Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Puppies Have Rawhide? Vet-Reviewed Info & Safety Precautions

rawhides

Rawhide chews are one of the most popular, affordable, and accessible chew treats for dogs of all ages. Unfortunately, many people are not well informed on the process of creating rawhide and the safety concerns associated with these treats.

If you’ve considered purchasing rawhide for your puppy, keep reading for the important information you need to know. So, what age can puppies have rawhide? Generally speaking, puppies older than 6 months can have rawhide, but it isn’t recommended.

Before we begin, know that you should always supervise your puppy or dog while chewing rawhide or other types of chews, as overly enthusiastic powerful chewers may try to swallow large pieces, leading to choking. Swallowed pieces of rawhide may cause digestive issues or a gastrointestinal blockage. Consult with your veterinarian about the most appropriate chew for your puppy.

divider dog paws oct 2024

Can Puppies Have Rawhide?

Technically, if they’re over 6 months old your puppy can have rawhide, depending on their size, breed, and chewing abilities, but it isn’t generally recommended. Rawhide is difficult to digest, and although it starts off quite hard, it softens with moisture. This means that as your puppy chews on rawhide, it will soften and your puppy will be able to chew off pieces.

However, since it is so difficult to digest, these pieces are often passed undigested or minimally digested. If your puppy consumes large enough pieces of rawhide or large quantities of rawhide, then there is a big risk of intestinal obstructions, which can be a life-threatening medical emergency.

Obviously, there are a lot of dogs that consume rawhide annually without any trouble. If your puppy is only chewing on rawhide with supervision and for short periods, then there isn’t much risk of an obstruction forming. If your pup has unlimited access to rawhide chews, though, then there’s a very real possibility that your puppy will consume entirely too much rawhide.

You know your dog’s chewing habits better than anyone, so if your dog is a powerful chewer, then rawhide alternatives are likely a better option. If your dog is a soft chewer, then a rawhide likely poses little risk of intestinal obstructions, but they still need to be supervised while chewing.

texas heeler puppy with rawhide stick
Image By: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock

What Is Rawhide?

Rawhide is formed from the inner layer of the hide of cows and other animals. If you’ve ever seen a cowhide rug, then rawhide would be formed from the material toward the bottom of the rug that has been stripped of fat, hair, muscle, and other tissues, leaving only a leather-like hide behind. Rawhide is highly processed and goes through multiple stages of stripping, cleaning, bleaching, and pressing.

What Other Concerns Should I Have With Rawhide?

Concerns associated with rawhide other than intestinal obstructions include stomach upset that leads to diarrhea or vomiting, choking, and bacterial contamination. Choking is less of a risk with large dogs and puppies, but it is still a risk, especially if you aren’t picking up chunks of rawhide that are large enough for your puppy to swallow whole.

Contamination is a major risk with rawhide, and not just during the manufacturing process. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli are risks with rawhide, and if your dog is allowed to chew on a rawhide a little at a time over days, weeks, or months, then the risk of contamination increases each time your dog has access to the toy.

What Are Good Alternatives to Rawhide?

There are multiple types of rawhide alternatives that can be appropriate depending on the size, age, and chew level of your puppy. Nylon chew bones can be a good option for some dogs because they are fairly durable and designed to only come apart in very small ribbons of material, but none of it should be ingested. Consumable chew bones, various chew sticks, bully sticks, and Kong toys can be a good option, but dogs should always be supervised while chewing, and it’s important to remove large chunks of any chews once they become small enough to be swallowed whole.

There are some rawhide alternative products on the market that are made with safer materials or materials that are more easily digested, which can also be a great option to replace traditional rawhide chews for your puppy. But don’t be fooled, though. Chew safety depends primarily on your dog’s chewing habits, their size, and the size and type of the chew. A chew that is too small may be hazardous, as dogs will try to swallow it. Powerful chewers easily break off large pieces that can cause digestive issues if ingested or may lead to choking.

beagle puppy chewing bully stick
Image By: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock

divider dog paws oct 2024

Conclusion

Generally speaking, rawhides for puppies are relatively safe when they’re a bit older, but there are better, safer options for your puppy to chew on. Rawhides come with some risks, like most chews and toys, and should be provided only under supervision. They should be replaced as they begin to tear up to prevent choking, intestinal obstruction, stomach upset, and bacterial contamination.

