Rawhide is the skin of an animal that has not been exposed to tanning). It is similar to parchment and is much lighter in color than leather made by traditional vegetable tanning. Rawhide is more susceptible to water than leather, and it quickly softens). The skin from buffalo, deer, elk, or cattle from which most rawhide originates is prepared by removing all fur, meat, and fat. The hide is then usually stretched over a frame before being dried. The resulting material is hard and translucent. It can be shaped by rewetting and forming before being allowed to thoroughly re-dry. It can be rendered more pliable by working, i.e. bending repeatedly in multiple directions, often by rubbing it over a post, sometimes traditionally by chewing).

Rawhide is often used to cover saddle trees, which make up the foundation of a western saddle, while wet: it strengthens the wooden tree by drawing up very tight as it dries and resists the abrasion regularly encountered during stock work or rodeo sports). Rawhide can also be used as a backing on a wooden bow, which prevents the bow from breaking by taking a share of the tension stress. Bows made from weaker woods such as birch or cherry benefit more from a rawhide backing). Rawhide chews are also a popular treat for dogs, but it is important to supervise dogs while they are enjoying a rawhide, and take it away if they are breaking it down too fast. Rawhide can pose a choking and blockage risk if swallowed in large pieces, and some dogs are simply sensitive or allergic to rawhide or other substances used in their manufacture, which can cause digestive irritation.