![\"Popular](\"https:\/\/cdn.whole-dog-journal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-1467987626-696x494.jpg.optimal.jpg\" "\\"Happy")
Weighing around 80 pounds, Michele McHugh\u2019s Shepherd mix, Doodle, loved to chew.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe enjoyed her toys and had an assortment of chew toys,\u201d McHugh says. \u201cThe more edible type of chews were given as treats on special occasions to keep her entertained.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the Houston, Texas area dog mom wasn\u2019t comfortable giving Doodle rawhide bones, so McHugh opted for rawhide alternatives.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThere are so many other choices out there besides rawhide,\u201d McHugh says.<\/p>\n
Whole Dog Journal is reader-supported. If you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission. Whole Dog Journal does not accept money for its food and product reviews.<\/em><\/p>\n In recent years, the demand for rawhide alternatives has grown. We found that many pet supply store shelves and online retailers are packed with products promoted as alternatives to rawhide. Good rawhide alternatives include:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Made from dried animal skins, typically beef, rawhide is a popular product for dogs. There are a wide range of rawhide products available; some are made in the United States while others are imported from China, Mexico, and South American countries.<\/p>\n Many companies say their rawhides are digestible, safe, and natural. However, some dog owners and veterinarians opt for rawhide alternatives due to concerns about possible chemicals used to treat some rawhide products, potential bacterial contamination, and health and safety risks.<\/p>\n \u201cI started seeing more problems in practice with dogs getting rawhides stuck in the back of their throat, causing choking,\u201d says veterinarian Brian Collins with the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center. \u201cSome dogs get them stuck in their GI tract, causing vomiting or creating obstructions.\u201d<\/p>\n While any type of chew could potentially cause an issue\u2014like a digestive problem or choking hazard\u2014for your dog, Dr. Collins also worries about how rawhide and other chews may affect your dog\u2019s teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen dogs break off their canine teeth, chewing on rawhide, but other chews can contribute to these problems,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Since some dogs are hardcore chewers, picking the right product can be challenging. So how do you figure out what\u2019s best for your dog?<\/p>\n Dog chews can help keep dogs busy, entertained, and mentally stimulated. For some pups, getting a dog chew is an exciting reward they look forward to.<\/p>\n To satisfy your dog\u2019s craving to chomp, Dr. Collins has a recommendation:<\/p>\n \u201cMy rule of thumb is that whatever your dog chews on should be something that is flexible, and you can indent with your fingernail, or you can break with your hands,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n This helps reduce wear and tear on dogs\u2019 teeth from gnawing on hard chews.<\/p>\n \u201cI often find myself pointing out broken teeth, or a dog will come in with an acutely broken tooth,\u201d Dr. Collins says. \u201cIt\u2019s generally not a question of if, it\u2019s a question of when. Treatment of a fractured tooth generally involves removing the tooth or performing a root canal procedure.\u201d<\/p>\n On the flip side, when your dog gnaws away on a chew, it can help keep their teeth clean. The physical act of chewing helps remove food debris and tartar.<\/p>\n One place to look for recommendations is this list on The Veterinary Oral Health Council\u2019s website (VOHC). An independent group within the American Veterinary Dental College, the VOHC reviews dental care products and awards qualifying items its Seal of Acceptance. Products are awarded the seal for meeting the organization\u2019s teeth-friendly standards for dogs (and cats) and helping to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.<\/p>\n But having good choppers isn\u2019t the only reason Dr. Collins recommends pliable products; digestibility is also a factor.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to make sure that if dogs do swallow something, that it\u2019s something that\u2019s going to break down fairly easily in their stomach,\u201d Dr. Collins says. \u201cGenerally, if it\u2019s indentable, bendable, or breakable, it\u2019s more likely to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Check the label on any chew you choose to make sure your dog isn\u2019t allergic or sensitive to some of the ingredients.<\/p>\n Collagen chews for dogs are typically derived from cows, using an inner layer of skin that is softer than the layer used to make rawhide. Yak sticks are made from yak and cow milk and are dairy products. Some freeze-dried products are made from duck, chicken, lamb, venison, and other animals.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of the chews have rice flour and glycerin, which may not be part of their normal diet,\u201d Dr. Collins says. \u201cIf a dog tolerates the ingredients, then it\u2019s OK to be given in moderation.\u201d<\/p>\n Hard rubber chew toys like Kongs and GoughNuts are also an option for dogs who love to gnaw. Avoid anything that splinters or is made from inedible ingredients that break apart into pieces that your dog may consume.<\/p>\n When choosing a rawhide alternative, read the online reviews for any chew or treat you\u2019re considering. Google the name of the product to see if it\u2019s ever been the subject of lawsuits or recalls. It also helps to make sure the country of origin for the chew you choose is clearly stated on the packaging.<\/p>\n When giving your dog any chew, you\u2019ll want to keep an eye out for a few things:<\/p>\n McHugh\u2019s dog loved bully sticks, but she says her biggest concern was always making sure she watched Doodle when she had any type of chew.<\/p>\n \u201cI made sure that she didn\u2019t chew the bones down to a chokeable size or split them into a pointy piece that could harm her,\u201d she says. \u201cA lot of it has to do with the human as well. You don\u2019t just give them these chews and walk away. You must have some responsibility as well.\u201d<\/p>\nRawhide Concerns: Why Look for Rawhide Alternatives?<\/h2>\n
Choosing the Right Dog Chew<\/h2>\n
Look for Rawhide Alternatives that are Flexible and Digestible<\/h2>\n
Pay Attention to Dog Chew Ingredients<\/h2>\n
Common Sense Chew Precautions<\/h2>\n
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