Did you know that rawhide is made from the inner layer of an animal’s hide? It’s skin that’s been dried, treated and prepared for human use, and the outer layer gets turned into goods like leather.

Most rawhide chews come from cows (called “beef hide”), but you can also find options made from horses, buffaloes, pigs, deer and more. The rawhide is pressed into different shapes and sizes, like bones and rolls, and sometimes flavored to become the familiar dog treats you see at the store.

Rawhide has been a popular dog treat for decades, but is it the safest option for your pup? Unfortunately, it does present some risks. In this article, we’ll introduce alternatives to rawhide your dog will love, risks associated with traditional rawhide and tips for choosing treats that keep your pup healthy and happy.

Dried fish skins are a delicious source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help give your furry friend a shiny coat. The texture of this single-ingredient snack ranges from crispy and crunchy to chewy and jerky-like, but all fish skin chews provide lean protein. Wolffish, cod, redfish and salmon are all popular chew options.

Pros

• Omega-3s promote healthy skin and coat

• Lean, high-protein snack

• Easy to digest

Sweet potatoes are the ultimate light, nutritious snack for your pup. When cooked properly, they can keep a dog busy while you bust out a quick load of laundry or wash the dishes. They’re high in fiber and provide many of the nutrients your dog needs to feel their best. When dried out in the oven, the rough edges scrub your buddy’s teeth and massage their gums.

Pros

• Easy to make at home

• Fiber and antioxidants support a strong digestive system

• Provides vitamin A, B, C, manganese and potassium

No time to make your own? Try Bone Broth Bites with  Sweet Potato  from The Honest Kitchen.

Need an all-natural chew? Frozen carrots are a sweet, safe alternative to rawhide that dogs go wild for. These veggie sticks are tough to chew through to begin with, but when you toss them in the freezer for a few hours, they become the perfect long-lasting treat. They’re also low in calories so you don’t have to worry about plumping up your pup. Switch things up by freezing pumpkin , peanut butter, bananas, lean meat and other whole foods.

Pros

• Simple DIY dog chew — just pop it in the freezer

• Packed with vitamin A and lutein for healthy eyes

• Low-calorie, low-fat snack

 Try Chicken Bone Broth Bites with Carrots from The Honest Kitchen.  

Raw, uncooked bones can be a fantastic source of minerals and offer a powerful workout for your dog’s jaws. Go with a hip or femur bone from large animals like cows and bison, which are filled with nutritious marrow, for a chew that lasts for hours and hours. Place a towel under your dog as this chew can get messy. Always choose uncooked bones — cooked bones can splinter and perforate your pet’s stomach or intestines and cause severe injury or even death.

Pros

• Bone marrow contains calcium, phosphorus and other minerals

• Durable and all-natural

• Great for aggressive chewers

Many pet stores have sections filled with ear chews like pig, cow or venison, and all can be great choices for your pup. Venison ears, in particular, are non-greasy and low in fat but still a tough and tasty treat. They’re perfect for dogs who can’t tolerate snacks from common protein sources like beef, pork, chicken or fish due to allergies or medical conditions.

Pros

• Safe alternative for sensitive stomachs

• Low-fat, low-odor chew

• Don’t break or shatter easily

Deer and elk antlers are fantastic alternatives to rawhides for your pet. They have multiple benefits, like keeping your dog’s teeth clean and fresh and providing the essential nutrients their body needs to thrive. Antlers are chock full of potassium, zinc, calcium and manganese to promote a healthy lifespan. Best of all, these challenging treats stand up to even the toughest chewers. Add a punch of flavor by soaking (not cooking) the antler in The Honest Kitchen’s Beef Bone Broth .

Pros

• Full of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and manganese

• Durable choice for heavy chewers and powerful breeds

• Can often be purchased in bulk

Himalayan chews (also called Himalayan cheese) aren’t always easy to find at the local pet store, but they’re a solid rawhide alternative for dogs with digestive issues. Made of yak and cow milk, along with salt and lime juice for flavor, most dogs have no problem with these in their stomach. They’re tough as most bones and, even if broken, typically aren’t a choking hazard.

