How to Choose the Right Rawhide
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
Rawhides come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors, but how do you choose the right one? All dogs love to chew, but some
may be choosy. You need to experiment with types, sizes and tastes until you find the perfect chew for your pet.
There are three basic types of rawhide products
Pressed Rawhide
These long-lasting, ultra-dense rawhide chews are formed by compressing 100% cowhide
under intense pressure into bone-shaped molds. Since no chemicals are used in processing,
and they're available in a variety of flavors, pressed rawhides make a long-lasting, nutritious,
and delicious obsession for even the most dedicated canine. They are recommended for even
the most aggressive of chewers.
Shaped Rawhide
The largest selling chew is the bone--rawhide
rolled-and-knotted on each end. Others are formed in the shape
of a pretzel, retriever stick, ring, braided ring, twist, or chip.
These all taste the same, but their shape and thickness
determine how long they can last.
Ground Rawhide
Formed chews - round sticks or various three-dimensional shapes - are made of small, ground
pieces of rawhide which are compressed together under pressure.
Most dogs love the taste of natural rawhide. Flavoring - such as peanut butter, hickory smoke,
or other "natural" flavors like lamb or chicken - is available in all forms of chews to afford
variety, and increase their appeal to finicky chewers. Shaped rawhide is basted. Makers of
ground and pressed rawhide mix flavoring during the processing to keep the taste fresh
throughout the life of the chew.
Choosing the right rawhide chew can make all the difference to your dog
Aggressive chewers can turn a chip into a soggy string in one sitting. Another
dog might find the same chip fun for a full day, even two. Do not be fooled by
the size of your dog.
Aggressive chewers come in all breeds and sizes. Some breeds are known for
the power of their jaws, but even the smallest schnauzer can out-chew a
laid-back Labrador if he has the right personality. Choose the right size for your
dog's mouth--and his temperament. Pressed and pretzel shaped rawhide chews
last longest. Shaped rawhide is initially more pliable, and easier to soften with
chewing, than pressed rawhide. If you are not certain about the chewing style of
your dog, it is better to start with a sturdier variety, and move to a more pliable
one later.
If your dog chews for short periods of time with a soft bite, a smaller rawhide chip, stick or twist - will satisfy the urge to chew, provide just as much
entertainment, and taste just as good as any chew bone. Some dogs may find all
of the resistance they need in these small chews, while more aggressive
chewers need large, heavy knotted chews, or even our Super Heavyweight
Bones or Jumbo Retriever Rolls.
Some dogs are very particular about the size of the chew you give them. Too
big and they will not touch it, even though they will chew for hours on a smaller bone of the same type. Generally speaking,
smaller dogs prefer smaller chews, but the reverse is not always true. Size up the situation and choose what is best for your
dog.
How to Choose the Right Rawhide - Page 1 of 1
Unauthorized use of any images, thumbnails, illustrations, descriptions, article content, or registered trademarks of Foster & Smith, Inc. is strictly
prohibited under copyright law. Site content, including photography, descriptions, pricing, promotions, and availability are subject to change without
notice. These restrictions are necessary in order to protect not only our copyrighted intellectual property, but also the health of pets, since articles or
images that are altered or edited after download could result in misinformation that may harm companion animals, aquatic life, or native species.