What Are Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks, also known as pizzle sticks, are a popular dog treat made from bull or steer penises. The ingredients are simple — just one ingredient: bull penis. Bully sticks are 100% beef and high in protein.
To make bully sticks, the bull penis is cleaned, dried, and smoked or roasted. This drying process condenses the protein and hardens the natural “chew stick” texture, making it an ideal long-lasting chew for dogs. Bully sticks can vary in size and thickness depending on the bull size. They are 6 inches long on average but can range from 4-12 inches long.
The drying and smoking process gives bully sticks their signature odor. Some pet owners may find the natural smell unpleasant. However, most dogs love it! The smoky, beefy scent and flavor keeps them coming back for more. Bully sticks are a single-ingredient chew that dogs find delicious and satisfying to gnaw on.
Nutritional Value
Bully sticks are high in protein, which is beneficial for dogs. The protein helps build strong muscles and provides energy. Bully sticks typically contain about 12 grams of protein per inch of the chew.
Bully sticks are also low in fat, usually around 2 grams of fat per inch. The low fat content makes them a healthy option for dogs who need to watch their weight.
In addition, bully sticks are low in calories – approximately 10 calories per inch. This low calorie count prevents overeating and weight gain. Especially compared to many other dog treats and chews which can be high in calories, bully sticks offer a minimal amount of calories from fat.
The high protein, low fat, and low calorie nutritional profile of bully sticks makes them a healthy and nutritious choice for dogs.
Benefits of Bully Sticks for Dogs
Bully sticks provide several important benefits that make them a popular choice among dog owners. Some of the key benefits include:
Great for Dental Health
Bully sticks are tough and long-lasting, which requires dogs to really chew on them. This chewing action scrapes away plaque and tartar on their teeth, helping to keep their teeth clean. The abrasive texture also rubs against the gums, promoting better dental health.
Long-Lasting Treat
Compared to many other dog treats and chews, bully sticks tend to last much longer, keeping dogs occupied and entertained for hours. Their tough texture means dogs can’t simply gulp them down quickly. This gives owners a break from constantly having to provide new treats.
Satisfies Chewing Instinct
Dogs have a natural instinct to chew, which stems from their wild ancestry. Bully sticks allow dogs to satisfy this innate need to chew, while avoiding destruction of household objects. The chewing activity can also help relieve anxiety and boredom in dogs.
Risks
While bully sticks can be a healthy treat for dogs, there are some risks to be aware of:
Choking Hazard
Since bully sticks are chewy and can break off into small pieces, there is a potential choking hazard if not monitored properly. It’s best to supervise your dog when giving bully sticks and take away small pieces that break off before they are swallowed.
Diarrhea
Bully sticks are high in protein and fat. Eating them too quickly or in large quantities can cause diarrhea or upset stomach in some dogs. It’s best to limit bully sticks to no more than one or two per day.
High Calorie
While the protein and fat in bully sticks is beneficial, they are very high in calories. This can lead to weight gain if too many are consumed. Moderation is key.
Contamination
There have been some cases of contaminated bully sticks, which can cause illness. Be sure to purchase from reputable brands and supervise chewing.
Best Practices
When giving your dog bully sticks, it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure they are safe and enjoyable for your pup:
Monitor Your Dog
Keep an eye on your dog when they are chewing on a bully stick. Make sure they don’t bite off large chunks that could pose a choking hazard. Watch for signs of stomach upset or constipation from swallowing too much of the stick.
Offer Appropriate Size
Choose a bully stick that is sized appropriately for your dog. Opt for a longer, thicker stick for large breed dogs. Smaller, thinner sticks are better suited for small dogs.
Rotate With Other Chews
Don’t let your dog have a bully stick every single day. Rotate with other chews to keep things interesting and prevent overconsumption. Too much of any one chew could lead to an upset stomach.
