LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Comments

Hi Terry,

I think as long as your give your dog the proper sized rawhide and you supervise him with it, it will be alright. Also try to make sure it's American made. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

When I got my shelter dog he had beautiful white teeth; his foster family gave him rawhide chews all the time! I was told to take the chews away; now I've noticed that his teeth are not nearly as white as they were four years ago...should I re-introduce the rawhide bones again or not?

-- Contributed by: Terry

Hi Stacey,

This is a great question. I haven't been able to find any data on it so far, but I'm assuming that the rawhide goes through much the same process as human foods that are radiated. Is there any type of contact info so you can write the company and ask? Maybe they have a website where you can post a question online. If you do find any info, please come back and share it with us. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I just purchased some rawhide bones in a package for my dog. He seems to love these ones, so I had another look at the package and saw that the rawhide is treated with radiation. This doesn't sound very healthy. Are there any known issues to 'radiating' rawhide?

-- Contributed by: Stacey

Hi Charles,

There's no firm limit on the amount of rawhide you can let your dog chew. Just make sure that he is eating his regular food well and keep the rawhide as an occasional treat. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How many times a month should I give my german shepard a rawhide bone?

Very Respectfully, charles

-- Contributed by: Charles

Hi Harold,

Rawhides soften from all that saliva and chewing, so pieces gradually tear off and are swallowed. Single-layer rawhide and granulated rawhide are easier to digest than pressed rawhide that has multiple layers, so they are generally safer for pets.

Although rawhide can be digestible, it is still regarded as more for chewing purposes rather than a food source.

Thanks for your question, and welcome to the site. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Can these rawhide chews be actually Eaten (consumed) by dogs, or are they just ment for a chew toy?

-- Contributed by: Harold

Hi Barbara,

The aggressive behavior could be linked to the rawhide chews, but I don't think it's due to the ingredients. Dogs love these edible chews and become quite possessive over them. Your dog was still probably a bit keyed up over the chew when he attacked your other pet. I also suspect that he is usually dominant over her or that they vie a bit for the top spot. This could have increased the tension at the time of the attack.

That said, perhaps it would be a good idea to offer another type of chew toy rather than something that is also viewed as a food source. Kongs, especially the black ones, provide a lot of chewing exercise and last a long time. I'd keep one on hand for each dog, and see if this helps the aggressive issues.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this suggestion is helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Is it possible that raw hides can stimulate a dog's aggressive nature. I have a dog that is a real nice dog. I have 3 dogs. Recenlty after my dogs having raw hide, one of my dogs aggressively attacked my other dog. She had to go to the vet and be on antibiotic, pain medicine and one other type of medicine. She was shaved by the ear and the cuts and teeth marks are very evident that he had a good hold on her ear. This seems to happen when dog chews are allowed.

-- Contributed by: Barbara

Do raw hides that are old harbor harmful bacteria? My dog is older now and she has had this one for almost a year.

Hi Beth,

It's probably a good idea to give her a new one. The old is probably a bit germy by now.

Thanks for your question :)

-- Contributed by: beth

Hi Pam,

We're learning more about dog nutrition all the time. Since the last big dog food recall many owners have begun to feed their pets natural foods.

Check out our articles on:

I think you'll find a lot of useful information on healthier ways to feed your pet. Thanks for your question!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

is it true that even big named dog food is killing our dogs? and if so can you give dogs people food with maybe a vitamin?

-- Contributed by: pam
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