Michael's Barkery: Rawhide Vs. Natural Chews

Rawhide Versus Natural Chews

Published May 20, 2020 

Hello! This wellness Wednesday we are going to discuss the benefits of natural chews versus rawhide chews. For a long period of time, rawhides were our go-to bones for our dog, but in recent years we are learning that they are not the best option. Therefore, the question becomes, what is the best option? Natural chews! At Michael’s Barkery we have a wide variety of these natural chews in our bully bar. 
We will be focusing on our new buffalo horn, and the always popular, deer antler. Chewing is a very natural behavior for dogs, and as dog owners, we should cater to those needs. Chewing releases endorphins and helps clean teeth and gums by removing plaque. Many natural chews have calcium and phosphorus, so they support bone and joint health. The buffalo horn is a sturdy natural chew that is great for tough chewers. The horn has an opening at the base that is perfect for filling with peanut butter to make it even more enticing for your pup! Buffalo horns are also high in protein and low in fat which make them a great option for all dogs. 
Deer antlers are an excellent bone for power chewers. Antlers are naturally shed and regrow many times during the deer’s life, and due to their strength, are much less likely to chip or splinter. Antlers are frequently sold in two forms; whole and split. Dogs are tempted to get to the marrow that is within the whole antler while split antlers make it easier for dogs to access that marrow. Like the buffalo horn, antlers are high in protein and low in calories and are a great chew for all dogs. 

So why are these options better than rawhide? Rawhides are not easily digestible, they can cause blockages and choking, and they are highly processed. Unfortunately, rawhides are also treated with chemicals that are meant to preserve the bone, but they can be highly toxic. Rawhides often become soft and chewy which offers no benefit for scraping plaque from teeth and aiding in improved gum health. These chews in comparison to natural chews pose serious risks to your dogs’ health. 
While considering all the benefits of natural chews, remember anytime you give your dog a chew, you should supervise them as a safety precaution. Michael’s Barkery has both buffalo horns and deer antlers in addition to many other natural chews, so come down and pick out the perfect chew for your dog! 