A safe and healthy alternative to rawhide

August 08 2023
3 min reading time

More and more pet owners are choosing safe and responsible chewing products for their dog. As a pet shop, it is therefore essential to offer alternatives to rawhide. Warmako has a carefully composed range that is not only tasty for the dog, but also a reassuring choice for the owner.

Dogs are now full-fledged family members and their owners increasingly value high-quality care. This leads to a growing demand for healthy food and responsible snacks. In contrast, traditional rawhide snacks are declining in popularity. Why more and more dog owners are avoiding rawhide and what healthier and safer alternatives there are, you can read in this blog.

Why Rawhide is Becoming Less Popular

Rawhide treats, made from dried cowhide, have been used for years to satisfy dogs’ chewing needs. However, more and more owners are consciously choosing alternatives. In 2021, Petco, one of the largest pet store chains in the United States, decided to stop selling rawhide altogether. The decision was made after almost three-quarters of their customers indicated that they were concerned about the poor digestibility, risks of choking and blockage, and the intensive processing of the ingredients. This awareness is also growing in Europe, with more and more stores considering removing rawhide from their range.

The Dangers of Rawhide

A major reason why dog owners shy away from rawhide is its poor digestibility. On average, the digestibility is around 40-50%. As the dog chews, the dried hide softens and becomes more elastic, allowing dogs to bite off large chunks. These tough chunks can get stuck in the throat or esophagus, posing a choking hazard. Additionally, due to its low digestibility, they can cause a blockage in the stomach or intestines.

Healthy and safe alternatives

As more and more consumers are looking for safe alternatives to rawhide, it is important for pet stores to offer responsible chewing fun. The market offers two solutions: healthy chew snacks and sustainable chew toys. Warmako has put together a carefully selected range that meets the needs of both dog and owner.

Healthy chews

Healthy chews are a good alternative to rawhide. Choose natural, easily digestible options without artificial additives. Think of dried meat snacks or special chew bones based on natural ingredients.

Durable and strong chew toy

For dogs with a strong need to chew, strong and durable chew toys are an excellent solution. Not only does this prevent frustration and destructive behavior, but it also helps to limit calorie intake. A good example of this is the chew toys from West Paw , such as the Hurley or Rumpus . These products are designed for intensive chewing and are long-lasting.

Bam-Bones: a strong and tasty alternative

Another innovative alternative is Bam-Bones . This chew toy combines the natural strength of bamboo fibers with the durability of nylon. This makes it extra sturdy and ideal for powerful chewers. Bam-Bones is available in different versions, such as the Easy Grip version with ergonomic shape and the wood and bamboo stick version , which are extra attractive to dogs. The delicious beef or chicken flavor stimulates the natural chewing instinct without the dog ingesting unwanted calories.

Make a difference in your pet shop

By making conscious choices in your assortment, you respond to the growing demand for safe and healthy chewing products. Offer your customers responsible alternatives such as natural chew snacks and sustainable chew toys. In this way, you help dog owners to let their loyal four-legged friend enjoy chewing fun in a safe and healthy way!

Customized advice

At Warmako, we are here to help you find the right chew toys for your customers. Feel free to contact us with information about your dog's breed, age, and chewing habits so our staff can provide expert advice.