Not sure I can buy the detox theory, as that would imply the toxins are in the dry dog food, which is something else I do not believe is the case. However a sensitive stomach type of dog could easily get upset with a change of diet be it dog to human or human to dog food as was suggested.

Probably your best try at keeping the knuckle bone is to cut the meat off, and sterilize by blanching in boiling water for a few minutes to remove surface contamination. No doubt dogs prefer the real bone. When mine get a hold of a deer bone in the woods there is a definite wag in their tails, until I take it away from them.

The Vet was quite adamant when I got my previous dog, that bones were evil. Confession: I did give her a steak Tbone about 3-4 times in the 11 years I had her. Having part Labs the golden rule is that you either give them something to chew on or they will find the nearest chair etc. So treats or teeth tartar bones just wouldn't cut it with these guys. They would gobble the tartar bone down within seconds and drool for more. So far my furniture remains in good condition.

The current rawhide of choice for my puppies is the Harper's brand sold at Walmart. I selected that brand because it was made from American beefhides at least 13 yrs ago. Not sure but I believe they have gone S. America now for their source. If I could find another American brand I would prefer it. I sort of worry about the preparation and contamination factor of foreign sources. You do have to look at the ends or knobs and make sure you don't see discolorization or green mold. I found one of those recently.

The largest danger for rawhide is if the dog removes one end, and tries to swallow it whole. Besides the possibility of choking on it, that would be a large enough piece to block things up. As long as they chew it, even if it swells the chances of blockage is slim. Not only will food pass around it initially, but the digestive juices will eventually soften and digest what is basically protein plus fat.

The other thing I do is allow them to chew on the rawhide for only a short period of time, maybe 1/2 hr. That reminds me...just had to take em away for the night from the puppies. Then of course I had to give them some water upstairs because they are too lazy to go downstairs for a drink. Now where was I... oh the idea is to stretch that 11 inch rawhide bone through the week. A little bit every night satisfies the chewing urge, and keeps em happy.