Rawhide chew sticks are a popular treat for dogs. Many frustrated owners will purchase rawhide chews in hopes of saving their furniture, shoes and other belongings from the destructive jaws of their canine companions. There is a seamier side, though, to rawhide chews. And as a conscientious, responsible pet owner you should know exactly what you are giving your dog so that you can make educated decisions regarding their treats and chews.

The Brutish Beginnings

A good deal of rawhide production takes place in other countries. In Thailand dog skins are mixed with the other skin to produce raw hide. And these dogs have reportedly been slaughtered in a most brutal manner. But even the animals that the hides come from are horribly abused, crammed into small pens, never allowed outside, shot up with any number of hormones, arsenicals and antibiotics then shipped off in an overcrowded trailer to be slaughtered.

The Toxic Process

Rawhide is made from the inner portion of an animal skin, typically cattle. The top grain is the part that is usually tanned and used for leather products. The inner part is what is made into rawhide. This rawhide has to go through an extremely toxic process to remove the hair, sodium sulphide liming. From there, the hides are whitened with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Some may even carry traces of formaldehyde and arsenic.

Poorly Regulated

The veterinary branch of the FDA will not investigate additives to pet food unless there have been numerous complaints about specific additives or chemicals. Furthermore, FDA law allows as long as a product is consumable (in the case of rawhide, it contains animal parts, rawhide and bone) then it is considered food. The only stipulation is that the label cannot make any nutritional claims or reference nutritional value. They also advise that manufacturers may not be held to the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials the governing body regulating the sale and distribution of animal food.

A Slow Poison

Some of the flavored rawhide products contain potentially toxic chemicals like FD&C Red 40, a known carcinogen and preservatives including sodium benzoate. The problem with tracking a dog’s exposure to these chemicals is that it is a slow poison. The dog licks and chews but does not ingest the product all at once. This leads to a low dose, slow poisoning.

Healthier Alternatives

There are healthier alternatives to rawhide that your German shepherd will enjoy just as much if not more. Look for organic and free range products such as bully sticks and raw bones. Elk and deer antlers are another alternative. Shop smart for your dog, choosing the healthiest products possible. Look for products that have minimal processing and are as close to nature as possible. Your dog will be healthier and happier.