Ditch the Rawhide - A Better Chew Options for BARF-Fed Dogs

We at BARF World think that your dog's chew treats ought to be as health-conscious and physiologically suitable as their meals. Let's discuss why rawhide isn't the best option and what natural, safe substitutes we suggest for your dog that is fed BARF. 

Why Rawhide Isn’t a Good Fit for Raw-Fed Dogs 

Despite being marketed as a natural chew, rawhide is anything but. Here's why: 

❌ Chemically Processed 

The inner layer of cow or horse hides is where rawhide originates. It is made by chemically treating the hides with bleach or lye to get rid of hair and stink, then drying, coloring, and occasionally adding artificial flavorings. All stuff that has no place in a diet that is suitable for the body. 

❌ Digestive Risk 

Rawhide is difficult to digest. It can cause stomach swelling, which can cause obstructions, choking dangers, and unpleasant gastrointestinal problems, particularly in dogs whose digestive systems are sensitive to natural, raw foods. 

❌ Counterproductive to Raw Feeding 

You've taken the time and trouble to switch your dog to a healthy, unprocessed diet. Rawhide goes against the fundamental idea of raw feeding, which is to remove highly processed, artificial items from your dog's diet. 

BARF-Approved Chew Alternatives 

There are safer, healthier ways to give your raw-fed dog the chewing satisfaction they crave. Here are our top BARF-friendly alternatives: 

✅ Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs) 

An all-in-one chew toy and toothbrush from nature! A mainstay of the BARF diet are raw meaty bones including beef ribs, duck feet, turkey backs, and chicken necks. 
They:  

• Promote tooth health 
• Work out the jaw 
• Offers natural phosphorus and calcium.  
• Safely and naturally satiate the urge to chew. 

Make sure to keep an eye on your dog during bone-chewing sessions and choose bones that are the right size for them. 

✅ Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried Raw Treats 

For prolonged chewing while maintaining your dog's diet, single ingredient chews and treats such as beef trachea tubes, elk antlers, or salmon bites are excellent. These treats are 100% edible, minimally processed, and high in nutrients like glucosamine that support joints. 

✅ Natural Chews like Green Tripe or Trachea 

Chews that are natural like our Green Tripe Spins, and Beef Trachea Tubes contain a lot of collagen and are simple to digest. They are soft enough to avoid causing gastric distress while still being durable enough to clean teeth and keep your dog busy. 

✅ Recreational Raw Bones (for Experienced Raw Feeders) 

Recreational bones like beef bones or elk antlers provide long-lasting chewing pleasure for big, heavy chewers. These are excellent as a treat once in a while, but they should not be the main source of bone in a raw diet and should be given under supervision. 

Chew Smarter, Not Harder 

Avoid undoing all of your hard work with inferior, processed chews like rawhide if your dog is doing well on a BARF diet. Your dog can continue to chew happily without sacrificing their nutrition or health thanks to a variety of safe, species-appropriate choices. 

From the bowl to the bone, BARF World Inc. is here to support your dog's overall health. Select chews that complement rather than contradict your dog's body. 

Need help choosing the right chew for your BARF-fed dog?
Contact a BARF World nutrition specialist today—we’ll guide you to the perfect natural options for your pup’s size, chewing style, and health needs.