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Truth: I am a bit of a helicopter-dog-mom.
After losing my first doggy, Leo in June of 2014 I’ve been so cautious about the food, treats, toys for Kenzo + VÃk. Although, I will never know if this had anything to do with Leo’s passing, I was unaware of the potential hazards of feeding dogs grain and corn filled food. I was also unaware of the potential dangers of rawhides.
Now, to give myself a little grace, it wasn’t until a few years ago that limited ingredient “higher” quality dog food was available to pet owners. But, as soon as it was, you can betcha I was on that train quicker than flies on dog poo!
Since we first brought Kenzo home the food, treats, and toys we buy have non-negotiable rules:
- only USA made
- limited ingredients: no corn & no soy
- no rawhides
- supervision when giving them new toys
- no toys allowed in VÃk’s kennel when we are not at home (fear of choking)
- no table scraps
One of the things on the list that I want to discuss today is my rule around No Rawhides. But, since chewing is not only fantastic for keeping dogs’ teeth and gums healthy, along with being a natural habit for dogs, I wanted to share some of the Rawhide Alternatives I trust and purchase.
The Best Rawhide Alternatives for Dogs
Elk Antlers from Elkhorn Premium Chews
- 100% Natural: All of our antlers are collected from wild, free-range elk in the USA – never from farms. Our antler chews are all-natural and contain no additives, preservatives, hormones, or fillers. We collect only natural sheds that have already dropped to the ground – no animals are ever harmed.
- 100% Renewable: Every year, bull elk naturally drop their antlers before growing a new set. This process ensures a renewable and sustainable supply of healthy dog chews year after year.
- Great for Teeth & Gums
- No Odor / No Mess: Elk antler chews are odor free and will leave behind no greasy or sticky residue.
- Supervision Recommended: Perfect for indoor or outdoor use; we always supervise when they have these just incase they crack or shred in a potentially hazardous way.
Snacho & Lola’s Bully Sticks
- Made in the USA
- 100% Natural: Our bully sticks are made with One Ingredient-beef. No fillers. Moderate odor ‘relative’ to other natural bully sticks.
- Great for Keeping Dogs Busy: A busy dog is a good dog. You will need our THICK size for large dogs or power-chewers. For Small dogs or dogs on calorie restriction, our THIN bullys or Steers may be a better option.
- Great for Teeth & Gums: These rawhide alternative dog chews are made from natural muscle fiber that stimulates gums and flosses teeth.
- Supervision Recommended: These bully sticks are considered a safer alternative to Rawhide treats because bully sticks are made from tissue that is digestible.
Kathmandu’s Himalayan Yak Chew
- Made in the USA
- 100% Natural: Himalayan Yak Natural Dog Chews are smoked hard cheese treat produced with 100% pasture-raised Himalayan cow milk and a trace amount of lime juice. The name and description may sound weird, but trust me, our dogs love them!
- Great for Teeth & Gums
Turkey Tendons
- Made in the USA
- Quality Natural Ingredients: 100% pure turkey tendon with NO additives, NO chemicals, NO preservatives, NO antibiotics, NO artificial flavors or coloring, NO steroids, NO growth hormones, and NO other harmful ingredients. A healthy natural alternative to rawhide products.
- Great for Teeth & Gums: It is a tasty tendon treat that strengthens gums and improves overall dog dental health
Some other ideas for alternatives to rawhide treats: chilled carrots, frozen apples, or you could make these Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats!