Short answer: Choose dried skin to suit your dog's size and chewing style. Buffalo and camel skin are firm and suit medium to large chewers, while rabbit and deer skin are lighter and suit small dogs or gentle chewers. Dried skin is a sensible choice if the piece is too big to be swallowed in one go, you stay with your dog and you take away the last little bit. Count it as a snack, not a meal.
What is dried skin for dogs?
Dried skin is animal skin that has been dried into a tough chew. Drying makes the skin firm, so your dog spends longer on it than on a soft treat. Skin is rich in protein. How much fat a piece contains varies by animal and by batch, so always go by the label.
According to the label, the skins in this collection consist of a single animal species. For Canis Konijnenhuid Lang and Canis Konijnenhuid met haar 20-23CM the composition is missing from our product data; check the packaging for those. If you'd like to compare dried skin with other types, have a look at all chews as well.
Which dried skin suits my dog?
Consider three things: your dog's size, how enthusiastically he chews and whether he is sensitive to certain proteins. How long a piece lasts varies greatly from dog to dog. The table below gives you an idea.
| Type | Shape and size | Hardness | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Buffalo skin | 30 cm roll with hair, braided at 15 or 50 cm | Firm | Long | Medium and large chewers; 15 cm for smaller dogs |
| Camel skin | Rolls, sheets, loose pieces, 70 cm stick | Firm | Medium to long | Variety and dogs that haven't had camel before |
| Deer skin | Pieces | Less hard | Shorter | Small to medium dogs |
| Rabbit skin | With fur, cut or long | Soft and light | Short | Small dogs, seniors and first-time chewers |
| Pork rind | 10 or 50 cm roll | Firm | Medium | 10 cm for smaller dogs, 50 cm for larger dogs |
Is dried skin safe for dogs?
Dried skin softens a little as it's chewed and is less hard than antler or hooves. So the biggest risk isn't a broken tooth, but a piece that's too large being swallowed in one go. That's why:
- Choose a piece that won't fit in your dog's mouth in one go.
- Stay with your dog while he chews and take away the last small piece.
- Always have fresh water available.
- Introduce a new type gradually, starting with a small piece.
During teething, puppies are better off with softer skin such as rabbit skin, in small portions. You can read more about what's suitable at each age in when can a puppy have chews. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or an allergy, give one protein source at a time and see your vet if any problems arise.
How much dried skin can you give?
All snacks combined should provide no more than about 10 percent of daily energy intake. A firm buffalo skin roll counts for quite a lot. If you give one on a particular day, feed a little less of the main food. You can also take away a half-chewed piece and give it back later. How to work this out is explained in how many snacks can a dog have per day.
Ingrid's tip: If you're torn between two sizes, go for the larger one. You can always take away a roll that's too big once your dog has had enough. A piece that's too small quickly becomes a choking hazard.
How do you store dried skin?
Store dried skin in a dry, cool, sealed place, out of the sun. Let a partly chewed piece dry out thoroughly before putting it away again. If a piece smells odd or you spot mould, throw it away. Wash your hands after giving the snack.
Frequently asked questions
Can a puppy have dried skin?
Yes, but choose softer skin such as rabbit skin and give small portions. Never leave a puppy to chew unsupervised and take away any small leftovers.
What is the difference between skin with and without fur?
Skin with fur is a little rougher and feels like natural prey to many dogs. Some dogs need to get used to the fur, so start with a small piece.
Is dried skin suitable for a dog with a food allergy?
That depends on what your dog is sensitive to. Choose a protein source your dog hasn't had before, such as rabbit or camel, and always check the label. If your dog has a diagnosed allergy, consult your vet first.
How long does a dog take to finish a piece of skin?
That varies greatly by dog and by type. An enthusiastic chewer will finish sooner than a gentle chewer, and a firm buffalo skin roll lasts longer than rabbit skin.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
Not sure which treat suits your dog? Try the treat guide →
