Raw Hide....What is it exactly???.....

[FOREVER A DAXIE]

Probably a 'silly' question for those of you in the 'know'. However, considering Charlie is our first ever pet (I've been married 18 years...) I don't get the Raw Hide thing...

What is it?
Does it add fat a/o calories to their diet?
Do I count it as food/treat?

I have bought Charlie some "VEAL" chews that say they are 100% Raw Hide... Huh?

I've also heard some members say they don't give raw hide because it gives their Dachsie Gas or it's not good for them.

HELP

Thanks.:flower: :afraid: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Lauri Gengor]

If i am correct rawhide is the hide/skin most often from cows. I am not sure of the calorie cotent but it is very high in salt which some people consider NG. Sometimes it can be hard to digest, causes gas, or an animal can get a chunk of it caught in the throat. Magic when younger would sometimes vomit after she demolished a rawhide bone. I stopped giving them. It is considered a treat and keeps the dog occupied. I instead give my dogs a vegtable base chew bone I buy at Petco. They digest easier and have no high salt content.

[Cindi]

There are pro's and con's to almost anything :) Mine do occasionally have problems with rawhide - I get the strips and not the round ones. I take them away when they get to the too small stage.

However, the *ears* don't seem to have the problem of getting to the *soggy* problem stage for some reason. they always stay drier but they also go faster :) I pull these out when the kids are absolutely obnoxious and won't leave us alone <G> - that would be Decker barking, wanting to play and I would be wanting to watch TV!!!

Cindi

[Kim H.]

Regular rawhide may not break down properly in the intestines if the dog swallows it (and they NEVER swallow it, do they?). I like the C.E.T. chews (may have to buy from vet) which are supposed to disintegrate better and hypothetically provide some benefit for the teeth.

We use both products to help keep the peace in our house, because the girls love them and have been very "responsible" with them. In comparison, Tristan was obsessive with all rawhide and would bury it everywhere (blankets, sofa, under people) and then immediately dig it out, and finally swallow it whole. So, unfortunately, we had to stop letting him have them.

Think it depends on the dog - I tried Nylabones but they didn't have any interest in them; they love Dentabones, but eat them too quickly. They take more time with the rawhides and it keeps the little puppy teeth occupied and off the furniture...:fierce:

[FOREVER A DAXIE]

Thanks for your help ~ I did feel a 'lil silly asking but I knew someone out there would have an answer.