Rawhide is not safe as it is non-digestible. It does not break down in a dog's stomach, not even a little bit. If a dog swallows a piece (and manages to do so without choking on it), this could potentially cause a tear or blockage in the intestines.
Pig and cow ears or hooves are almost as bad, as they are not very digestible either.
I sometimes buy rawhide sticks which are made of chopped up bits of rawhide--the bits are pressed into a stick or bone shape. They don't last very long, but they do help to satisfy the chewing urge. My puppy Lucy can chew on one for two or three days, but our Great Dane will chew his in about two or three minutes.
Those basted bones are all right too I think as long as you get the right size. Those will last forever, and they don't get soft like the rawhide so the dogs can't break pieces off and swallow them.
Kailin
Mom to
Lucy 'Splain, 11-week-old Boxer--female, fawn, black mask, natural ears, cropped tail, boundless energy
and
Buddy, rescued 2-year-old Great Dane--male, brindle, natural ears and tail, endless patience
Pig and cow ears or hooves are almost as bad, as they are not very digestible either.
I sometimes buy rawhide sticks which are made of chopped up bits of rawhide--the bits are pressed into a stick or bone shape. They don't last very long, but they do help to satisfy the chewing urge. My puppy Lucy can chew on one for two or three days, but our Great Dane will chew his in about two or three minutes.
Those basted bones are all right too I think as long as you get the right size. Those will last forever, and they don't get soft like the rawhide so the dogs can't break pieces off and swallow them.
Kailin
Mom to
Lucy 'Splain, 11-week-old Boxer--female, fawn, black mask, natural ears, cropped tail, boundless energy
and
Buddy, rescued 2-year-old Great Dane--male, brindle, natural ears and tail, endless patience