Rawhide, horrible or fine?

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm sorry if this discussion has already been posted somewhere. We have been trying to find safe things for Darwin to chew on (Chilly bone, nylabone, kong, bully sticks, etc.) And many of the edible treats are really expensive. I have read two very opposite ends of the spectrum on rawhide. Some hate it, some love it. Is there a specific kind that is better than another? Is it safe, or not good at all?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oh we use antlers. Best investment for us even though they are a tad pricier ($7-$25 based on size). They last for a long time and Peri goes crazy over them.

[Stella]

My doodle has jaws of steel, we tried to give him marrow bones - expensive good ones from a pet boutique (!!). I bought the extra large one and within five minutes he had cracked the bone in half and was beginning to break pieces off it!! My friend sent us some large compressed rawhides, they only last him 20 minutes before he has eaten the whole thing. I am still looking for something tasty but long lasting that he can't chomp down in less than ten minutes!! Any suggestions??

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Wow, he ate the compressed rawhide in 20 minutes???? That doodle is part shark!!!

[Stella]

I know!! And hearing the things that you do about Rawhide I thought this probably wasn't a good idea!! We gave it to him when we were away and needed to be sure he would settle while we ate our dinner. But, it would be nice to have something a little longer lasting, for his chewing enjoyment and so that I feel I am getting value for money!! It sounds like I am going to have to go hunting for antlers.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

You should try antlers. I know there are a lot of DK members that give these to their doodles and they love them and last for a long time. I just bought my first one for Timbow, so I can't give you too much feedback. If you have any questions I'm sure someone else will chime in! :)

[Frannie & Callie]

Callie L-O-V-E-S antlers. After the shoe/remote control/ipod chewing incident, I went to the pet gallery and bought 1 of everything that was recommended as a long-term chew. The bully sticks upset her stomach (and mine, after I learned that I was feeding my dog a bull's penis). The himalayan chews were done in 20-30 minutes, as were the compressed rawhides. The marrow bones from publix worked well but don't always hold her interest (maybe the flavor wanes?). This was in April, and Callie is laying on the floor next to me, gnawing on the original antler. It's smaller than it was, but she can't work all the way through it. My sister is skeeved out by the antlers and won't let me bring it into her house when I'm there for a week over thankgsiving, but I'm going to sneak it in...I'm pretty sure once she sees what Callie can do to a remote or one of her kids' webkinz, she's see why antlers are ok!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I bought 2 elk antlers. Unlike what some people have experienced, the first one, which both dogs wanted, was down to a nubbin in just over a week. This was despite the fact that they looked alike to me and both antlers were out and available. Now they are working on the second one, which Luca just stole from Calla. They both seem to like any "pre-chewed, softened" object to chew. these animal spare parts get to be expensive. So far so good in terms of splintering or shards though.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have found beef tracheas! They are cheap, all natural, and last a long time! I highly recommend them!
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/finally...

[F, Calla & Luca]

My trainer had them but I figured they were expensive. I'll check them out. Another formerly thrown away body part turned into pet food profit!