Despite the increasing consumer awareness about the dangers of feeding rawhide bones to dogs, they are still one of the most popular items in any pet food store or section of your grocery store.
The Rawhide Issue
Often, manufacturers try to market rawhide bones as if they were a safer product if they are made from a material that is shredded and formed rather than whole sections of the inner layer of the hide. In reality, any type of rawhide still has the potential to be dangerous.
The biggest concern with rawhide bones, aside from recalls due to toxic chemicals and the risk of choking, is the low digestibility factor. In studies, even after 24 hours, there is still about 15% of the material the dog consumes in the stomach. This can build up and create serious and even life-threatening blockages in the stomach and digestive tract.
An Alternative
To provide safe rawhide bones alternatives , many dog and puppy owners are turning to products made from baked pork skin, milk, chicken and peanut butter. The use of baked pork skin removes 70% of the fat but none of the flavor, creating a 99.9% digestible product that dogs and puppies really love.
Get online and search for rawhide bones alternatives. Look for companies offering healthy, nutritious bones which are fortified with vitamins and nutrients your dog needs. These companies often provide a range of flavors, sizes, and shapes, so you and your dog can find the right combination.
Not all stores carry rawhide bones alternatives, but many of the manufacturers provide handy retail locator apps on their website. Simply input your location, and you will see a list of stores in your area. Dog owners can also choose to buy online through pet stores or even large general product online stores, which is often a low cost, hassle-free option to consider.