Are Natural Dog Chews Better Than Rawhide? A Guide for Dog Owners
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If you've ever stood in front of a display of dog chews wondering which ones to choose, you're certainly not alone.
From traditional rawhide bones to buffalo ears, meat strips and natural chews, there's an enormous variety available. And with more products being described as "natural" or "rawhide-free", it's understandable that dog owners want to know what the difference actually is.
The answer isn't quite as simple as saying one type of chew is always better than another. Ingredients, texture, size and your dog's individual chewing habits all matter.
Here's what to consider before choosing your dog's next chew.
What exactly is rawhide?
Rawhide is made from the inner layer of animal hide, commonly from cattle. It's processed, shaped and dried to create chews that can keep dogs occupied for extended periods.
Traditional rawhide chews are often sold as bones, rolls or twisted shapes.
Although many dogs enjoy chewing them, rawhide has attracted attention because of concerns about how it breaks down when chewed and what can happen if larger pieces are swallowed.
The PDSA recommends avoiding rawhide because pieces can present a risk of choking or intestinal blockage.
Why are some dog owners moving away from rawhide?
One of the biggest concerns with rawhide is what happens when a dog manages to tear off a large piece.
Some dogs will patiently work away at a chew, while others seem determined to swallow as much of it as possible in the shortest time imaginable.
If a substantial piece of rawhide is swallowed, it can become lodged in the throat or digestive tract. Rawhide can also be difficult to digest, increasing concerns about intestinal obstruction.
Manufacturing methods can vary too, so it's worth understanding where a product comes from and how it's made.
These concerns are why many owners now prefer to explore alternatives.
What are natural dog chews?
Natural dog chews come in many forms, but the term is commonly used for products made from animal ingredients with relatively little additional processing.
Examples include dried buffalo ears, meat-based chews and other animal-derived treats.
Some are made using a single ingredient, which can make it particularly easy to understand what your dog is eating.
At Nose & Whisker, we're particularly interested in products with clearly stated ingredients. We believe choosing treats should start with understanding what's actually in them.
However, it's important to remember that natural doesn't automatically mean safer.
Even a chew made from a single ingredient can be unsuitable for a particular dog if it's too hard, too small or likely to break into pieces that could be swallowed.
Are natural chews easier to digest?
This depends on the individual chew.
Different animal-based chews have different textures, compositions and levels of digestibility. A dried meat treat, for example, is quite different from a very hard animal-derived chew.
It's therefore better to consider the particular product rather than assuming all natural chews behave in the same way.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, dietary restrictions or a history of digestive problems, speak to your vet before introducing unfamiliar chews.
And whenever you offer something new, start cautiously and keep an eye on how your dog responds.
Are buffalo chews a good alternative?
Buffalo-based treats and chews are among the alternatives available to owners looking beyond traditional rawhide.
Depending on the product, you might find dried buffalo ears, tails, meat strips and other chews.
One thing we like about straightforward animal-based treats is that their ingredients can be easy to understand, particularly when they're made from a single named animal ingredient.
But buffalo chews aren't all the same.
A dried buffalo ear will have a different texture from buffalo jerky, and a harder chew may not suit a dog with sensitive teeth or particularly powerful jaws.
Always check the product description, choose an appropriate size and supervise your dog while they're chewing.
Does the hardness of a chew matter?
Absolutely.
It's tempting to think that the longer a chew lasts, the better it must be. But an extremely hard chew can put considerable pressure on a dog's teeth.
Very hard products may increase the risk of damaged or fractured teeth, particularly in enthusiastic chewers.
The PDSA's guidance on choosing chews recommends choosing products that aren't excessively hard.
Puppies, older dogs and dogs with existing dental problems may need particularly careful consideration.
If you're unsure whether a chew is appropriate, your vet can help you choose a suitable option.
How do you choose the right chew for your dog?
Rather than choosing based entirely on whether something is described as natural or rawhide-free, think about your individual dog.
Size: Choose a chew that's appropriate for your dog's size and can't easily be swallowed whole.
Chewing style: Some dogs chew slowly and carefully. Others bite off large pieces or try to swallow treats quickly.
Texture: Consider whether your dog is better suited to a softer, meat-based chew or something firmer.
Ingredients: Read the composition, particularly if you're looking for a single-protein treat or avoiding certain ingredients.
Age and dental health: Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with dental problems may need different options.
And perhaps most importantly, pay attention to how your dog actually handles the chew rather than assuming they'll use it exactly as intended.
Should you supervise your dog with natural chews?
Yes. Every time.
No edible chew is completely risk-free, regardless of its ingredients or how it's marketed.
Always supervise your dog, remove any pieces that become small enough to swallow whole and take away chews that begin breaking into potentially dangerous fragments.
If your dog regularly tries to gulp down large pieces, an edible chew may not be the most suitable choice.
A properly sized, dog-safe chew toy may be a better alternative.
If your dog swallows a large piece or you suspect choking or a blockage, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Don't forget that chews are treats too
Even when a chew contains just one ingredient, it still contributes to your dog's daily food intake.
Some chews can be relatively high in calories or fat, so consider how often you're offering them alongside meals and other treats.
Follow the manufacturer's feeding guidance and always make sure fresh drinking water is available.
Chews should complement your dog's usual complete and balanced diet rather than replace it.
So, are natural dog chews better than rawhide?
For owners who prefer clearly identified ingredients and want to avoid traditional rawhide, carefully chosen natural chews can offer an appealing alternative.
But there's no single chew that's suitable for every dog.
The best choice depends on the product itself, your dog's size, age, dental health and chewing habits.
At Nose & Whisker, we've carefully selected a range of dog treats and chews, including buffalo-based options, for owners who appreciate knowing what they're giving their dogs.
Because choosing a good treat isn't just about finding something your dog will love. It's also about making an informed decision about what goes into their bowl — or between their paws.
