December 2, 2009

The Dangers of Rawhide

First, a popular misconception is that rawhide is composed solely of dried animal hides. In reality, rawhide may contain harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals such as bleach and lye that have been used to clean and remove hair and tissue from the hide.

Second, rawhide products are not regulated or inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, many rawhide bones and chews are manufactured overseas in countries with even less oversight over the rawhide production process than in the United States. Cases have been reported where foreign rawhides have been found to contain dangerous substances such as arsenic and traces of salmonella bacteria. In 1999, the FDA released a warning stating that there were documented cases of salmonella spreading to humans from rawhide chews. Residue from these chemicals may be left behind on the rawhide that your dog is so eagerly chewing.

To learn more about the medical problems that rawhide can cause as well as healthy alternatives, click here.

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