Beefhide is a popular dog chew made from the inner layer of cattle hide. It provides hours of chewing entertainment and satisfaction for dogs. But is beefhide actually good for your canine companion?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of beefhide chews to help you determine if they are right for your dog.
We’ll explore the benefits of beefhide, potential risks, proper sizing, safety precautions, healthy alternatives, and more. Read on to gain a thorough understanding of this classic dog treat.
What is Beefhide?
Beefhide is made from the inner layer of cattle hide, specifically the corium layer. This is the thick, tough layer of skin that covers the muscle and frame of cows.
To make beefhide chews, the cattle hide processed to remove hair, fat, and meat remnants. It is then dried or “cured” to prevent decomposition. Once dried, the hide is cut, shaped, and sometimes flavored into various chew products.
This drying and curing process is what distinguishes beef hide from rawhide—rawhide is not cured or dried before being made into chews.
Rawhide vs Beefhide
Here is a comparison of rawhide vs beefhide chews for dogs in a table format:
| Feature | Rawhide | Beefhide |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Inner layer of cow/steer hides | Outer layer of cow hides |
| Fat content | Higher | Lower |
| Digestibility | Less digestible, more likely to cause issues if swallowed in large pieces | More digestible |
| Texture when chewed | Can swell up and get slippery | Crumbles as it’s chewed |
| Choking hazard | Higher risk | Lower risk |
| Processing | Cleaned and processed with chemicals like bleach | More natural, minimal processing |
| Chemical risks | Higher risk of containing traces of harmful chemicals | Lower risk of chemicals |
| Color | White from processing | Natural brown cowhide color |
| Supervision needed? | Yes | Yes |
| Healthiest option? | No | Yes |
In summary, beefhide is generally considered healthier and safer for dogs compared to rawhide due to lower risks and more natural processing. But supervision is still recommended for any chew treat given to dogs. Moderation and choosing high-quality products is also advised.
Benefits of Beefhide Dog Chews
There are several reasons why beef hides can make an excellent dog treat. Here are some of the most notable benefits:
- Provides mental stimulation and satisfies chewing urges – The act of chewing relieves stress and provides mental stimulation. Beefhide gives dogs an acceptable and delicious outlet for their natural chewing instincts.
- Aids dental health – The abrasive texture scrapes away tartar and plaque as your dog chews. This helps reduce bacteria buildup that causes cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Source of protein – Beefhide contains natural protein, an essential nutrient for dogs. Protein supports strong muscles, energy, and overall health.
- Long-lasting – Dried beefhide is extremely tough and durable, so it occupies dogs for a long time. This is ideal for keeping them entertained and out of mischief.
- Promotes weight loss – The act of chewing beefhide burns calories and fat. This can support weight loss efforts.
- Variety of shapes and flavors – You can find beefhide in many shapes (bones, rolls, chips, etc.) and flavors (chicken, bacon, peanut butter, etc.) to keep your dog excited about this tasty, textured treat.
Potential Risks of Beefhide
While beefhide has some excellent benefits, there are also some potential risks and drawbacks to consider:
- Choking hazard – Large, loose pieces of beefhide can pose a choking risk. Dogs may bite off and swallow chunks that get lodged in their throat or block their intestines.
- Digestive obstruction – Beefhide is not easily digested. Large pieces that are swallowed have the potential to obstruct or block intestines, requiring emergency surgery.
- Tooth fractures – Aggressive chewers may fracture their teeth on extremely hard beefhide bones or chips. Softer rolls or sticks are safer for vigorous chewers.
- Quality concerns – Low-quality beefhide may contain preservatives, chemicals, artificial ingredients, and even toxic contaminants in some rare cases. Only buy reputable brands that use all-natural ingredients.
- Allergies – Some dogs may have beef or beef by-product allergies and react negatively to beefhide chews. Discontinue use if you notice any signs of allergic reaction.
- Not recommended for puppies – Beefhide is difficult for puppies to digest and may cause intestinal blockages. Most veterinarians recommend waiting until dogs are at least 6 months old before introducing beefhide.
Clearly, beefhide must be given carefully to dogs. But the risks can be mitigated by following certain safety precautions.
