Is rawhide bad for dogs? Let’s chew over the facts

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your dog’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 30 October 2026.

Rawhide is a popular chew for dogs, but there are some important risks to consider before offering it to your dog. We all know that look: your dog has spotted a chew, their tail’s wagging, and they can’t wait to sink their teeth into it. But while rawhide might seem like a simple way to keep your best mate entertained, there’s a little more to this popular treat than meets the eye.

So, is rawhide bad for dogs? The answer isn’t quite black and white. Rawhide can pose several risks, including gastrointestinal blockage, choking and dental injuries. Rawhide products also vary considerably in how easily they break down in your dog’s digestive system.

Before you hand over that next chew, let’s explore what rawhide is, why it’s worth being cautious, and what other alternatives you might consider and what to keep in mind if you decide to give your dog rawhide.

Table of contents

• What is rawhide?
• Why do dogs love to chew?
• Is rawhide bad for dogs? The main risks
• Is rawhide safe for puppies?
• What to consider if you choose to give your dog rawhide
• What can I give my dog instead of rawhide?
• When to call your vet
• How pet insurance can help when the unexpected happens

What is rawhide?

Rawhide is a popular dog chew made from the inner layer of animal hides, usually from cattle or horses. This hide goes through several stages of processing before being made into chews of different shapes and sizes. Processing methods and ingredients can vary between products. Rawhide products can vary considerably in how easily they breakdown in your dog’s digestive system. If larger pieces are swallowed and don’t break down sufficiently, they can pose a risk of gastrointestinal blockage. This is one of several risks to consider when deciding whether rawhide is suitable for your dog.

Why do dogs love to chew?

If your dog loves a good chew, they’re certainly not alone. Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and provides opportunities for play and exploration. Providing suitable things to chew can also offer valuable mental stimulation and help keep them occupied.

Puppies are especially keen chewers while they’re teething, which can make household objects particularly tempting. Providing suitable chew toys gives puppies an appropriate outlet for this natural behaviour.

Rawhide is one of many products available for dogs to chew, but it isn’t without risks. Rather than choosing a chew toy simply because it will keep your dog occupied, it’s important to consider whether it’s safe and suitable for your individual dog.

Is rawhide bad for dogs? The main risks

Rawhide might seem like a great way to keep your dog entertained and satisfy their natural urge to chew, but it’s not without its risks. Before you offer your best mate one of the rawhide chews, there are a few things worth knowing.

Let’s take a closer look at the potential risks.

Choking

Dogs can chew off pieces of rawhide that are small enough to swallow. These pieces can become lodged in the throat or block the airway, posing a choking risk. Choking is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Gastrointestinal blockages

Rawhide products vary considerably in how easily they break down in a dog’s digestive system. If your dog swallows a large piece of rawhide that doesn’t break down sufficiently, it may become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage.

Gastrointestinal blockages can be serious and require veterinary treatment, so contact your vet promptly if your dog seems unwell after chewing on rawhide or you suspect your dog has swallowed a large piece of rawhide.

Dental injuries

Rawhide chews can vary in hardness, and chewing hard products may result in damage to a dog’s teeth or injuries to their mouth. Dogs with existing dental problems may be particularly vulnerable, so speak to your vet about suitable chew options for your dog.

Contamination

As an animal-derived product, rawhide may carry a risk of contamination. Products can also vary in how they are processed and manufactured, so check the product packaging and safety information before giving rawhide to your dog and never use products which have been recalled.

Is rawhide safe for puppies?

Puppies seem to want to chew everything in sight, especially when they’re teething. But while chewing is a normal behaviour, and providing suitable things to chew can give puppies an appropriate outlet for this behaviour. It’s important to choose what they chew carefully.

However, rawhide is not recommended for puppies. Their smaller size and developing teeth need to be considered when choosing suitable chews, and rawhide can pose risks such as choking, gastrointestinal blockages and dental injuries.

Instead, choose appropriately sized chew toys that are suitable for your puppy’s age and size, and always supervise them while they chew.

