Trying to Avoid Rawhides? These Are the 10 Alternatives Vets Recommend

Dr. Chavez recommended this Kruuse Buster Soft Cube ($26) puzzle feeder as a rawhide alternative. "It's great for leaving behind when you go out and to help ward off separation anxiety," he said.

Dr. Chavez said some dogs like rope knot chew toys like the Youngever Dog Rope Toy ($13), noting that they are great for playing fetch and tug of war, as well as chewing.

Rope toys can be less engaging than bones or rawhides for some dogs, because they don't smell like delicious foods! If your dog seems bored with rope knot toys, Dr. Chavez suggested a scented one like the Playology All-Natural Scented Dri-Tech Rope ($15).

Board-certified veterinarian and international bestselling author Gary Richter, MS, DVM, CVC, CVA, who owns and directs Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, CA, said, "Hard rubber toys like a Kong stuffed with something like peanut butter can be very helpful." A Kong ($11, originally $13) is made of durable, natural rubber and is part chew toy, part puzzle toy.

Veterinarian and cohost of the Vet Candy podcast on Petlife Radio Jen Chatfield, DVM, recommended Dentastix ($12, originally $13) as a great alternative to rawhides. "They smell great and are a little bit moister than most chews, so they are a bit gentler on more sensitive mouths," she said.

Dr. Chatfield also suggested Greenies ($34, originally $40), but she cautioned to check which size is right for your dog. "Problems come along when big dogs get the small ones and then wolf them in a single gulp so they became intestinal obstructions," she warned.

Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, recommended the JW Twist-In Treats Toy ($7) as one of her favorite rawhide alternatives. This puzzle feeder lets you twist in a treat for your dog to play with and enjoy. Dr. Choczynski called it a "lifesaver" — she told us her own pup plays with it each morning, giving her a chance to make her coffee!

Dr. Choczynski also suggested the West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy ($20). "I recommend stuffing it with treats and a little broth and freezing it. You might even stuff it with a granulated rawhide, dental chew, or a digestible treat before freezing!" she said.

Yak-cheese chews are a great no-meat option. Dr. Choczynski said Himalayan Dog Chews ($12) are loved by many dogs. However, she cautioned, "these can be higher in fat, so these may not be the first choice for a pet with a history of a sensitive stomach or pancreatitis."

Albert Ahn, DVM, the veterinary advisor for Myos Pet, suggested Sancho & Lola's Dehydrated Chicken Feet ($18). Dr. Ahn said he's seen lots of dogs who love chicken feet, adding that they're even considered a delicacy in some countries.