Finding the perfect long-lasting chew for your furry friend can be a real challenge. The dangers of rawhide are well documented, the associated risks are enough to make any responsible pet owner think twice, from its chemical-laden composition to its risk of choking and blockages. You’ll never find anything containing rawhide here on Lady & The Scamps, but we have come across a brilliant natural alternative from one of our favourite brands – Pooch and Mutt.
Towards the end of 2023, Pooch and Mutt introduced their new Fish Hide Chews – a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable alternative to rawhide. They’ve already been a huge hit with shoppers, coming in two varieties (original and calming) coming in at £4.99 for two sticks.
Speaking on the launch, Pooch and Mutt said: “We don’t like Rawhide. At ALL. There we said it. This strong dislike made us eager to develop an alternative product for pooches, which still attained that ‘long-lasting chew’ element, but removed the dangers – and actually included health benefits, which is why our Fish Hide Chews were born. They’re a clever, healthy alternative to traditional Rawhide and have a sea of health benefits for pooches:”
Pooch and Mutt’s Fish Hide Chews are made from 100 per cent natural cod skin, or 98.5 per cent with the calming version, to allow for 1 per cent chamomile and 0.5 per cent lavender, and offer a host of benefits without the pitfalls associated with traditional rawhide. Firstly they’re high in Omega 3 and 6, which are essential for healthy skin and coat, as well as strong nails, boosted immune system and improved cognitive function. Loaded with collagen and protein, these chews also support joint health and mobility in dogs.
The chews – which are fish shaped or triangular, depending on the type you get – are made using a drying and hand rolling process rather than cooking, meaning they retain all their nutritional benefits, are highly digestible and won’t splinter. What’s more is that the ingredients are sustainably sourced as the skin is a waste product of the human food waste industry, making it better for the environment, too.
In terms of their longevity, it took Phoebe and Frank a little over 60 seconds to eat theirs, however, they are what Pooch and Mutt would call a serial chewer, so they’re bound to get through their chew at a faster rate. Depending on how often your pooch pays attention to it, their size, and the duration of their chew session, their fish hide stick could last days or even weeks, so long as it’s stored in a sandwich box between uses.
Because they’re long-lasting, the chews act as a natural toothbrush cleans your dog’s teeth, massages gums and works jaw muscles. Meanwhile, chewing releases endorphins which can create a sense of calm and act as a ‘natural painkiller’ to relieve pain, as well as alleviate boredom. Pooch and Mutt recommend giving your dog one of the fish hide chews when ‘they’re feeling restless or bored, so they can enjoy a good gnawing session’.
Packed with health benefits while being under closely-monitored EU safety guidelines, the Pooch and Mutt fish hide chews are an excellent replacement for rawhide, not to mention the fact they’re safe, nutritious, and environmentally conscious. By addressing the concerns associated with traditional rawhide, and creating a product to combat it, Pooch and Mutt has solidified themselves as a brand that genuinely has your dogs’ best interests at heart, and one we will continue to love and support with each new innovation. You can try out the new fish hide chews for yourself here.
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