6 Alternatives to Rawhide Chews
We’ve talked before about the dangers of rawhides and some alternative options, but it’s time we revisit the topic with an updated list. While I still do not give Mauja and Atka any rawhide treats, the number of fully digestible chews has grown exponentially. Here are our current favorite alternatives to rawhide chews.
Bully Sticks
Oh, bully sticks – an oldie but a goodie. You really can’t go wrong here. Bully sticks come in varying thickness, length, and shape to provide a satisfying chewing experience for any dog. Currently, Mauja and Atka are loving the bully sticks from Best Bully Sticks. Pro tip: Place the bully sticks in the freezer for a longer-lasting chew!
Windees
While these aren’t the longest lasting chews, the fluffies love them. These 100% USA beef trachea are oven-baked and contain no artificial ingredients. Windees can be purchased in different sizes, but we often get the 6″ version (12″ for special times). The 6″ Windees are the perfect size to stuff with food or another favorite treat.
Elk Antlers
Mauja and Atka are hit or miss on when they’ll chew on these, but they’re a great natural chew. When they’re in an “elk antler chewing phase”, these giant elk antlers always stand up to their strong teeth. I really like that these don’t smell and I’m not grossed out to touch them 😉
Bully N Beef
Jones Natural Chews ties together two of Mauja and Atka’s favorite chews in this one. Bully N Beef is essentially a bully stick wrapped around a beef trachea. These are a little small at only 3″, but since it’s a “2 in 1” treat, they last longer than I anticipated. However, if they were bigger, these would be the ultimate fluffy treat! Like all Jones Natural Chews products, they are made and produced in the USA and 100% natural.
Bully N Bacon
Similar to the Bully N Beef treats, the Bully N Bacon chews are a 2 in 1 treat. This time, the curved bully stick is wrapped in pork skin. Too many pork products can upset Mauja and Atka’s tummies, but they love these as an occasional chew!
Slammer Bone
These are absolutely amazing. I’m always hesitant to give Mauja and Atka bones that are cooked in any way, but I’m also not into raw bones. The Slammer Bone is baked with a specific amount of moisture to make the bone the closest thing to raw that you’ll find, while still killing harmful bacteria. The knuckles break off fairly easily (which is to be expected), but I’ve never had an issue with splintering.
Does your dog have a favorite chew? What are your favorite alternatives to rawhide chews? Tell us in the comments below!
Thanks for the tip on freezing the bully sticks. Never tried it before. I think I might check out some of the other alternatives too. Bully sticks do get pretty gross in our house. Thanks for the info.
I love Bully Sticks, or I guess I should clarify that – Laika loves Bully Sticks, and I love how much she loves them. We’re also a big fan of Benebones. They’re wishbone shaped nylon chews that come in various flavors. I don’t know what it is about them but Laika goes nuts for em.
I am interested that you don’t like raw bones, and would like more of your opinion about it. The biggest portion of my dogs diet is raw chicken carcasses and raw meaty bones, never have had any bad experience with them I have feed this way for a long time, but always like to here other people’s views
I think a lot of dog owners should be aware with rawhide chews because they can cause something bad for their dogs. This should be shared.