Raw hide chews are manufactured from by-products of the slaughterhouse industry, usually from cows and horses. Every hide has an inner and outer layer, and chews are typically made by processing the tissue from the inner layer. Beef hide is the more appetizing name given to chews made from cattle that have been raised for human consumption. The quality of these chews varies slightly, but those made from corn-fed cows are considered a premium product and usually fetch a higher market price.

Processing

When an animal hide is processed, the skin is divided into two layers and cleaned. The tough outer layer is processed into leather for clothing and other utilitarian uses, while the fleshier inner layer is reserved for making raw hide chews. Excess fat and tissue must be scraped away from the hide before it can be formed and dried for dog chews, and here is where part of the debate over the safety of rawhide chews comes into play. Manufacturers outside of the USA generally find it expedient to soak the hides in a solution of commercial lime and water for several days before scraping. Once the hide is soaked and scraped, it is usually rinsed in bleach water to remove traces of the lime and sanitize the hide before shaping and drying. In the USA, hides are tumbled in a hydrogen peroxide solution, and then rinsed with plain water before further processing. After preparation, the hide is either cut or ground before it is pressed into its final shape. It is then run through a commercial dryer to give it that signature tough texture dogs love.

Flavoring

Before they are dried, some raw hide chews are basted with a flavor solution made from beef, chicken or liver broth to make them more enticing to your pet. Brown basted bones sometimes have a tendency to stain a dog’s fur as well as carpet and upholstery. Clear basted bones still provide a tasty treat, but are usually a better choice because there’s no worry about color run off from your dog’s saliva.

Types

Raw hide/beef hide chews come in three main types: Pressed raw hide chews are made from folded layers of hide to create long lasting chew toys. Granulated raw hide chews are made from ground raw hide that has been compressed into formation. These normally pose the least choking hazard. Flat raw hide chews are made from a single layer of hide, and are far easier to chew than pressed raw hide.

Hazards

As with any toy you give your dog, raw hide and beef hide chews can present a choking hazard if they’re not used under supervision. As your dog chews and slobbers on his treat, the hide becomes rehydrated, soft and gooey. When it reaches this point, your dog is able to tear away sections from the main bone. Most of the time your pet will simply wind up eating the hide and it will pass through his digestive system without a major event. In some cases: The hide can actually become lodged in a dog’s teeth, requiring an owner’s assistance to remove it. Larger chunks may be too big to swallow, causing a dog to choke. Intestinal blockage can also occur if the chunk of hide becomes lodged somewhere along the intestinal tract, and may require surgery to remove it. While all of these scenarios are possible, they actually happen quite rarely. However, you should still take some precautions to ensure your dog’s safety whenever you give him a raw hide chew.

Here are a few safety tips: Make sure the chew is large enough that your dog can’t fit it completely into his mouth. Only give your dog a beef hide chew when you can be around to keep an eye on him. Keep two chews on hand and trade them when one becomes too soft. The hide will harden as it dries, and you can give it to your dog again when the other chew becomes soft. Replace your dog’s chew when he has whittled it down far enough to fit in his mouth.

Benefits

Raw hide chews do provide some dental benefits for your dog. As your pet chews, the hide scrapes away tartar and calculus from his teeth and gums where harmful bacteria like to hide. This will reduce your dog’s chance of developing gum disease and tooth loss.

Raw hides also give your pet a chance to exercise his natural chewing instincts on an appropriate item versus your table leg or favorite pair of loafers. Chewing can be a great stress reliever, so it’s important to supply your dog with safe chew toys and bones.

As you can see, questions about giving your dog raw hide are not easily answered when you consider the pros and cons. Used under proper supervision, a carefully selected raw hide treat can give your dog a lot of chewing satisfaction, but it takes an owner’s watchful eye to head off potential problems. Choosing beef hide chews manufactured in the USA may also prove a better alternative to chews produced in countries that use harsher chemicals during processing. Are raw hides or beef hides chews good for dogs? In the end, only you can decide.

Provided by Donna West in Las Vegas, From the article: http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Are_Raw_Hides_or_Beef_Hides_Chews_Good_for_Dogs