Bully sticks have become a very popular chew treat for dogs in recent years. As more pet owners discover these dried bull penises, questions arise regarding the safety, risks, and benefits of giving bully sticks to dogs. This article will explore the pros and cons of bully sticks to help pet owners decide if they are a wise choice for their furry friends.
What Are Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks, also known as pizzle sticks, are 100% dried bull penises sold as dog treats and chews. They are a single-ingredient dog chew made from free-range, grass-fed, beef cattle. Bully sticks are high in protein and low in fat, making them an attractive option for pet owners looking for a long-lasting, tasty chew for dogs.
These dried bull pizzles are not rawhide, as bully sticks are air-dried rather than chemically processed. Bully sticks tend to be more digestible than rawhide chews, which have received backlash for being indigestible and potentially dangerous when swallowed in large chunks.
Bully sticks are a high-protein snack that can aid dogs’ dental health by scraping away tartar and plaque. Many pet owners choose bully sticks as an alternative chewing option to rawhide. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks and safety concerns associated with bully sticks in order to make an informed decision for your dog.
Are Bully Sticks Safe?
For the majority of adult dogs, bully sticks are considered to be a safe, digestible treat. However, there are some health risks and safety issues to be aware of:
Choking Hazards
As with any chew, there is a risk of choking on a bully stick, particularly if large chunks break off and are swallowed. This is most likely with aggressive chewers. Supervise dogs while chewing and take away small pieces or the nub end of a bully stick once it reaches that point.
Diarrhea/Digestive Upset
Any new treat, especially high-protein options, can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs if introduced too quickly or in large quantities. Transition to bully sticks slowly and stick to size and quantity recommendations based on your dog’s size.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Some dogs have allergies or sensitivities to beef products. Signs of allergy include itching, licking paws, diarrhea, vomiting, and ear infections. If allergies are suspected, discontinue use of bully sticks.
High Calories
Bully sticks are high in protein but also fairly high in calories. Obese or inactive dogs should only have access to small bully sticks in moderation to prevent weight gain. Check with your vet about appropriate treat guidelines for your dog. Regular exercise is also key.
Pathogen Contamination
There have been some reports of bully sticks contaminated with Salmonella and other harmful bacteria, especially those imported from overseas. Choosing a reputable supplier that follow safety protocols helps minimize risks. Supervise chewing and throw away any remaining piece oncefinished chewing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Single-ingredient, digestible chew | Potential choking hazard |
| Long-lasting chew time | May cause diarrhea or digestive upset |
| Promotes dental health | Contains calories – not good for inactive or obese dogs |
| Appealing meaty flavor | Pathogen contamination risks if not sourced safely |
| Alternative to rawhide chews | Allergies or sensitivities possible in some dogs |
Are Bully Sticks Safe for Puppies?
Bully sticks are generally not recommended for puppies under 9 months to 1 year of age. Reasons bully sticks may be unsafe for puppies include:
- