The most frequently asked questions regarding rawhide are, “What is it?” and “Is it good for my dog?” It is actually made from the hide of a cow or buffalo. Some people feel that it is too hard for their dog to digest and therefore harmful. There are many types of rawhide on the market. The best kind to get is pressed rawhide, which is unbleached and a natural light brown in color. Rawhide comes in bone shapes and sticks. Rawhide chips are also available , but they are too small and thin and could get stuck in a dog’s throat.

Why rawhide? Dogs–especially young ones–need to chew. Unless your dog has a particular digestive ailment, rawhide is a godsend and certainly more digestible than a shoe or couch! Large bone and stick shapes are the best.

Caution: Keep a watchful eye. If the piece of rawhide your dog chews begins to get too small, throw it away.  Always check with your vet first, before giving rawhide to your dog!