Food question: Rawhide

[Baby_Grey]

I had to ask after reading an older post on here, because I got Greyson some sweet potatoes baby food today, it brough back memories of him as a fuzzy baby

 

He preferred the syringe to the spoon though, he almost ate half the serving!!!!!!

 

Are you guys serious about the rawhide? I mean like cow rawhide (the cows skin)? I ask because a lot of research has shown that it's not recommend for dogs. We have not given our 2 dogs rawhide ever, just because I had heard of this years ago. (each to there own, I'm just asking regarding greys)

 

Here is an article why:

 

Rawhide

 

Rawhide is a good example of a potentially dangerous natural dog treat. Rawhide is simply the skin of a cow. Natural rawhide tastes similar to beef. That is why it is so pleasing to dogs. But it can also be hazardous for dogs. Some of the problems with giving your dog a rawhide dog bone include:

 

* There is a choking hazard associated with rawhide. If pieces of rawhide are swallowed whole or even in big chunks, they can get stuck in your dog’s throat.

* Pieces of hard rawhide can actually scrape a dog’s throat and esophagus on the way down to his stomach.

* Rawhide can potentially create a physical obstruction inside the intestinal track. Picture this: When a dog chews rawhide, it becomes wet and gummy. Now, imagine swallowing wads and wads of chewing gum. See the similarity? Not good.

* Rawhide is not regulated in many countries. In some these countries, arsenic-based products are used as a preservative in rawhides. That equates to giving your dog poison.

 

http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Dog_Bone

[BaxtersMom]

I have given my grey rawhide several times and have had no problems. He usually dips it in his water bowl and moistens it untill it is soggy but sometimes he will beak or chew on it. I only use the natural rawhide without any chemicals when it is given to my grey. To make toys I have used food coloring on the rawhide to brighten it up though.

 

As for the choking hazard...anything can be a choking hazard. The shells of nuts, seeds and even the wood they love to chew for example can do the same thing if you look at it that way.

 

I read the article and it seemed to written as someones personal opinion or preference. It did not look professionally worded by an expert.

 

If you do not feel that something is safe for your grey then it is up to you to do the research and decide for yourself. Good luck with what ever you decide.

[judygram]

Something you can do with the rawhide "bones" you get for dog treats, soften one until it is pliable, unwrap it some to get it around the cage bars and then let it dry, there you have a toy that is attached to the cage and can provide hours of chewing fun.

[Baby_Grey]

I appreciate the feedback, I was curious, the article I found isn't professional, I just looked for a quick link. 3 different vets in the past 10 years I've seen have said to stay away from it, can cause a large amount of problems for dogs anyhow. I was just trying to get info after reading a different post

 

I'm making home made toys today so I came to check them all out on here.