Geez, there's been a lot of discussion here about that. Unfortunately, one of our furbabies choked on rawhide and came to an untimely demise. I personally give my Cody (labmix) a 4" beef basted rawhide every night. There are times he pesters me for it but just sleeps with it or carries it around (habit), other times he'll quickly eat it like your lab. Luckily he has never choked on one. My vet says he's never seen such perfect teeth (tartar-wise) on a dog. He's never needed dental cleaning and has lovely breathe (I'm always in his face so I should know!! ) I've heard it can also give them loose stools (lovely) but he's been fine. There is a difference in manufacturing. I usually buy Beefeaters or Harpers. "American rawhide" which is a tradename smells horrible-medicinal. You'll get a lot of feedback on this!!