Beefhide vs. Rawhide Treats For Your Dog

When it comes to taking care of our dogs, we always strive to give them the best dog chews. Unfortunately, our dogs cannot choose their food, so it’s up to us to make food choices that will keep them strong and healthy.

Many of the most popular dog foods are made from beefhide or rawhide. However, many dog parents usually get confused about the difference between the two and if they are healthy enough. Read on to discover the similarities/differences between beef hide and rawhide, as well as their benefits and side effects. In short, beefhide is made from cows and rawhide comes from other types of bovine cattle like bison, buffalo, antelope, etc.

Before scrolling down this list, check out these similar dog breeds: Best Dog Treat Dispenser

What is the difference between beef hide and rawhide?

Beefhide and rawhide are very similar but have one distinct difference. Rawhide is made from bovine cattle that have cleft-hooves, while beefhide is made from cows. Both rawhide and beefhide are made from the hide of an animal that is not tanned. Additionally, a hide is usually split between two layers: the top layer, which is used for tanning, and the bottom layer, which is used for beefhide or rawhide treats for dogs. Both are considered to be long-lasting chews for dogs and are generally less expensive than other dog treats.

What are the risks associated with rawhide and beefhide treats?

There are a few gray areas concerning how safe beefhide and rawhide treats are. For one thing, they can lead to choking problems. When your dog chews on them, they become soft and start to come apart. Many dogs choke on the little parts that break apart from both rawhide and beefhide.

Tiny pieces also get stuck in their teeth and can cause pain and discomfort. In rare cases, these beefhide and rawhide treats can lead to intestinal blockage. Here are some common risks associated with beefhide and rawhide treats:

1. Contamination

Similar to all pet toys, rawhide treats may contain small quantities of toxic chemicals. Like other animal and human foods, Salmonella or E. coli contamination can also occur. Humans can also be affected when they come in contact with the bacteria on rawhide treats.

2. Digestive irritation

Some dogs are very sensitive or hyper-allergic to rawhide or other substances used in their production. This can lead to problems like diarrhea. 

3. Choking or blockages

Rawhide/beefhide bones and other dog treats can cause blockages and may lead to choking problems. There’s also a higher chance of inflammation in the digestive system. 

When your dog swallows big pieces of these treats, it can lodge in his throat or other parts of his digestive system. Based on the size and location, the vet can typically take out the pieces easily through your dog’s throat. However, in severe cases, surgery is required to remove blockages from the stomach or their intestines. If left untreated, the blockage can be fatal.

What are the benefits of rawhide and beefhide?

Beefhide and rawhide are not entirely wrong for your dog. They also have some benefits your dog can enjoy. Here is a list of some of the benefits of rawhide and beefhide treats:

1. They remove plaque and tartar and keep your dog’s teeth clean.
2. They are perfect for relieving stress.
3. They’re an excellent way to work the dog’s jaw and facial muscles
4. They help to keep your dog engaged.

How can I protect my dog from risks associated with beef hide and rawhide treats?

Due to the various possible hazards caused by beef hide and rawhide, it’s best to be cautious when choosing your dog treats. If you are very careful, you can prevent many of these problems from happening. There’s no need to keep your dog from enjoying such pleasures, especially if they love them.

Here are some safety precautions to take to protect your dog from any dangers:

1. Always wash beef hide properly before giving it to your dog. This is even more important if your dog has low immunity.
2. Pick only well-ground chews.
3. Pick larger treats that your dog cannot swallow. The perfect size of the treatment will depend on the dog breeds you have.
4. If the treat becomes soft, take it away carefully and replace it with a new one.
5. Eliminate all the dirty bits. Throw away dirty chews.
6. Remove any pieces that are smaller than your dog’s mouth.
7. Exercise moderation. Please don’t spoil your dog by giving beef hide to him every time he asks.
8. Always stay close to your dog whenever they’re eating so that you can help them in case of a choking hazard or event. It’s best to talk to your vet before giving them a new treat. Many problems can be prevented if you seek expert advice.
9. Talk to your vet about the right quantity of this treat for your dog. As a rule, the smaller your dog, the fewer pieces you should give. When you first introduce the treats to your dog, start with one piece at a time. Then, wait for at least a day to see how their digestive system reacts to it.
10. Your dog needs to be relaxed when eating, so remove him from other pets. This separation will reduce his chances of eatinglarge pieces whole. If your dog is very aggressive and territorial with food, this will also help.
11. Give them several types of treats and see how they take them. Do they swallow large pieces? Do they choke or gag as they eat? Talk to your vet about other substitutes for your dog.

