Nothing against Santa, but here's the deal: rawhide is literally the outside of a cow– the skin. Rawhide is not regulated in any way.Some imported brands (China, Philippines) have been reported as soaked in formaldehyde or contaminated with arsenic. These foreign hides may also contain other detrimental things such as antibiotics, insecticides, or lead- things you'd never knowingly want your pet to ingest.
And even if it's made in the USA, if it is not from organic, grass-fed cows, then chances are very good that that skin is infused with the pesticides and chemicals that animal ate, absorbed, and was exposed to during its life.
Also, choking is a hazard, and rawhide can cause canine gastric irritation when chewed on often, which can lead to vomiting and extreme discomfort.
Now the good news: there are great alternatives for purchase online.
Recently on twitter, I read that my beautiful Golden Retriever pal, Mackenzie, tried and fell in love with a safer alternative made from - drum roll... shed deer antlers! Here is the reliable brand that Mackenzie and her dad get from the good folks at Best Bully Sticks. Yum. Yum. Woof!Or, thick pieces of dehydrated organic sweet potato is nutritious, delicious, and 
cheap if you have a food dehydrator. At the very least, please consider buying a brand that is made in the USA and says something on the label about being natural. Good chewing!
cheap if you have a food dehydrator. At the very least, please consider buying a brand that is made in the USA and says something on the label about being natural. Good chewing!