If you ever have concerns about the safety of a product your puppy is being offered, it’s a good idea to talk to your puppy’s veterinarian to ensure you are providing the best and safest option for your pup.


Featured Image Credit: Lek in a BIG WORLD, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Do Dogs Get Chapped Lips? Vet-Verified Health Facts

Chapped lips are annoying and can be painful. They are the result of dry, cracked skin and are often caused by cold or...

Standard Schnauzer: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

The bold, beautiful Schnauzers have long set themselves apart in numerous ways. Standards are the most versatile of the three varieties and are...

Do Dogs Get Spring Fever? Vet-Verified Behavior Explained

When the weather turns warmer and sunnier, suddenly, it is like a celebration. Winter is over; no more snow or cold temperatures! Even...

How to Help a Dog in Labor: 4 Tips for a Safe Birth (Vet Answer)

Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days, give or take, before they go into labor. Therefore, there is not much time to prepare...

More related

8 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in Fairfax County, VA (With Pictures)

Fairfax County, Virginia has a lot to do for both humans and their canine pals. So, if you’re looking for something new and...

179 Awesome Labradoodle Names for Your Curly Friend

Labradoodles are one of the most designer breeds in America. Combining the loyalty and gentleness of the Labrador Retriever with the intelligence, independence,...

How To Calculate Carbohydrates in Dog Food: Our Vet Explains the Math & Considerations

If you look at the nutritional values of any bag of dog food, you might notice that one ingredient is conspicuously missing. Dog...

280+ Samoyed Dog Names: Popular & Unique Ideas

Samoyeds aren’t a dog breed you see every day, but the people who keep them deeply adore the breed. Everyone who meets a...

Keep reading

9 Best Venison Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have a dog that loves meat, then feeding them venison-based dog food is a great idea. Not only is venison a lean and nutritious protein source, but it’s also a delicious way to keep your pup happy and...

Dog food in a bowl

Can Dogs Eat Bacon? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts & FAQ

If there’s an aroma guaranteed to get dogs drooling and gazing up at you with big, pleading eyes, it’s the smell of bacon cooking. As much as you may want to indulge your pooch, it’s wise to hold off on...

Can Dogs Eat Bacon

4health Puppy Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary 4health has several recipes of pet food available for dogs and cats. There are three dry puppy foods and one canned puppy food available from this line. Many other recipes are said to be suitable for all life...

Dogster_4health Puppy Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Apricots? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Precautions

Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning that like omnivores, they can eat some plant matter as well as meat. Many like eating sweet foods and can be found eating windfall fruit. If your dog has a sweet tooth, consider feeding them...

fresh apricots

Can Dogs Eat Durian? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Safer Alternatives

The durian fruit has gained a lot of attention for its pungent aroma rather than its taste or any health benefits. The fruit comes encased in a prickly shell, and “the king of fruits” has a smell that is described...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Durian

pawTree Dog Food & Treats Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

Review Summary *Use Code INTRO4U20 On Your First Order When You Spend Over $100 pawTree is a company that produces and sells dog and cat foods, treats, supplements, toys, supplies, and more. They offer a wide range of products, and...

pawTree Dog Food - Featured Image

What Is Ash in Dog Food? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

If you’ve been checking out the nutritional label on your dog’s bag of food and your first thought was something along the lines of “What the…?!” when you spotted “ash” listed—you can stop worrying now. Dog food manufacturers are not...

Black Dachshund dog guarding and eating food

Can Dogs Eat Lychee? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you like consuming lychees and are a dog parent, you may be wondering if it’s safe for your dog to eat lychee too. So can dogs eat lychee? While dogs should typically stick to regular dog food, giving a...

Can Dogs Eat Lychee