Anyone that is a dog owner wants to see their four-legged companion engage in some type of fun-filled activity. One of these activities is chewing, whether it is a treat or toy. As with anything else, there are concerns about some of these chewing aids in terms of safety.
Am I talking about pet toys or treats? Generally speaking, some pet toys raise a few eyebrows. In this case, the rawhide treat is the topic the owners are raising questions.
Where does a rawhide come from? Rawhide comes from the inner layer of a cow’s hide. It is cleaned and dried prior to the cutting, rolling, shaping or pressing into the different formations that exist. These dog treats appear in many appearances, hardness/softness, and texture as well as various sizes. In some cases, the rawhide has some flavor, of course, to the dog.
There are many different rawhide types to choose from: granulated, rolled/cut, chew flips (chips and strips), compressed and bully sticks:
Granulated: This is also referred to as the extruded rawhide. It is one of the softest rawhide that dogs can have an easy chewing session. The granulated rawhide is very easy to crumble, perhaps making it much quicker to consume. This is recommended for puppies and/or light chewers and should be given in small amounts.
Rolled/Cut: In the case of the rolled rawhide, this type is formulated into bone shapes, generally with a big know on each end. The bone that have a flat knot are softer than the bone that is rolled up. The average dog chewer can adapt to this rawhide.
Chew flips: The chew flips are a flatter and smaller piece that are derived from sheet of rawhide. These rawhide types are soften easily. This is the perfect size for swallowing the whole thing. Chew flips are not suggested for large puppies, active, or aggressive chewers due to its size.
Compressed: Compressed rawhide is generally composed of various rawhide layers that are shaped by compression, obviously. This rawhide is bone-shaped but minus the typical rawhide knotted ends. It is the hardest rawhide that is on the pet market. Compressed rawhide takes much longer to chew and aggressive chewers and puppies that are of larger breeds are the perfect candidates.
Bully sticks: There are the bully sticks. What are bully sticks? I know what many people are thinking–hold that thought–that is not the case. The bully sticks last longer in terms of chewing. These are also very enjoyable for the majority of dogs. The bully sticks are braided and usually six inches long. It has a very low odor, unlike other types of rawhide. Like all other rawhide types, it promotes healthy gums and teeth.
Regardless of the dog’s size and life stage, they always find the pleasure of chewing on different toys. Chewing on a rawhide is no exception. However, many dog owners are expressing safety concerns, such as sharp edges on the rawhide during and after the chewing process. Suggestion: look for areas on the rawhide that is soft and large pieces, especially for smaller dogs. Owners should remove the pieces from the rawhide. If it gets to be nearly impossible for the dog to utilize, as in the piece becoming too small, then give them a new chew.
As far as safety goes, it is imperative that owners keep an eye on the things that their furry family members consume. This is only common sense. Dogs are like children in many respects.
Source:
http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/rawhide-dog-chews.html