When it comes to dog chews, bully sticks and rawhide are two of the most commonly compared options. While both are designed to satisfy chewing instincts, they offer very different levels of safety, digestibility, and health benefits. Understanding these differences helps you choose a chew that supports your dog’s dental health, digestive safety, and overall wellbeing.
What Is Rawhide? What Is It Made Of?
Rawhide is made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. The hides are chemically treated to remove hair, washed, bleached, and processed into rolls, knots, or shapes.
Because rawhide goes through multiple chemical steps and isn’t fully digestible, it has become one of the most debated chew types among veterinarians.
Rawhide vs beef hide:
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Beef hide = any chew made from the skin of cattle (rawhide included).
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Rawhide = the processed, non-digestible version commonly sold in pet stores.
Are Bully Sticks Better Than Rawhide?
In almost every way — yes.
Natural chews like Bully Sticks are:
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Fully digestible
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Made from a single ingredient
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Chemical-free
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Safer for aggressive chewers
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Less likely to splinter
Rawhide, on the other hand, is not digestible, swells in the stomach, and can cause choking or blockages if swallowed in large pieces.
This makes bully sticks one of the safest and healthiest alternatives to rawhide.
Why Are Rawhides Not Safe for Dogs?
Vet articles and pet nutrition blogs frequently warn against rawhide because of:
1. Choking Hazard
Rawhide softens into a gummy texture and breaks into chunks that dogs often swallow whole.
2. Digestive Blockages
Unlike natural chews (bully sticks, cow ears, sweet potato chews), rawhide cannot fully break down.
This can lead to:
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Vomiting
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Painful obstruction
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Emergency surgery
3. Chemical Processing
Depending on the manufacturer, rawhides may contain:
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Bleaching agents
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Preservatives
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Harsh washing chemicals
4. Bacterial Contamination Risk
Multiple investigations have found salmonella in cheaply produced rawhide chews.
Because of these risks, many vets advise avoiding rawhide completely.
Why Do Some Vets Not Recommend Bully Sticks?
Most vets do recommend bully sticks — but with moderation.
Concerns usually relate to:
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Calories (they’re rich, so portion control matters)
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Aggressive chewers swallowing pieces too fast
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Dogs on strict protein-restricted diets
When given correctly — appropriate size, supervised, and limited to 10% of daily calories — bully sticks are considered one of the healthiest natural chew options.
Rawhide vs Collagen: A Safer Upgrade
Collagen chews have become a popular alternative because they look like rawhide but are:
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Fully digestible
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Higher in protein
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Easier on the stomach
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Much safer for chewers
A natural version like Beef Collagen Sticks gives dogs a long-lasting, tough chew without the risks of swelling or blockage.
Healthiest Rawhide Alternatives
If you want lasting chews without rawhide, choose natural, single-ingredient options:
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Bully Sticks
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Beef Collagen Sticks
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Beef Cheek Rolls
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Cow Ears
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Beef Gullet Sticks
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Sweet Potato Chews for sensitive stomachs
These options are frequently recommended in “best chew” lists because they offer durability and digestibility.
Rawhide: Pros and Cons
Pros
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Inexpensive
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Long-lasting
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Satisfying for heavy chewers
Cons
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Not digestible
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High choking risk
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Can contain chemicals
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Can cause digestive blockages
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Not ideal for sensitive stomachs
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Not recommended by many vets
When natural alternatives exist, the risks often outweigh the benefits.
Is Rawhide Good for Dogs?
For most dogs, no.
Even when labeled “natural,” rawhide remains heavily processed and difficult to digest.
Bully sticks, cheek rolls, and collagen sticks provide similar chewing satisfaction without the dangers.
Which Is the Healthiest Chew Stick for Dogs?
Based on safety, digestibility, and vet recommendations, the healthiest chew sticks include:
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Bully Sticks
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Beef Collagen Sticks
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Beef Cheek Rolls
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Cow Ears
Each option supports dental health, satisfies chewing needs, and breaks down naturally in the stomach.
Final Thoughts
When comparing bully sticks vs rawhide, the difference in safety is clear. Rawhide poses significant risks — choking, blockages, and chemical exposure — while bully sticks and other natural chews offer digestible, safer, and healthier alternatives.
For a balanced chew routine, consider rotating options like Bully Sticks, Beef Collagen Sticks, Cow Ears, and Beef Gullet to keep your dog mentally satisfied and physically safe.