As oodle lovers, we want to spoil our pups with treats and toys that make their tails wag. But not every product on the pet store shelf is safe — and one of the biggest culprits is rawhide. It is banned from our house and will not give our guests raw hide treats. It is popular as it is CHEAP and that is for a reason. It is poison for your oodle!!

While it’s often marketed as a long-lasting chew that “cleans teeth and reduces boredom,” the reality is that rawhide can be downright dangerous for your oodle.

Here’s why you should skip the rawhide, and what you should offer instead.

What Exactly Is Rawhide?

Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. The hides are cleaned, chemically treated, bleached or dyed, then shaped into bones, twists, or rolls. They’re cheap, abundant, and widely available — but unfortunately, they’re also risky.

Why Rawhide Is Dangerous for Oodles

✅ Choking Hazard
Oodles are notorious gulpers. Rawhide softens as it’s chewed, and pieces can break off in large chunks. These can get lodged in your dog’s throat, causing choking or airway blockages.

✅ Digestive Blockages
Rawhide isn’t easily digested. If swallowed, it can swell in the stomach or intestines, creating a dangerous blockage that might require emergency surgery.

✅ Chemical Contamination
Many rawhide products are treated with harsh chemicals during processing — including hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and artificial dyes. These can trigger allergic reactions, stomach upset, or long-term toxicity.

✅ Bacterial Risk
Because rawhide is an animal product, it can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can harm both your dog and your household.

✅ Poor Nutritional Value
Rawhide offers no nutritional benefits. It’s an empty chew that can leave your dog with an upset tummy or worse.

Real-Life Examples of Rawhide Dangers

Here are just a few stories that have circulated within pet owner communities:

• Bella the Cavoodle (QLD): Bella swallowed a chunk of rawhide that caused a blockage in her intestines. She required emergency surgery and spent three nights in intensive care. Her owner had no idea a chew could be so dangerous.
• Charlie the Labradoodle (NSW): After chewing a rawhide bone, Charlie developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Testing revealed chemical irritation in his stomach lining. His recovery took two weeks, and his owner was devastated to learn it was linked to his “safe” chew.
• Oscar the Spoodle (VIC): Oscar tragically passed away after a large piece of rawhide lodged in his throat while home alone. By the time he was found, it was too late. His owners now campaign for pet parents to ditch rawhide products.

Better, Safer Alternatives for Oodles

Instead of rawhide, treat your oodle to these safer, healthier chews:

• Kangaroo Tendons: Natural, single-ingredient, and highly digestible.
• Dehydrated Fish Skins: Crunchy, safe, and packed with omega-3.
• Roo Ribs or Ears (supervised only): Naturally chewy with no additives.
• Stuffed Kong Toys: Fill with natural peanut butter, Greek yogurt, or mashed pumpkin and freeze.
• Carrot Sticks or Apple Slices: A crunchy, safe treat for light chewers.
• Make your own healthy dog biscuits and treats

As much as we love spoiling our oodles, it’s vital to be informed about what we give them. Rawhide is might look innocent, but it’s a risky, outdated chew with a history of causing harm. There are plenty of safer, healthier, and just-as-fun options available and and your pup deserves the best.

Do yourself and your oodle a favour: ditch the rawhide!!