Natural Chews vs Rawhide Chews: Which is Better for Dogs?

As a pet parent or a dog store owner, you know how much they love to chew. Chewing keeps their jaws strong, teeth clean, and minds occupied. When it comes to choosing between regular dog chews and rawhide chews, there has always been a debate on which is better.

The truth is, they both have their benefits, but one has significant drawbacks. Understanding the differences will help you make the best choice for your store or your dog’s health and happiness.

What Are Rawhide Chews?

Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. They’re processed, dried, and often shaped into bones, twists, or rolls. They’ve been marketed as a go-to long-lasting chewing treat for dogs, but have things everyone should consider before purchasing.

Pros of Rawhide Chews:

• Long-lasting and durable, keeping dogs entertained for hours.
  

• Satisfies natural chewing instincts.
  

• Can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
  

Cons of Rawhide Chews:

• Can be difficult to digest, leading to stomach upset
  

• Risk of choking or intestinal blockage if large pieces are swallowed
  

• Some products may contain chemicals from the manufacturing process

What Are Natural Dog Chews?

“Natural dog chews” is a broad term covering various chewable treats made from natural ingredients like beef, pork, yak milk, or other proteins. These can include bully sticks, pig ears, tendons, and much more.

Their purpose is to satisfy a dog’s natural urge to chew while providing a range of health and behavioral benefits. They also help maintain oral health by scraping away plaque and tartar as dogs gnaw, promoting fresher breath and healthier gums.

Chews also come in different sizes, shapes, and chew levels to match different breeds and chewing styles. For example, smaller, softer chews may be better suited for puppies, senior dogs, or breeds with sensitive teeth, while large, dense chews are ideal for heavy chewers who need a challenge. Ultimately, dog chews are an important part of a dog’s daily enrichment routine.

For businesses, breeders, or shelters looking to stock up, bulk dog chews offer an affordable way to keep plenty of safe, high-quality chews on hand while ensuring dogs stay happy and engaged. 

Pros of Natural Dog Chews:

• Many are fully digestible and easier on the stomach
  

• Available in a wide variety of flavors and textures
  

• Can provide added nutritional benefits (protein, minerals, etc.)
  

• Fewer choking hazards compared to rawhide
  

Cons of Natural Dog Chews:

• Some may not last as long for aggressive chewers
  

• Certain types can be high in calories and not ideal for dogs on limited diets.
  

Key Differences Between Natural Dog Chews and Rawhide Chews

When it comes to choosing between natural dog chews and rawhide chews, the decision often comes down to health, safety, and overall value. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Dog chews are typically made from natural, single-ingredient sources like beef, pork, or yak milk. Many are minimally processed to retain their nutritional value and flavor. 

Rawhide chews, on the other hand, are a byproduct of the leather industry. They are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides, which often undergo heavy chemical processing to remove hair, fat, and odors. 

While some rawhide products are labeled as “natural,” the manufacturing process can involve bleach or other preservatives.

Why it matters: Health-conscious pet owners looking for clean-label products prefer natural dog chews to avoid unnecessary chemicals and additives.

Digestibility

Natural dog chews are generally more digestible because they break down naturally in the dog’s stomach. Rawhide, however, is notorious for being tough to digest and can swell inside the digestive tract, which increases the risk of blockages if swallowed in large pieces.

Why it matters: Highly digestible treats not only reduce the risk of stomach upset but also provide safer chewing for dogs of all sizes.

Nutritional Value

Dog chews often contain natural proteins, amino acids, and nutrients that support muscle development, joint health, and dental hygiene. Rawhide offers little to no nutritional benefit. It’s primarily a chewing outlet rather than a functional snack.

The nutritional and digestibility of rawhide usually leads people to question its safety which leads us to the following topic. 

Are Rawhide Chews Safe for Dogs?

Rawhide chews can be safe if your dog chews slowly, you choose a high-quality brand, and you supervise at all times. However, for aggressive chewers or dogs prone to gulping, rawhide can be risky.

If you do choose rawhide, always make sure of the following:

• Choose products labeled “natural” and “chemical-free”
  

• Avoid pieces that are too small for your dog’s size
  

• Remove the chew when it gets small enough to swallow

If the cons of rawhide make you feel uneasy, then it’s best to stick to a more natural and nutritious chew. 

Healthy Alternatives to Rawhide

If you want the long-lasting benefits of rawhide without the risks, here are some great options:

• Bully Sticks: Fully digestible, protein-rich, and long-lasting.
  

• Collagen Chews: Great for joint and skin health.
  

• Yak Chews: Hard, natural chews made from yak and cow milk.
  

• Beef Tendons: Natural, chewy, and good for dental health.

• Natural Bones: Extra durable interactive chew. 

Which One Should You Choose?

The best choice between natural chews and rawhide chews ultimately depends on your dog’s needs, preferences, and chewing habits. As well as your priorities as a pet store owner or pet parent. 

For dogs that are strong chewers or have a history of destroying softer treats in minutes, rawhide chews may seem like the more durable option. However, keep in mind there are potential digestion risks, and we could not emphasize how important supervision is. Offering high-quality, natural rawhide from reputable sources can help ease concerns. 

On the other hand, dog chews made from natural ingredients like yak cheese, bully sticks, or dog bones are an excellent choice for pet parents looking for healthier, more digestible alternatives. These chews can also appeal to customers who prefer limited-ingredient or grain-free products for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

As a store owner, you can help customers choose by asking guiding questions like:

• What’s your dog’s chewing style?

• Do they have any dietary restrictions or sensitivities?

• Is dental health a concern? (Some chews are better at reducing plaque buildup.)
  

• How often do they chew? (Daily chewers might benefit from bulk packs or subscription options.)

For example, if a customer comes in with a large-breed puppy who’s teething, you might suggest a softer, digestible chew like a yak cheese stick to soothe sore gums.

If another customer is shopping for a working dog who spends hours alone, a larger, tougher chew could keep them engaged longer (Whether that be a natural chew or rawhide). 

To Summarize

Both natural dog chews and rawhide chews can keep your dog entertained, promote dental health, and satisfy natural chewing instincts, but the right choice depends on your pet’s needs, chewing style, and overall health. 

While rawhide has been a long-standing favorite, it comes with potential risks such as choking hazards, digestive issues, and chemical processing concerns.

On the other hand, modern dog chews offer a wide variety of safer, more digestible options made from natural ingredients that still deliver the durability and satisfaction dogs crave. By choosing high-quality dog chews tailored to your pet, you can give them the enjoyment of chewing while supporting their well-being.