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Rawhide or Collagen: Which Chew Treat Is Safest for Your Dog?

Rawhide: popular, but risky

Rawhide is one of the best-selling chew treats in North America — but also one of the most controversial. Made from the inner layer of cattle hide, it usually undergoes intensive chemical processing: bleaching, preservatives, artificial flavorings. What you see in the package is far from a natural product.

Why rawhide can be dangerous for your dog

  • Choking hazard: Rawhide softens in the jaw and can break off into large pieces that are hard to swallow.
  • Digestive blockage: Swallowed pieces do not digest easily and can cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency veterinary care.
  • Chemical contamination: Some imported rawhide contains chemical residues used during tanning (formaldehyde, arsenic, chlorine).
  • Variable quality: Regulations on rawhide manufacturing are very lax, especially for imported products.

Many veterinarians now advise against rawhide, especially for dogs that chew aggressively or tend to swallow large pieces.

Collagen: the natural, safer alternative

Collagen chew treats are made from the outer layer of beef hide — a natural source of collagen. Unlike rawhide, they are air-dried or dehydrated without harsh chemical treatment.

The benefits of collagen for your dog

  • Better digestibility: Collagen breaks down more easily in a dog's digestive system, greatly reducing the risk of blockage.
  • Dental health: Chewing helps reduce plaque and tartar, supporting better oral hygiene.
  • Joints and skin: Natural collagen supports healthy joints, skin, and coat.
  • A single ingredient: No additives, no preservatives, no artificial colors.
  • Long-lasting chew: Collagen rings and sticks provide hours of mental and physical stimulation.

Rawhide vs Collagen: the comparison

Rawhide Collagen
Ingredients Chemically treated hide Natural beef hide
Digestibility Low High
Choking risk High Low
Health benefits None Joints, skin, teeth
Additives Often present None

Our choice at Sherbrooke Canin

At Sherbrooke Canin, we have chosen to not sell rawhide. Your dog's safety and well-being come first. That's why we offer a carefully selected range of 100% natural collagen chew treats, made to the strictest standards.

Our collagen rings and collagen sticks are air-dried, additive-free, and made from free-range beef. They are perfect for dogs of all sizes that need a healthy chewing option.

🐾 Discover our collagen treat collection

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