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.
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