If you have ever looked at a natural skin chew and wondered whether it is simply another form of rawhide, you are not alone. They can look similar on the shelf, and the words hide and skin understandably cause confusion.
However, there can be important differences in how different chews are prepared and what goes into them. For dog owners who want simpler treats with clearly stated ingredients, understanding those differences makes choosing a chew much easier.
At Woofingtons, we stock a wide range of natural dog treats and chews, including long-lasting natural dog treats made from animal skin, collagen and traditional yak cheese. This guide explains what rawhide is, how it compares with natural skin chews and some of the alternatives you can consider.
What is rawhide?
Traditional rawhide is commonly produced from animal hides generated by the leather industry. The outer portion is destined for leather production, while layers of the hide can be separated and used to manufacture rawhide chews.
The material can then undergo considerable processing - cleaning, treating, bleaching, colouring and flavouring depending on the manufacturer - before being pressed, rolled or shaped into familiar bones and twists.
Some manufactured rawhide products may also use preservatives, flavourings, colourings or adhesives during production. By the time it reaches the finished product, it can be a long way from what we at Woofingtons would consider a simple natural chew.
Rawhide can also be poorly digestible and difficult for a dog's digestive system to break down. As it becomes wet it can soften into large, gummy pieces, which may be swallowed and potentially cause choking or digestive obstruction.
That's why we choose not to sell traditional rawhide products at Woofingtons.
Are rawhide and natural hide or skin chews the same thing?
Not necessarily. This is where much of the confusion comes from.
A natural skin chew may also originate from animal hide or skin, but many are prepared much more simply, for example by cleaning and air-drying or gently drying the skin rather than turning it into a heavily manufactured shaped product.
There is no single legal definition that makes every product labelled “natural” identical, so it is still important to read the ingredients. A simple natural skin chew should make it easy to understand what your dog is eating.
For example, our Buffalo Skin Roll is sold as a straightforward natural chew rather than a traditional rawhide product. We also stock Jumbo Hairy Buffalo Skin Rolls for dogs that enjoy a larger, tougher chew.
Why do some dog owners choose alternatives to rawhide?
Many owners simply prefer treats with shorter, easier-to-understand ingredient lists. Others are looking for a different texture, a chew that lasts longer for their particular dog, or more variety in the proteins they offer.
Choosing a rawhide alternative does not mean every alternative is automatically suitable for every dog. Size, hardness, chewing style and your dog’s individual digestion all matter. A powerful chewer may need something very different from a small dog or a dog that tries to swallow treats quickly.
What can I give my dog instead of rawhide?
There are plenty of natural and rawhide-free chewing options, including natural skin chews, collagen chews, pizzles, yak cheese chews and selected horns. For a wider choice, browse our Long-Lasting Dog Treats collection.
Natural skin chews
Dried skin chews are one of the closest alternatives for owners who like the long chewing time associated with rawhide but want a simpler product. Buffalo skin is a particularly useful option for dogs that enjoy a firm, satisfying chew.
You can see examples such as our Buffalo Skin Roll for Dogs or browse our wider Loose Natural Dog Treats range.
Collagen chews
Collagen chews have become increasingly popular as another option for dogs that enjoy a longer-lasting chew. They are available in different shapes, thicknesses and sizes, so it is easier to match the chew to the dog.
For smaller or moderate chewers, the Chewllagen Medium Collagen Roll can be a useful choice. Larger dogs may prefer the Chewllagen Large Collagen Roll. For something with a different texture, we also stock the Anco Naturals Collagen Braid.
Yak cheese chews
Traditional-style yak cheese chews are very hard and designed to be worked on gradually. They can be a good option for confident chewers when the correct size is chosen.
Browse our long-lasting dog chews, including yak-based options for confident chewers.
What makes a good natural dog chew?
There is no single “best” chew for every dog. A good choice is one that suits your dog’s size, age, chewing style and dietary needs.
- Ingredients: look for a clear, straightforward ingredient list.
- Size: choose a chew that is large enough for your dog to hold and work on safely.
- Hardness: very hard chews are not suitable for every dog.
- Chewing style: gulpers need particularly careful supervision.
- Protein: rotating proteins can add variety, while dogs with known sensitivities may need a more restricted choice.
- Calories: treats and chews still form part of your dog’s daily food intake.
Are natural dog chews long lasting?
Some are, but how long a chew lasts depends enormously on the individual dog. Skin rolls, collagen braids, collagen rolls and yak cheese chews are all commonly chosen when owners are looking for long-lasting natural dog chews.
For more help comparing options for light, moderate and powerful chewers, see our guide to choosing the right chew for your dog.
Are natural chews suitable for every dog?
No chew is completely risk-free or right for every dog. Dogs should be supervised while chewing, and the chew should be removed if it becomes small enough to swallow whole or develops a shape that could be unsafe.
If your dog has damaged teeth, dental disease, digestive problems, food allergies or a history of swallowing chews in large pieces, speak to your vet about appropriate treat choices. Fresh drinking water should always be available.
Explore natural dog treats at Woofingtons
Explore our full Natural Dog Treats collection or head directly to our Long-Lasting Dog Treats collection for tougher natural chews in different proteins, sizes and textures.