Description
Concerns about rawhide
Chews and chewing bones made from dried animal skin (rawhide) are a popular dog snack worldwide. However, more and more owners are consciously choosing not to do this anymore, due to concerns about (chemical) processing in the production process, low digestibility and the resulting risks of choking and blockage. In the United States, Petco, one of the largest pet store chains (1,500 stores) in the country, even decided to stop selling rawhide at the beginning of 2021.
Alternative to dried skin snacks (rawhide)
Nothin' to Hide is the alternative to dried skin dog snacks. Unlike rawhide, it has a very high digestibility. In addition, it is 100% natural. The premium chews are made from bovine collagen, an ingredient that has various health benefits.
Preparation
Nothin' to Hide chews are based on collagen. This is obtained from the connective tissue of cattle and processed into a fine powder. For Nothin' to Hide snacks, this powder is hydrated and shaped, after which the snacks are baked in the oven. The snacks are then coated in a layer of chicken or beef for a delicious taste, resulting in a very high acceptance.
Collagen
The patented production process uses pure collagen of a quality suitable for human consumption. Collagen has many health benefits and is currently also popular as a nutritional supplement for people in the cosmetic industry (healthy skin, hair and nails) and sports industry (muscle building and recovery). Proven benefits of collagen for animals include: reduction of joint pain, improved digestion, improved condition of skin and coat. In addition, it stimulates muscle building.
Labelling
Even though Nothin' To Hide chews are made from collagen, you will not find this in the ingredients list. That's because it is a new ingredient that has not yet been officially classified by the American AFFCO - where NTH was developed. Until that happens, the ingredient will be listed as 'bovine gelatin' in the ingredients list.
However, collagen and gelatin are prepared and used in two very different ways to make chews, resulting in very different properties. Gelatin is formed when collagen is heated or cooked, which completely changes its consistency and molecular structure. Once AFFCO has classified collagen as an ingredient, this will be adjusted in the ingredient list.