Rawhide chews can keep a dog busy for a long time and satisfy its need to chew, but they must be given safely: choose a size your dog cannot swallow, always supervise, and take the chew away once it gets small. This guide explains how to choose rawhide chews, how to give them safely and which dogs should avoid them.
Why dogs like rawhide chews
Chewing is natural for dogs. It relieves boredom, helps puppies through teething, and keeps adult dogs busy. As a result, a long-lasting chew can be useful at home, in kennels and while training.
How to choose rawhide chews
- Match the size to the dog: the chew should be too large for your dog to swallow whole.
- Think about chewing style: a small, gentle chewer needs a different chew from a large, strong one.
- Start with one chew: see how your dog handles it before buying in bulk.
How to give rawhide chews safely
First, always supervise your dog while it chews. Second, take the chew away when it becomes small enough to swallow, and throw away loose pieces. Third, keep fresh water available. Finally, give rawhide chews as a treat, not as a meal, and count them within the daily treats.
Which dogs should avoid rawhide chews?
Some dogs break off and swallow large chunks. Because rawhide is not easily digested, swallowed pieces can cause choking or a blockage. For example, very strong or greedy chewers may do better with other treats. In addition, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or a health condition, ask your vet first. If you notice gagging, vomiting or loss of appetite after a chew, contact your vet.
Rawhide chews from RICH
- Rich Excellence Rawhide with Chicken: see the product.
- Rich Excellence White Rawhide: see the product.
Both are sold by weight. The guaranteed analysis per kg lists calcium 6.8%, phosphorus 5.6%, magnesium 0.1%, vitamin D3 1020 IU, vitamin B12 17 mcg and vitamin C 127 mg. RICH also offers meat sticks, calcium bones and dental sticks; browse all dog treats. For feeding advice, read puppy food vs adult dog food.
For more on rawhide safety, see the American Kennel Club guide to rawhide chews.
Shops and distributors can ask for wholesale prices on WhatsApp (+20 111 113 4568) or through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Are rawhide chews safe for dogs?
They can be, if you choose a size your dog cannot swallow, supervise every chew and take it away when it gets small. Strong chewers that swallow large pieces may do better with other treats.
How big should a rawhide chew be?
Large enough that your dog cannot swallow it whole. Bigger and stronger dogs need bigger chews.
How often can I give my dog a rawhide chew?
Give it as a treat, not a meal, and count it within the daily treat allowance. Your vet can advise for your dog.
What should I do if my dog swallows a piece of rawhide?
Watch for gagging, vomiting, a swollen belly or loss of appetite, and contact your vet if you see any of these signs.
Can puppies have rawhide chews?
Chewing helps teething puppies, but choose a suitable size and supervise closely. Ask your vet if you are unsure.