Alternatives to Bully Sticks
There are a few other healthy, long-lasting chew options to consider instead of bully sticks:
Other Long-Lasting Chews
Other chews made from natural ingredients like antlers, horns, hooves, and dried tendons can provide similar chewing satisfaction as bully sticks. Look for chews sourced from free-range, grass-fed animals to ensure quality. Monitor your dog with any chew to avoid choking hazards.
Food Puzzle Toys
Interactive food puzzle toys engage your dog’s brain and provide mental stimulation. Dispensing toys allow dogs to work for kibble or treats, satisfying chewing urges while keeping them mentally and physically active.
Frozen Treats
Freezing dog-safe fruits, vegetables, or broth in an interactive toy keeps dogs engaged. The cold texture is soothing for teething puppies. Monitor to avoid choking and digestive issues.
Homemade Options
Making your own homemade chews for dogs is a great way to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives or other unwanted additives. Here are some recipes for healthy homemade options:
Peanut Butter and Banana Chews
Combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 banana, and 1 egg. Pour the mixture into a baking pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Let cool and cut into bite-sized chews.
Sweet Potato Chews
Slice sweet potatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until dried and chewy. These are low calorie and great for dogs on a diet.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Blend together plain yogurt, pureed berries, and pureed banana. Spread on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours. Break into pieces for a cooling summer treat.
When making homemade chews, avoid ingredients like garlic, onions, chocolate, macadamia nuts, xylitol or raisins, which can be toxic for dogs.
Where to Buy
When looking for quality bully sticks for your dog, here are some places you can find them:
Pet Stores
Many pet stores carry bully sticks, often selling them individually or in bulk packs. Shopping at your local pet store allows you to inspect the treats in person before purchasing. Reputable pet stores will sell bully sticks from trustworthy brands and source materials ethically. Talk to the store staff to learn more about the specific bully sticks they carry.
Online Retailers
A wide selection of bully sticks can be found online through various specialty retailers and online pet stores. Buying online gives you the ability to compare brands, read reviews, and potentially buy in bulk for the best deals. Make sure to research the company’s sourcing and manufacturing process when buying treats online.
What to Look for in Quality
Whether buying in-store or online, look for bully sticks that are thick, long-lasting, and sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle. They should have an odor but it should not be overpowering. Quality bully sticks are naturally dried without preservatives or chemicals. Made in the USA or Canada products offer more transparency and oversight. Steer clear of extremely cheap bully sticks, as the quality is often poor.
Cost
Bully sticks can range in price from $1 to $5 per stick depending on the size and quality. Here are some ways to save on bully sticks:
- Buy in bulk – Buying a bulk bag of 20-30 sticks can significantly reduce the per-stick cost.
- Look for sales – Sign up for pet store email lists to get alerts on sales and promotions for bully sticks.
- Buy plain sticks – Fancy, smoked, or flavored bully sticks usually cost more than plain raw sticks.
- Shop online – You can often find better deals shopping online, especially if you buy in bulk.
- Split sticks – Consider splitting extra-large sticks into multiple pieces to get more value.
- Make your own – Homemade dehydrated beef tendons can be cheaper than store-bought.
With some savvy shopping, bully sticks can be an affordable natural chewing option for dogs.
The Bottom Line
Overall, bully sticks are a healthy, natural treat for dogs when given in moderation. They provide nutritional benefits such as protein and minerals, promote dental health by scraping away plaque, and provide mental stimulation. However, bully sticks can present choking hazards and contain calories, so they should be supervised, sized appropriately, and limited to avoid overconsumption. Providing an occasional bully stick under watchful supervision can be a safe way to enrich a dog’s life. But they should not make up a significant portion of a dog’s regular diet.
Bully sticks can be a nutritious part of a balanced canine diet and lifestyle. But as with any treat, they should be given in moderation. Consider discussing options with your veterinarian to determine what and how often treats should be provided based on your dog’s unique needs and preferences. With thoughtful use, bully sticks can be a tasty and enriching chew experience.