Collagen dog chews vs rawhide: It’s a topic of great debate among pet parents, but what’s the right choice for your dog? Collagen chews are natural and bring a lot of health benefits, but rawhide has been a staple for years.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of collagen vs rawhide for dogs, and tell you why we prefer collagen chews as a safer, more beneficial option compared to traditional rawhide.
We’ll also explain why Mighty Munch has the best collagen for dogs - our collagen meal topper is backed by vets, safe for all breeds and ages, and exceeds Australia’s pet safety standards. Try it today for the smoothest skin and shiniest coat your dog’s ever had!
What are Collagen Dog Chews or Sticks?
Collagen dog chews or sticks are made from collagen, a natural protein found in the connective tissues, skin, and cartilage of animals. Unlike rawhide, which is processed from the tough inner layer of animal hides, collagen chews are derived from the deeper layers of skin, often called the corium.
Collagen chews are made by extracting and purifying collagen from sources like beef, pork, or fish. The collagen is then shaped into sticks, braids, or other forms and dried to create a durable, chewable texture. Some manufacturers may add flavours or other natural ingredients to enhance taste and nutritional value.
What is Rawhide for Dogs?
Rawhide is a classic dog chew made from the inner layer of animal hides, typically from cows or horses. These hides are cleaned, cut, and shaped into various forms, such as sticks, rolls, or braids, then dried to create a firm and durable chew.
The process of making rawhide starts with soaking the hides in water to remove hair and debris. Some manufacturers use chemicals, such as lime solutions, to strip away fat and soften the hide. The cleaned hides are then shaped and dried, with some products treated with flavourings or dyes.
Collagen Dog Chews vs Rawhide: Which is Right For Your Pet?
So, when it comes to collage dog chews vs rawhide, which is better for your pup? Let’s take a look at the differences between rawhide vs collagen for dogs across a range of different categories to help you make the best choice for your pup.
Key Ingredients and Benefits
Let’s start our collagen dog chews vs rawhide comparison with the ingredients and benefits. Made from the deeper layers of animal skin, collagen chews are rich in protein and provide benefits such as improved joint health, skin elasticity, and coat condition.
Collagen is among the best supplements for older dogs because it offers joint support, delivers relief from conditions like arthritis, and soothes dog joint pain symptoms. If you’re dealing with senior dog arthritis or notice any dog arthritis signs and symptoms, collagen can help.
Produced from the tough inner layer of animal hides, rawhide is a long-lasting chew that helps scrape away plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. However, it lacks the broader collagen for dogs benefits.
So, if you need a solution for dog joint care, you’re not sure how to help a dog with arthritis at home, or you’re dealing with dog degenerative joint disease, choose collagen dog chews vs rawhide if you’re wondering what can I give my dog for joint pain at home.
Taste and Texture
It’s important that your supplements are bringing real results, but you won’t see those results if your dog refuses to chew! So, what has a better taste and texture when it comes to collagen dog chews vs rawhide?
Collagen chews have a softer, more pliable texture, making them easier to chew while still satisfying a dog’s natural chewing instincts. Many dogs find them flavourful, especially if they’re infused with natural flavours like beef or chicken.
Known for its firm, leathery texture, rawhide provides a satisfying challenge for dogs that enjoy extended chewing sessions. However, some dogs (especially smaller or older dogs who struggle to chew as much) may find it less appealing due to its toughness.
Ease of Digestion
Collagen chews are generally more digestible because collagen breaks down more easily in the stomach, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal blockages. Digestibility is a common concern with rawhide, as it doesn’t break down easily in a dog’s digestive system. Swallowed chunks can lead to choking or intestinal blockages, especially in smaller breeds.
Chew Time
It’s also important to think about the chew time when you’re choosing between collagen dog chews vs rawhide. While durable, collagen chews are softer than rawhide, meaning they may not last as long for aggressive chewers.
On the other hand, rawhide is extra tough, which means it isn’t suitable for all dogs, but it does tend to last longer. If you’d rather use collagen chews, you can extend how long they last by taking them away from your dog and only allowing chewing at certain times.
Cost Considerations
How does rawhide vs collagen compare when it comes to cost? Collagen is typically more expensive due to its higher-quality ingredients and additional health benefits. But at the same time, it’s giving your dog a better experience, so it still represents good value.
Rawhide is a more budget-friendly option, but because it doesn’t come with the same health benefits as collagen chews, it’s not necessarily great value compared to the best collagen for dogs, even if it does save you a few dollars.
The Safety Side of Things
Are collagen dog chews safe? Should I give my dog collagen, or is rawhide safer? Collagen is generally considered the safer option. Collagen chews are easier to digest and have fewer additives, making them a safer, more natural option with minimal collagen for dogs side effects.
Do vets recommend collagen sticks for dogs? Yes - most vets are big believers in the benefits of collagen chews. That said, it’s still important to supervise your dog while they chew, and use collagen chews from a brand you trust.
When it comes to rawhide, safety is a significant concern, especially with lower-quality products that may contain chemicals or carry choking risks. Supervised chewing and selecting natural, minimally processed rawhide can help mitigate some of these risks, but it’s still not as safe as collagen.
So, is Collagen Better Than Rawhide for Dogs?
At the end of the day, most pet parents choose collagen vs rawhide for dogs. Collagen brings many added health benefits, promoting joint support, coat condition, and skin elasticity. It’s tasty, easier to chew and digest, safer than rawhide, and backed by vets.
If you’re dealing with a specific condition like dogs joints clicking or a painful dog hock joint, or you’re looking for a dog hip dysplasia home treatment, collagen is one of the best joint supplements for dogs and a natural, effective solution for dog joint pain relief.
Rawhide might be more affordable, but it doesn’t offer the same holistic health support as collagen. As long as you’re using collagen from a trusted, reliable source that doesn’t use additives, and you supervise your dog while they chew, collagen is generally the better choice for a healthy, happy pup.
Give Your Pet the Support They Need at Mighty Munch!
At Mighty Munch, we have the best dog supplements Australia, including our collagen! We eliminate the worries of choking or swallowing large pieces of collagen chews with our powder-form meal topper - the easiest and most effective way to give your dog their collagen.
Simply sprinkle the collagen meal topper over your dog’s regular wet or dry food and watch on as they devour it happily, having no idea of all the health benefits they’ll soon see! Not sure how much collagen to give a dog? Just follow the serving suggestions on the package - it’s so easy!
We have other great dog supplements in Australia, like our hip and joint meal toppers for dogs, made with key ingredients for joint support and pain relief from joint-related issues. If you’re wondering what's good for dogs joints or how to help dogs joints, check out our hip and joint meal topper!
All Mighty Munch supplements, including our dog fish oil, dog probiotic, and dog joint supplements, are made using natural ingredients, manufactured in Australia, safe for all breeds and sizes, and exceed Australia’s pet safety standards. Give your pup the best care possible with vet-backed Mighty Munch supplements!
Bringing Our Collagen vs Rawhide for Dogs Comparison to a Close
When it comes to choosing between rawhide vs collagen, the decision usually makes itself - it’s so hard to ignore all the extra health benefits that come with collagen. A daily dose of collagen works wonders for your dog’s skin, coat, joints, and so much more.
For the safest, most digestible collagen out there, try Mighty Munch collagen meal topper - it’s so easy to sprinkle over your dog’s food, with no risk of choking and no need for supervision. It’s safe for all breeds, sizes, and ages, and it brings health benefits to every single dog.
Your dog deserves the best - keep that happy tail wagging for years to come with Mighty Munch collagen!
