Ditch the Rawhide: Safer, Natural Alternatives Your Dog Will Love

Let’s be real, most of us have tossed a rawhide chew into our dog’s treat stash at some point. It’s cheap, it’s everywhere, and the packaging makes it look like a no‑brainer. Chewing’s good for dogs, right?

But here’s the thing nobody tells you at the checkout: rawhide can be risky. And not just “might upset the tummy” risky. We’re talking choking hazards, chemical residues, and chews that sit undigested in the gut for far too long.

I’m not saying this to scare you. I’m saying it because, honestly, I’ve been there. I’ve watched a Labrador cough up a soggy, half-swallowed chunk of rawhide like he was auditioning for a Heimlich training video. Not fun.

So, what’s the better option? Thankfully, there’s a whole world of natural, rawhide-free chews out there. Ones that are safer, tastier, and actually good for your dog. And they don’t all cost the moon, either.

So, What’s the Deal with Rawhide Anyway?

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Rawhide is made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. The bit that gets stripped away during leather production. Not exactly the most appetising origin story.

Then it gets soaked, cleaned (sometimes with bleach or hydrogen peroxide), shaped, dried, and often dyed or flavoured to make it look more appealing. But it’s not food. It’s a by-product, processed until it’s just chewy enough to keep your dog busy and just tough enough to be hard to digest.

And that’s where the problems start.

  • Dogs can break off large pieces that become choking hazards.
  • Swallowed chunks can cause blockages or digestive distress.
  • Rawhide often contains chemical residues left over from processing.
  • Quality and safety vary wildly because production is poorly regulated in some regions.

Natural Dog Chews: What to Look For

Here’s the good news. There are plenty of natural, digestible chews that are actually meant to be eaten. We asked the leading natural dog chew company, Floppy Ear, for their advice.

Look for chews that are:

  • 100 percent digestible
  • Made from natural, recognisable ingredients
  • Responsibly sourced
  • Rawhide-free

If the ingredient list reads like a chemistry experiment, it’s probably one to avoid. Look at Floppy Ear’s natural dog chews collection page – you’ll see everything is 100% natural. 

Some Chews Worth Trying

These are reliable favourites that many dogs tend to go absolutely wild for:

Yak Chews

Hard, long-lasting, and made from Himalayan yak and cow milk. They soften as your dog chews and are fully digestible. Great for strong chewers, though not ideal for puppies or very small dogs because of the hardness.

Sweet Potato Chews

Sliced, dried sweet potato makes a slightly sticky, chewy treat that’s naturally sweet and gentle on the stomach. Brilliant for dogs with sensitivities and for owners who don’t want anything smelly around the house.

Dried Fish Skins

Crunchy, flavourful, and packed with omega-3. They’re fantastic for coat health, but yes, the smell is… noticeable. Dogs absolutely love them though.

Air-Dried Meat Strips or Tendons

Beef, lamb, venison, or similar meats dried slowly so they retain texture without added junk. These are perfect for moderate chewers and easy to portion.

Plant-Based Dental Chews

Modern plant-based options can clean teeth, freshen breath, and keep dogs busy without any of the risks that come with rawhide.

A Note on Price

Natural chews can cost more up front. But when you factor in safety, digestibility, and fewer emergency vet visits, the value speaks for itself. Many natural chews also last longer than people expect, especially the tougher ones.

Don’t Feel Guilty, Just Get Informed

If you’ve bought rawhide before, don’t worry. Most dog owners have. We were all doing our best with limited information.

But now you know more, and now there are safer, genuinely enjoyable alternatives out there. Ones your dog can chew, digest, and benefit from.

So yes, ditch the rawhide. Your dog’s stomach, your home, and probably your vet will thank you.