pets
Why I Never Gave My Small Dog Rawhide Chews: A Pet Parent’s Perspective
As a small dog owner, I learned the hard way why rawhide chews are risky — especially for aggressive chewers like my Jack Russell–Chihuahua mix, Luna. Here’s what I discovered and why we chose safer alternatives.
Last Updated on January 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Dog chew bone
Why I Never Gave Luna Rawhide Chews — A Small Dog Owner’s Story
When we brought home our tiny but mighty pup, Luna — a Jack Russell–Chihuahua mix — we knew she loved to chew. In the past, I had given rawhide chews to larger dogs in our family, but thanks to my wife’s research and my own digging into the facts, we never gave rawhide to Luna. And here’s why.
At first, rawhide chews seem harmless — they’re marketed as natural and long-lasting. But as I started reading more from trusted sources, it became clear rawhide treats can pose serious risks, especially for small dogs and aggressive chewers like Luna.
Luna smile for the camera – Image Credit: RW
Rawhide Isn’t Easy to Digest
Rawhide is made from animal hides that are chemically treated and dried. Dogs’ digestive systems simply aren’t equipped to break it down efficiently, which can lead to chunks getting stuck in the stomach or intestines. In some cases, these obstructions require emergency surgery. Veterinarians warn about choking and digestive blockages with rawhide chews. [oai_citation:0‡Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips](https://www.petscare.com/news/faq/do-vets-recommend-rawhide-for-dogs?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Choking and Blockage Risks Are Very Real
As puppies chew rawhide, it softens and can break into large, protective chunks that are easy to swallow whole. These pieces can become lodged in a dog’s throat, leading to choking, or travel into the gut and create dangerous blockages. The American Kennel Club explains that strong chewers can break off large pieces that are especially risky for small breeds. [oai_citation:1‡American Kennel Club](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-rawhide-chews-dangerous-for-dog/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Chemical Processing and Contamination Concerns
Rawhide is often treated with harsh chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide during processing. These substances might not be fully removed and can irritate a dog’s stomach or cause other health problems. There’s also a documented risk of bacterial contamination with pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli. Research highlights these chemical and contamination concerns. [oai_citation:2‡Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips](https://www.petscare.com/news/post/why-rawhide-bad-dogs-dangers?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What We Do Instead
Instead of rawhide, we give Luna safer, digestible chews like bully sticks and rubber chew toys. These alternatives satisfy her chewing instincts without the same level of risk. When choosing any chew, we always supervise her — especially because she’s such an aggressive chewer.
If you’re a small-dog owner like me, it’s worth reconsidering rawhide chews. With safer options available and documented risks associated with rawhide, I’m glad we made the switch for Luna before any issues arose.
Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball
