Dogs that are big and dogs that are small all have one thing in common is that chewing is good for them. Inherently when dogs are young and teething chewing on hard chews and treats enables them to instinctively tap into their primal nature and strengthen their teeth.
Many pet owners are witness to seeing their pups gnaw and chew on furniture, socks, shoes and this is natural behavior for your pup. However, no one loves having there favorite pair of sneakers chewed up which is why hard chews are a necessity for your dog in teething stages and to eliminate, boredom for adult dogs.
As mentioned in our article, “What Is Rawhide And Is It Dangerous For Your Dog?” Rawhide is one of the most popular choices for chews that dog owners choose for their dogs, but they are not healthiest choice for their beloved pups to enjoy. Dog Parent Academy has compiled a list of our Top 10 Healthy Alternatives to Rawhide.
Number 10
Smart Bones
The first healthy alternative to rawhide we have on our list are products made from a company called “Smart Bones.” Although they are not all natural chews with only one ingredient and are man made in Vietnam they have many varieties of chew sizes, and flavors for your dogs to enjoy.
Although because of their being many ingredients that are not all natural in addition to Chicken, Vegetables, Beef, such as: Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Propionate, and other artificial ingredients which is why Smart Bones have made the number 10 spot on our list to Rawhide Dog Chews.
Number 9
Earth Animal No Hide Chews
The next rawhide alternative on our list comes from a company called Earth Animal. Like the previously mentioned alternative on our list these chews have many ingredients rather than only one. However, the ingredients in Earth Animal No Hide Chews are all natural. They do not contain any additives chemicals or preservatives like Smart Bones and are made in a USDA inspected facility in the USA.
- Chicken
- Chicken Gelatin
- Brown Rice Flour
- Pineapple
- Eggs
- Banana
Number 8
Beef Tendon
Beef Tendon Dog Chews are exceptional long lasting all natural rawhide alternatives for your pet. Unlike raw hides which are heavily processed using chemicals and preservatives these tendons come straight from 100% Angus beef. Often made from the tough neck tendons, or Achilles tendons of the cow these single ingredient dog chews are undeniably an excellent choice for your pup.
Aside from coming from only one ingredient Beef Tendons are high in protein, and are lean low fat dog treats which are rich in collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and elastin. These nutrients have been shown to improve joint health for dogs, reduce bone loss and inflammation, as well as promote a shiny pet coat and healthy skin.
Number 7
Sweet Potato Strips
Sweet Potato Strip Dog Chews are another healthy alternative to rawhide on our list. Perfect for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs and helps balance blood sugar levels so they can be good for diabetic dogs, as well as dogs with allergies to meat based products. Sweet Potato treats can be found as thick cuts which are great long lasting chews for dogs, and can also be found in thinner cuts intended for quick treats.
Number 6
Cow Hooves
Cow Hooves are next on our list to all natural alternatives to rawhide chews. A very well known alternative and a favorite choice to many dog parents, cow hooves are a very inesxpensive chew alternative with many different varieties for dogs to chew. You can find plain cow hooves some larger, some smaller, as well as different fillings. Cheese and Bacon, Peanut Butter, and more!
Cow Hooves are wonderful for cleaning multiple parts of a dogs teeth, so these chews are excellent for dental care, and keeping a dog’s jaw strong and healthy. Although the fillings inside of hooves may contain man-made ingredients, normal cow hooves are strictly just hooves cooked and ready to chew.
Number 5
Antler Dog Chews
Antler Dog Chews are interesting all natural dog chews that are sustainably sourced by natural shedding in the USA. Although a rare chew for dogs they are very hard which makes antlers an excellent dog chew for dogs in comparison to rawhide. For teething they are exceptionally durable, and can be found in split antlers which are suitable for smaller dogs, and medium size.
Number 4
Himalayan Dog Chews
Himalayan Yak Chews are sourced straight from yak cheese in the Himalayan mountains. Using a in depth and ancient method of production which consists of boiling the yak and cow milk and then left to dry for several weeks. The makers of these chews use all natural ingredients: Yak Milk, Cow Milk, Salt, and Lime Juice. Although the look of these chews may fool you as they look soft, they are very tough, durable, and delicious for dogs.
Number 3
Beef Cheek Chews
Beef Cheek is made from the head and neck skin of the cattle. This part of the cows skin is a much safer alternative than hide and is easier to digest. Although also coming from the cows skin, these chews are not overly processed with multitudes of chemicals as their counterpart. The Beef Cheek chews only have the hair removed during their production process which gives the product its tan/white color. Made from much thicker but softer pieces of skin and meat, the cheek skin is less likely to cause any blockages or stomach disruptions as your dog will also chew these longer, and will not have sharp thin pieces scrap the stomach lining like some raw hides may provoke.
Number 2
Bully Sticks
Bullysticks which are our second choice for the top spot of rawhide alternatives are one of the most popular and well known rawhide alternatives. These all natural products typically come from 100% natural free raised and grass fed cattle. They are produced domestically in the USA and are also imported from many different countries. The most well known of these country that produce bully sticks are: USA, Brazil, Colombia, and Turkey. Made from the penis of the bull or buffalo these chews are a dog parent favorite.
Bullysticks are easily digestible and low in fat and high in protein. Without the need for any chemicals or preservatives these chews last for various lengths of time depending on your dogs’ chewing habits. They can come in various different sizes, shapes, and varieties. For more on these treats you can find out more on “Bully Sticks, A Pups First Choice!”
Number 1
Cow Tail
Our pick for the number one rawhide alternative for 2019 are all natural Beef Cow Tails. Cow Tails are produced from the tail of buffalo, bulls, and cows, and are produced in South America, America, and Turkey. Cow Tails are similar to rawhides in color, and similar to bones in shape. Inside these tasty chews sometimes have meat and some small bones which may need to be taken away while supervising your dog chewing.
Cow tails are very long lasting chews that are similar in composition to rawhide rolls, and shapes and are also cheap like rawhide which makes them another excellent alternative to rawhide. When a dog chews the cow tails they are targeting the back molars as well as the inner molars when biting the inside of the thicker cow tails. When the cow tail is thinner they are more of a flosser, and should have no inside bones. These cow tails also come in mega size which are 12 inches or longer. These variations make them perfect choices for big dogs, and small dogs.
These are just some of the possible alternative dog chews you can give your dogs, but the best choice will always be the one your dog sniffs out as their favorite. Let us know which chew your dog likes the best in our forum or drop a comment below!
Happy snacking!
-Dog Parent Academy