What to consider if you choose to give your dog rawhide

If you choose to give your dog rawhide, consider the following precautions:

• Choose a rawhide chew that’s an appropriate size for your dog and too large for them to swallow whole.
• Always supervise your dog while they’re chewing.
• Take the chew away as soon as it becomes small enough to swallow or starts breaking into pieces that could be swallowed.
• Consider your dog’s individual chewing style. Rawhide may not be suitable for dogs who tend to gulp or swallow large pieces of chews rather than chewing them thoroughly.
• Check the packaging and choose products that clearly provide information about the ingredients and manufacturing. Don’t offer your dog rawhide if they have existing dental or dietary concerns without speaking to your vet first.
• Stop giving your dog rawhide and contact your vet promptly if you think your dog may have swallowed a large piece or if they develop signs of illness.

What can I give my dog instead of rawhide?

There are plenty of alternatives to chew and help keep them engaged. The right option will depend on your dog’s age, size, health and individual chewing style.

Dental chews

If you’re looking for an edible chew, dental chews may be worth considering. Some are designed to support your dog’s dental health by helping to reduce plaque or tartar as they chew.

When choosing a dental chew, check the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) list of accepted dental products for dogs. These products have met VOHC requirements for helping to control plaque and/or tartar when used as directed. Dental chews should be used alongside regular dental care, including toothbrushing and dental health checks. Choose a product that’s appropriate for your dog’s size and life stage, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and always supervise your dog while they’re chewing.

Chew toys and food puzzles

Suitable chew toys can provide dogs with an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing behaviour, while food puzzles and treat dispensing toys can provide mental stimulation and keep your dog engaged.

Choose chew toys and food puzzles that are appropriate for your dog’s size, age and chewing style, always supervise them during use, and regularly check toys for signs of damage or wear. Remove or replace any toys that become damaged or could pose a risk if pieces are swallowed.

Dog-safe fruit and vegetables

Some dog-safe fruits and vegetables can provide another option for dogs who enjoy chewing on their food. Depending on your dog, suitable options may include small pieces of carrot, apple with the seeds and core removed, celery or cucumber.

Choose an option that’s appropriate for your dog’s individual needs and eating style, cut into suitably sized pieces and supervise them while they eat. Introduce new foods gradually and only offer them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re unsure whether a particular type of fruit or vegetable is suitable for your dog, check with your vet first.

What about bones?

Bones might seem like a natural alternative to rawhide, but they can also come with risks. Raw bones can cause dental injuries, choking and gastrointestinal blockages, and may expose your dog to harmful bacteria, so they’re best avoided.

Cooked bones should also never be given to dogs, as they can become brittle and splinter, potentially causing choking or injuries to your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. Instead, choose a suitable chew toy or consider a VOHC-accepted dental chew.

When to call your vet

If your dog is choking or having trouble breathing, contact your vet or nearest emergency vet immediately. If you know or suspect your dog has swallowed a large piece of rawhide, contact your vet promptly for advice, even if they seem well.

Other signs that may require veterinary attention include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or difficulty passing stools. Be sure to tell your vet what your dog has been chewing and if possible, how much you think they may have swallowed.

How pet insurance can help when the unexpected happens

Even with the best intentions and plenty of precautions, our curious four-legged friends can sometimes find themselves in a spot of trouble. If your dog needs veterinary treatment after swallowing something they shouldn’t, the associated costs can be unexpected too.

That’s where pet insurance can lend a helping hand. It’s designed to help with eligible vet expenses when accidents or illnesses arise, so the unexpected costs don’t catch you quite so off guard.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance you can also customise your pup’s cover to suit their needs and your budget. Plus, every policy contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

 

References

[1] RSPCA Australia. What should I feed my dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-should-i-feed-my-dog/

[2] RSPCA Australia. Importance of dental health. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/blog/2022/importance-dental-health

[3] Frontiers in Animal Science. The science of snacks: a review of dog treats. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2024.1440644

[4] Today’s Veterinary Practice. The benefits and risks of chew treats. Available from: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/the-benefits-and-risks-of-chew-treats/

[5] RSPCA Queensland. Help – my dog keeps chewing everything! Available from: https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/blog/pet-care/dogs-that-chew

[6] Merck Veterinary Manual. Esophageal foreign bodies in small animals. Available from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-esophagus-in-small-animals/esophageal-foreign-bodies-in-small-animals