Hi all, my Snuffles is now at the 15 week mark and we've had amazing progress over the past couple weeks (on everything but potty training at least). She's become quite the chew toy chewer and we're looking at all sort of different things to keep her occupied. We've got tons of nylabones, ropes, plush toys, kongs, etc. Basically anything we can spoil her with. What we haven't done is get her rawhide chews though. When we got her the person at the shelter recommended that we don't give her rawhide chews as a puppy, but I haven't seen much on the internet saying this or explaining why. Do any of you have any thoughts? Are rawhide chews ok for a 15 week old puppy? Or should I hold off a while? Thanks
Some people use rawhide, and say it's fine. Other people worry about blockages and chemicals used in the production process. Rawhide gives both my dogs upset tummies - it makes them vomit and gives them runny poo. So I stay away from it - well, I use some forms of it. I buy something called 'moose chips' which is from Finland and is strips of moose hide (I get this from a web site called 'my itchy dog' - my dogs are not itchy, I just like the products ). I also give them dried goats' ears, and beef tails although I slightly worry the larger bits are too large and hard so might stop using those. If you want to try rawhide, go ahead - try to buy good quality stuff, supervise your dog while she is chewing it, and don't feed too much at first. And keep a careful eye out for any problems.
Thanks Julie, I've been reading on a few of the sites about the chemicals issues from some of the countries with little or poorly enforced regulations. I'll try and keep a look out for higher quality ones. I'll pick out a trial one tomorrow and see how shes does with it.
It depends on whether your dog is the type to swallow large pieces of the rawhide once they've gone soft and floppy. My dog has choked before and I had to induce vomiting to get it out of his throat. Very scary. Our other dog doesn't do this, she's totally safe with them, although I still wouldn't ever advise leaving a dog alone with a rawhide. If you do give one, please keep very close supervision.
Beef rawhide is harder to digest than pig rawhide, so if you can find pork based ones they'd be good to start with. Here they're called 'pork rolls'.
At 15 weeks when our pups were exploring the world (and me...) with their teeth, I used a variety of chews, but not rawhide. large knotted fish skins, venison tripe chews, fish bars, salmon skins, pork rolls from Milliies Wolfheart (cut up) the odd cut lengthways marrow bone from Waitrose, a special treat and only £1. Lots and lots of frozen kongs. I also saved up toilet rolls and boxes, hiding the chews and making a game of "find it" outside. They still like to play this game now.
Snowie's favourite as a puppy was to rip up a cardboard box. The cheapest and most satisfying chew toy! He didn't eat the cardboard. But he loved putting his shoulder right into the action and using all his muscles to rip up the box. Messy, but not difficult to clean up the bits afterwards. We used rawhides. I didn't think much then about all the chemicals. Not sure I'd be keen to use them now... They were very good then, kept his teeth busy. Also bully sticks were good, but disappeared quite quickly! Raw meaty edible bones (part of his meals) really were the best for good chewing.
Thanks everyone, I didn't think about some types heading easier to digest. I don't remember seeing what animal type I got her but she did love it. Early in the morning she got a bit sick, but I'm not sure if it was the rawhide or a new type to treat I got her. I'll test it out again tonight and look for other types when I go to the store next.
Personally I would never use rawhide there are much safer options. Dogs can easily choke, it's full of chemicals and they can't digest it. There was (not sure of there still is) a petition here in the UK for Petsathome to stop selling these rawhide as dogs have died from it I don't mean to scare you but I've heard some horror stories from dog owners who weren't aware either Any who try antler bones,pizzle sticks, fish skins, frozen Kong's, there's also a toy that can be filled with water and frozen which helps puppies when teething. The cardboard is a good idea too but puppies & dogs must always be watched when eating just to be on the safe side
I'm no expert, but I think it's just like human food. There is more expensive high quality stuff and cheaper low quality stuff. I have no issue feeding Rauh! branded stuff to my boy. I know where it's made and Finland is too small a country to get away with selling dangerous stuff.
Over here in the UK they import it from China and it's terrible what they put into it. I don't know what it's like over there perhaps it is safer but in general vets have said dogs don't digest it as well as other types of safer chews. I recommend to anyone to make their own crunchy biscuits for their dogs too
Penny is now 22wks i gave her a rawhide bone and although she loved it and it kept her happy i dont think they are safe. I only say this not because anything happened but i watched her and could see how they could choke if i took my eyes off her. Also noticed that she drank water like she couldnt get enough. Must be a high salt content ???. I got tbem from pets at home but might get some online that are healthier options.
Dried beef tendons are my lab's go to teeth cleaning treat. There was a major U.S. rawhide recall in June encompassing many companies due to chemical contamination. Info at dogfoodadvisor.com