Bully Sticks: A Natural Chew for Your Dog

If they aren’t already, bully sticks are likely to become one of your pup’s favorite treats. While the prime material for these might disturb you a little — they’re made from bull penis(!), bully sticks are an awesome and healthy chew toy. So forget how grossed out your are right now, and read on...

Benefits

Bully sticks are a great choice for dogs of any age to reduce plaque and tartar, provide entertainment through constructive chewing, and pack a punch of high-quality protein.

100% Natural and Digestible

Perhaps the best thing about bully sticks is their short ingredient list. These treats are made from just one part of a single animal, so they can be well-suited for a pup with lengthy allergy lists. Pizzle sticks are also easily digestible and 100% natural, making them a smart choice for fur babies with sensitive stomachs.

Positive Nutrition

Because bully sticks are usually 100% beef, they are very high in protein (80%) and very low in fat. This makes for a way better option compared to synthetic chews and treats that have chemical extras in them for flavor. That said, be careful to not overdo it - even this natural product can cause diarrhea and obesity if over-consumed.

Dog Teeth Cleaning

Not only are bully sticks fun and nutritious - they also do a great job cleaning your dog’s teeth. They can help with reducing tartar and plaque buildup, which in turn prevents cavities and dental issues. Additionally, chewing is helpful for strengthening your dog’s teeth. Please remember that even if your dog chews on bully sticks, you should still practice other types of mouth hygiene with your dog, like brushing and cleaning.

Fun and Variety

Less of a clinical benefit, bully sticks come in different shapes and sizes. You can find the perfect pizzle stick for any dog - from a tiny poodle to a large German shepherd. In the next section, we will discuss the different types of bully sticks, flavors, and shapes.

Types of Bully Sticks for Dogs

There are lots of choices on the market for this tasty favorite. Depending on your pup’s preference, you can purchase bully sticks in an assortment of toughness, styles, and sizes.

Toughness

If your dog is a strong chewer, look for brands like Smokehouse that offer thicker bully sticks. These sticks are roasted longer and may have a larger diameter to satiate aggressive chompers.

Shape

Do you want a curly stick, a braided stick, a straight stick or a filled stick? Smaller breeds tend to like curly sticks more, but can still be enjoyed no matter how large your pup may be. Intertwined sticks are especially helpful for cleaning teeth and gums, while offering added resistance for longer wear.

Flavor

If you want something a little more decadent and filling for your pup’s hunger cravings, you can select a filled bully stick. These varieties may be less natural because of the artificial ingredients that tend to be present in fillers.  But generally, you’ll find that most sticks are straight, hollow tubes, designed to be destroyed by your pup bit by bit. And if you want the less smelly option, go for a smoked bully stick.

Size

Depending on your dog’s size, you should consider a different bully stick length. Here are guidelines from Only Natural Pet to determine which bully stick size is best for your pup. If your dog is: 

• 100 plus pounds, choose a 30” stick.
• 50 - 100 pounds, choose a 12” stick.
• 30 - 50 pounds, choose a 6” stick.
• 10 - 30 pounds, choose a 4” stick.

How Much Will Bully Sticks Cost Me?

You can purchase bully sticks individually or in packs. They range from .99 cents to $12 per stick (for large ones) but can be found in bulk packs for economy. Origin and quality largely defines the price, along with factors like odor-free options. A good manufacturer will usually list the original of the raw material on the package. For optimal nutrition, it’s best to avoid bully sticks made in China, mainly due to lower production control standards. Typically, bully sticks that originate in Australia, Brazil and New Zealand come from free-range raised cattle. You should also look for a USDA approval label. There you have it, bully sticks don’t sound so bad anymore! If you’re ready for more quiet moments while also improving your pup’s oral health and chomping habit, check out your local pet store or go online to find your favorite brand. Happy chewing!