Best Bully Sticks – Healthy, Delicious Treats for Your Dog

If you have never given your dog a bully stick, you might want to read on. Introducing anything new to your pet can be tricky. Although bully sticks are completely safe, there are several factors like shape, size, feeding times, and safety concerns that you must keep in mind for a safe transition enjoyed by both you and your dog. Here is a convenient, all-rounded buying guide so you can buy the best bully stick for your dog!

What Are the Key Features to Look For in a Bully Stick?

Source

The origin of the bull pizzle you buy is paramount to the health and safety of your dog. Bully sticks manufactured in the United States and Canada are the most popular among dog owners because they come from facilities that are FDA and USDA approved. Although it is best to go for US-manufactured bully sticks, all FDA-approved facilities are reliable. Most of these bull pizzles may be passed as human-grade beef tendons.

Apart from the manufacturer, the quality of beef is equally important. Ensure that the beef comes from free-range animals, that is, grass-fed animals with freedom of movement. The bulls should not have been exposed to antibiotics or hormones. During processing, some bully sticks are also exposed to bleach. The best telling sign of these sticks is that they are odorless (except for smoked or baked Bully sticks).

Some Bully sticks are also labeled as non-GMO or organic. The bottom line is, buy bully sticks from a reputable manufacturer with 100% natural, pure beef.

Additives

Single-ingredient bully sticks are best preferred, and for good reason. First, pure beef is unlikely to cause allergies associated with dog treats. Also, some additives may be extremely harmful like chlorine and bleaching agents which are sometimes used to compensate for bad-quality products and to remove odors.

Some bully sticks come with a delicious filling. These are special treats for dogs to keep them busy as they chew through the stick to get to the flavorful filling. However, unfortunately, the filling has additives that may not be suitable for all dogs, especially ones who have never had bully sticks. The bully stick should be free of any preservatives, soy, wheat, grains, artificial flavors, or harmful chemicals. The trick is to keep a keen eye out on the label for the ingredients and sources of beef.

Size

The size of the bully stick is a close second when it comes to the key features being considered. The size of the bully stick directly depends on the size of your dog. Too small of a bully pizzle poses a ching hazard, on the other hand, if the bully stick is too big, your dog might not be able to chew it and get frustrated. It also depends on your dog’s nature, for example, if your dog is an aggressive chewer, a thicker bully stick is recommended. Some people may also classify the dogs by breed when buying bully sticks.

Here is A Straightforward Classification to Guide You.

Four-inch bully stick: Recommended for smaller dogs that weigh between 10 to 30 pounds or as a snack for bigger dogs.
Six-inch bully stick: Recommended for mostly all dogs but a specific weight range would be 30 to 50 pounds.
10-inch/12-inch bully sticks Recommended mainly for larger dogs weighing between 50-100 pounds or smaller dogs who chew aggressively.

24-inch bully stick: Recommended only for large dog breeds which weigh more than 100 pounds.

Shape

Even though most bully sticks are straight as the name suggests but there is a variety of other shapes available as well. If you have a puppy or your dog is a light chewer, a straight, conventional bully stick is best. However, if your dog is an aggressive chewer, a ring-shaped or braided bully stick may be a better option.

Some packs contain different shapes of bully sticks so can try them all and find out which one your fido likes best!

Odor

If the fact that bully sticks are made of a bull’s penis is not enough to put you off, their stinking odor will. But, your dog loves it! The stinkier the bully stick, the better the flavor.

As we have already mentioned, odor suggests if the bully stick has been treated with harsh chemicals. Another defining factor of the odor of a bully stick is the extent of dehydration. So if you want the stick to stink less, go for a bully stick that has been baked or smoked. The drier it is, the lesser the odor.

Pack size

The number of bully sticks in a pack may vary from one bully stick to up to 100 bully sticks. Packs with more bully bones are comparatively economical but if you are trying them out for the first time, it is better to buy a single bully stick.

Variations

Even though most bully pizzles are single-ingredient, some variations do exist in flavors and nutritional values. Beef jerky bully sticks have a higher glucose concentration for healthy joints, some center-filled bully sticks incorporate brown rice and some are high in proteins.

How to Safely Feed Bully Sticks to Your Dog?

Introducing bully sticks for the first time

Bully sticks have controversial reviews which may make you wary of them if you want to try them out for the first time. However, if the bully stick is of top-notch quality and the right size, there should not be any complications. (some dogs may be allergic)
The trick is to slowly introduce your dog to a bully stick. In the beginning, give the bully stick to your dog for 5 to 10 minutes. Because they are rich in proteins, too much of it in a short period may cause vomiting and diarrhea. When you see your dog is comfortable with it, try out different shapes and increase the feeding.

Feeding frequency

Bully sticks are high in both calories and proteins therefore give your dog no more than 1 bully stick per day. As a general rule, a bully stick should not be more than 10% of your dog’s calorie intake.

How Safe Are Bully Sticks for Dogs and Puppies?

Bully sticks are generally safe for both puppies and dogs. However, just like any edible dog treat, bully sticks also come with a choking hazard. To avoid this, ensure that you buy the right size. Even though bully sticks don’t splinter, your dog may try to swallow bigger chunks which may lead to choking or a blocked food canal, therefore supervision is key. For younger dogs and puppies, monitor their response and act accordingly. Bully sticks are not recommended for dogs with dental problems. Do contact your veterinarian to be on the safe side.

What Are the Benefits of Giving Your Dog Bully Sticks?

No additives

Bully sticks are 100% pure beef with no additives, unlike other chews.

Nutritious

Bully sticks, especially those made of free-range beef are packed with proteins with low fat and cholesterol. But don’t overdo them as they are high in calories!

Distraction/amusement

Dogs are one of the smartest animals. They know when you are about to leave the house or you’re busy or if something is off. To distract your dog, bully sticks are your best friend. They also offer a great solution for puppies who are notorious for gnawing at shoes and sofas.

Digestible

Unlike a lot of other chewing treats, bully sticks are 100% digestible and therefore, relatively safer.

Good dental health

Bully sticks are in no way an alternative to brushing your dog’s teeth but they are extremely effective in preventing plaque build-up. The friction of the resistant teeth against your dog’s teeth promotes good teeth and gum health.

Price

Bully sticks are generally considered costly. This is because they are the most popular dog treat and the raw material and manufacturing are expensive. Apart from this, the price of bully sticks depends on the quality of beef, shape, size, and pack size.

Single bully stick (100% beef) costs about $5-$10. A single bully stick made of free-range beef costs about $8-$15. A pack of five (free-range beef) costs about $15-$30 while packs of ten or more cost about $55-$100. As the number of sticks in a pack will increases, the price per stick will decrease.