What are substitutes for beefhide rawhide treats?

If you are still concerned, and you want to avoid beefhide and rawhide treats completely, here is a list of substitutes that you can use: 

1. Carrots

Although baby carrots are an excellent and healthy dog trust, you can also use mature carrots. Carrots are chock full of nutrients and very low in calories. So if your dog is on a diet, carrots are an excellent substitute for fattier treats.

2. Vegetables

Many pet stores have vegetables, and they are made of dental dog chews produced from the very vegetables. These include peas, carrots, and potatoes. Vegetables are gluten-free and do not contain grain or corn. They’re also simple to digest.Vegetables also keep your dog’s breath fresh and help to clean their teeth.

3. Bully Sticks

Many dog parents love bully sticks as they are free from chemical additives and preservatives. They also last for a considerably long time. The only downside is that most of them have a strong odor.

4. Antlers

Deer or elk antlers have high amounts of zinc, manganese, calcium, and potassium. They don’t have a strong odor like most dog treats. Unfortunately, antlers are very hard, and your dog can fracture a tooth if he chews on the bone aggressively. Elk antlers are a little softer than deer antlers, but no matter the antler you choose, monitor your dog.  

5. Salmon Skin Bones

Salmonskinbones are a rawhide substitute, and they’re made of healthy salmonskin. They’re excellent for dogs who are hyper allergic or sensitive to other proteins. They’re also suitable for dogs who are selective with vegetables.

Salmon skin bones are great for your dog’s coat but always be there when they eat. But if they swallow a piece, it could lead to choking.

6. Eldon’s Tendons

One of the effective ways of maintaining oral health is by flossing. If you give your dog tendons, they can floss with them too. Unfortunately, tendons are stringy, and they will sink into the dog’s teeth as they become tender.  

Eldon’s Beef Tendons are easily digestible and great for all dogs. Choose the appropriate size and protein best for your dog. Beef, lamb, and bison are the most common types of tendons.

7. Raw Bones

Giving your dog raw bones will help to eliminate bacteria in two ways. First, the chewing action will loosen the bacteria, especially in the areas that are harder to reach. Second, the enzymes in the meat will help to fight the bacteria and give your dog fresh breath.

Note that not every raw bone is suitable for your dog. Instead, pick edible bones like chicken neck and beef ribs.

8. Himalayan Yak Chews

This dog treat is the toughest of them all. It’s made of hardened yak and cow cheese. It’s also best for tough chewers. It will give your dog enough abrasion to eliminate bacteria from their teeth, and it lasts longer than many natural treats.

Yak chews aren’t appropriate for every dog. Seniors, puppies, and dogs with tooth problems should refrain from chewing on hard pieces so they don’t damage their teeth. However, adult dogs with healthy teeth will enjoy the low-fat yak chews as they have a lot of flavors.

9. Hero Chicken Feet

Despite their size, small, chicken feet are a good substitute for beef hide and rawhide treats. They can also serve as toothpicks for your dog. They can reach all the inner parts of your dog’s teeth and remove plaque and tartar. Hero Chicken Feet should be added to your dog’s menu for maximum dental health.

Conclusion for Beefhide vs. Rawhide Treats For Your Dog

Beefhides and rawhides have gained a lot of notoriety because of the risks associated with them. However, with proper caution, your dog can enjoy rawhide and beefhide treats without developing any health problems. The main difference between rawhide is that it comes from cattle, like water buffalo, antelope, or bison, while beefhide comes from cows.

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