rawhide-free, single-protein, and sourced with your dog’s health in mind.
In Summary
Rawhide may be common - but that doesn’t make it safe. From choking hazards to digestive issues and chemical exposure, it’s just not worth the risk.
At Doghouse, we're here to help you make informed choices about what goes into your dog’s mouth. If you’ve got questions or want help choosing the right chew for your pup, come chat to us in-store or shoot us a message online. We’re always happy to help!
Because when it comes to our dogs, we believe in choosing better - not just what’s popular. 🐶💛