Safety Precautions for Dogs with Beefhide
To allow your dog to enjoy all the benefits of beefhide safely, be sure to follow these precautions:
- Supervise chewing at all times until you are certain your dog chews and ingests beefhide safely. Never leave dogs unsupervised with any chew.
- Select the right size and shape for your dog. Avoid sizes; they can swallow whole or bite off large chunks.
- Remove and replace pieces once they become small enough to swallow. Throw away worn-down pieces.
- Look for high-quality, all-natural beefhide with no chemical additives or preservatives. This is gentler on your dog’s stomach.
- Start pups on beefhide once they are at least 6 months old and can chew it safely.
- Avoid giving beefhide to aggressive chewers or dogs who gulp food without properly chewing it.
- Monitor stool quality and take away beefhide if you notice diarrhea, constipation, or black stools after eating it. This may indicate intestinal irritation.
Following these precautions helps minimize any risks of beefhide chews while allowing your dog to gain all the benefits. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about whether beefhide is appropriate for your unique dog.
Choosing the Right Size Beefhide Chew
Beefhide comes in many shapes and sizes. Choosing the right size piece is critical – too small and presents a choking hazard; too large and it will be difficult to chew and digest.
Follow these size guidelines for beefhide chews:
For small dogs under 25 lbs:
- 3-5 inches long for rolls, bones, chips
- Thinner than a dime
- Easily chewed into small pieces
For medium dogs 25 – 50 lbs:
- 5-7 inches long
- Thicker than a dime
- Takes some work to chew down
For large dogs over 50 lbs:
- 7-12 inches long
- Over 1/4 inch thick
- Difficult to chew pieces off
No matter the size, always monitor your dog’s chewing and adjust the beefhide as needed. If they begin biting off pieces that could obstruct their throat, take it away immediately.
Start conservatively with a size you are certain is safe, even if it seems small. You can always increase the size once you are confident in their chewing habits. The wrong size can lead to emergency surgery or even death, so don’t take chances.
Healthy Alternatives to Beefhide Chews
While beefhide can make a nourishing treat in moderation, some dogs do better with other chew options. Try these healthy beefhide alternatives:
- Bully sticks – Made from free-range, grass-fed cattle. Digests easier than beefhide and has less odor.
- Antlers – Naturally shed deer or elk antlers are very hard and long-lasting. Just watch for cracked teeth.
- Himalayan chews – Hard cheese-like chews made from yak and cow milk. Easily digestible.
- Raw bones – Uncooked beef or bison bones are highly digestible but messy. Not for aggressive chewers.
- Cow hooves – These digest easier than beefhide but are still quite tough and long-lasting.
- Dental chew toys – Nylon toys with bristles and grooves to clean teeth and massage gums.
- Frozen carrots or apples – Provides a healthy crunch and cleans teeth. Best for lighter chewers.
Always supervise dogs with any chew treat, and take it away once it becomes a choking hazard. Variety keeps dogs mentally stimulated. Rotate different healthy chews to keep their interest.
Final Thoughts: Is Beefhide Good for Dogs?
Beefhide can offer immense chewing satisfaction and dental benefits for dogs. However, it may also pose choking, blockage, and digestive risks. Ultimately, whether beefhide is good for your dog comes down to these factors:
- Chewing habits – Beefhide is ideal for dogs who take their time gnawing rather than gulping chunks. Carefully observe your dog’s chewing style before deciding if beefhide is appropriate.
- Age – Avoid beefhide for puppies under 6 months old, as they can easily choke or suffer intestinal blockages. Wait until your pup has mature chewing habits.
- Breed size – Small breeds or dogs with shorter snouts tend to gulp treats. Large or aggressive chewers also do better with extremely tough chews. Select beefhide sizes accordingly.
- Ingredients – Only choose all-natural beefhide with no chemical additives. Low-quality versions can irritate dogs’ stomachs.
- Digestive health – Some dogs have more sensitive digestion. Avoid beefhide if it causes diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting.
While beefhide shouldn’t be given lightly, dogs who chew cautiously under supervision can gain great benefits from this protein-packed, teeth-cleaning treat. Provide the right size and supervise closely, and beefhide can be a safe, nourishing part of your dog’s chewing routine.
Featured Image: istockphoto.com
Read More: