Earth Animal No Hide Salmon Chews

[Debbie and Toby]

I know there were discussions before as to whether or not these chews were safe, at the time we did determine they were safe. I have recently read articles that they are not safe, the advertising is misleading and different sources have determined these are made of hide....any thoughts on these? Toby loves them, always supervised, and only gets one occasionally. Now I am doubting if he should have these as I would never give him rawhide, and I am afraid now that is what these might be...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Since the time this was posted almost a year ago, there have been no reports of any dog suffering any ill consequences from Earth Animals products, and the stores I trust are still carrying them. I would say, if your dog has been getting them and is doing well with them, I see no reason to stop using them. 

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

Yes, I just stumbled upon this thread and would love to hear from some of the veterans and experts, including Karen.  I feed these to Teddy daily and got into them because they were recommended here.

I'm really not concerned with the choking threat (I usually give Teddy the sticks and not the logs) because I am with him when he is eating them.  He could choke on soft jerky if the piece was big enough and he tried to swallow it whole -- for the most part, he chews.  But I want to make sure the INGREDIENTS themselves are OK.

I also just picked up Earth Animal Chicken Cutlers and Chicken Strips which I would like to know if anybody here gives their dog.

[Debbie and Toby]

I am confused, and not sure what to believe I reached out to Earth Animal and asked exactly what the ingredients are....I was told to "read the label".... that is all they had to say! A little confusing that they don't want to discuss or reassure me, I did go back to our Three Dog Bakery yesterday, our boutique type of store, discussed again with them, they are fully aware of the articles being generated regarding whether or not these are hide, she assured me they are rice flour and they would not sell them if they were hide. I mentioned soaking a 2"  piece of the "rice flour" in water for almost 2 days, she did say if it was hide it would have expanded. So you may be right that it would dissolve better in the stomach rather than a cup of water.

[Stacy]

I have no idea if these are hide or not. I've seen them at the boutique dog food store, where they won't sell The Honest Kitchen dog food because of a random celery recall. But I do think there are a lot of food products that wouldn't dissolve in water overnight that dissolve just fine when the aid of gastric contents. Think about a hot dog. I don't think it would be changed at all by soaking in water. Again, not endorsing the product, just thinking out loud.

[Debbie and Toby]

Thanks Gail, I think you are right....  I was really unhappy this morning when I checked the piece I cut off, still sitting in the cup of water, and it had not even dissolved, tried my best to tear it into smaller pieces...no luck, and I was able to see some texture in it... really sad that this company would completely deny using hide for these....I think I will address this with them and see what kind of response I get....

[Gail and Bailey]

It would seem to be hide.  Sad that it has been misrepresented but that is common practice in the world of dog food and treats.  I would not worry about Toby and his tummy as it has passed through by now.  Guess we just have to find something new for our doods to chew!  

[Debbie and Toby]

I cut a piece of the white part off (rice flour?)  soaked in water all night, it did not dissolve and you could not even tear it.. would this be an indication of hide? or is this what rice flour would do? Any thoughts?

 

[Debbie and Toby]

Yes, these articles are very disturbing. You are right, better safe than sorry. Any suggestions on how we can address this to verify one way or another? I really don't like the fact the the labeling could be very misleading and inaccurate. For now, I have put away the one I have, won't be buying more unless I can verify for sure this is not rawhide. It worries me now if Toby has rawhide sitting at the bottom of his stomach. We are very careful what we feed Toby and I am always reading labels. 

[Gail and Bailey]

I don’t think much of these two sites.  However IF someone really had the chews tested as they stated on the site.......it sounded pretty convincing and worrisome.  I suppose we should be better safe than sorry and not buy them anymore.  After all...it is only a snack chew.....not their regular food.  I trust our own Karen right here on DK for food advice!

[Debbie and Toby]

Gail, I was also under the impression that they were completely safe. Toby loves them, and as I said, he only gets them occasionally, and with complete supervision. I am confused now as the articles are also very disturbing to me. The Earth Animal statement says they are not rawhide. I hope others will chime in on this as I would like to get input from others. I have never given Toby rawhide and I sure hope this is not what he has been getting with these. Any idea how credible these two sites are that posted their findings on these no-hide chews?