Pros

• Great choice for sensitive stomachs

• Generally safe to swallow

• Gluten-free and long-lasting

• Source of iodine source, which is important for a balanced diet

Bully sticks may be one of the more popular alternatives to rawhide. Made from 100% beef muscle, these natural, single-ingredient chews are highly digestible, unlike rawhide. Because of this, bully sticks have less of a risk of choking or blockages. They’re also high in protein, low in fat and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on dogs’ teeth.

Pros

• Highly digestible and easy on most dogs’ digestive systems

• High protein content that can support muscle health and development

• Dental benefits

• Available in various sizes and shapes to suit different breeds and chewing strengths

Tendon chews are made from the fibrous connective tissues of animals like beef, making them a healthy and natural alternative to rawhide. Also a single ingredient alternative, a tendon chew is high in protein and low in fat, making it ideal for pups who may need to watch their weight. They’re also rich in collagen, which can support joint and skin health.

Pros

• Great for dogs of all ages to support joint health and skin elasticity

• Softer than some other chews, ideal for puppies and seniors

• Excellent for weight management or dogs who are prone to obesity

Lastly, consider beef hooves as a rawhide alternative. These long-lasting chews are made from cows' hooves, which offer a natural and durable texture. They’re hollow, which makes them perfect for stuffing with treats, creating an enriching experience for your dog. The tough chew of beef hooves can also withstand heavy chewers, ideal for large breeds.

Pros

• Long-lasting, providing hours of chewing for tough chewers

• Provides an interactive experience — try stuffing with yogurt or wholesome stews from The Honest Kitchen .

While the other rawhide alternatives are made to be ripped up, eaten or eventually retired, chew toys are designed to last. Beyond offering a satisfying chew, they can provide months or even years of entertainment and mental stimulation.

Toys can be used for training, fetching, teething, and digging — without falling apart or causing a choking hazard. Some favorites are the KONG toy and Starmark Everlasting Bento Ball and Puzzle Ball.

Not all rawhides are created equal, and their safety varies drastically based on their quality, the individual dog and proper supervision. Many rawhides you can buy at the pet store may contain chemicals, preservatives and other additives that are unnecessary or harmful for dogs.

The biggest risk of rawhides is choking, especially if a dog tries to swallow large pieces instead of chewing them thoroughly. And even if the rawhide is partially chewed, the pieces can become lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract, leading to a dangerous blockage. Rawhide also isn’t very digestible, which can cause dogs to have abdominal pain, dehydration and even infections if a blockage occurs.

Lastly, keep in mind rawhides can be high in calories, so it’s best to limit them to no more than 10% of your pup’s overall daily caloric intake. Some pet owners like using rawhide to help their pup clean their teeth, and while this can be true, brushing their teeth manually is a much safer and less calorie-dense option.

All in all, feeding your pup rawhide from the store can come with risk. If you’re risk averse and want to further support your dog’s health and longevity, consider a rawhide alternative instead.

Whether traditional rawhide is off the table or not, there are things to keep in mind when feeding your dog any type of chew. Read more below about the size, type and harmful ingredients in dog chew treats.

Size and type of chew can vary greatly so choosing a chew that matches your dog’s size, breed and chewing strength can prevent potential hazards. Some dogs may be great at gradually breaking down chews without much risk while others may attempt to swallow the chew too quickly, which can pose a risk.

These risks are more likely in smaller dogs eating treats that are too large, so take your time choosing the right chew for your pup. By choosing the right size and type of chew, you can ensure chew treats remain safe and enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Review the ingredients in any dog chew treat — rawhide or not. Specifically, look out for harmful chemicals and potential contamination. To make rawhides, U.S. manufacturers use a variety of additives and preservatives like lime, bleach, hydrogen peroxide and artificial dyes. It’s important to know where the rawhide was made, since some countries add carcinogens like arsenic and formaldehyde during processing.

Another concern is contamination, which is usually the result of subpar quality control. This can lead to bacterial outbreaks of E.coli and Salmonella, which threatens both human and animal safety. When in doubt about quality control or harmful chemicals, research the pet food brand online to better understand their production methods.

While rawhides can keep dogs occupied, they come with a lot of risk and little nutritional value. Alternative rawhide options, like those mentioned in this article, can be a great place to start if you’re looking to swap out rawhide in your dog’s treat bin. But remember to always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying their treats.

The Honest Kitchen provides alternative rawhide treats as well as a wide selection of other natural, human grade dog food to support your dog’s overall health.

 Explore our full collection of  dog food, treats and toppers today!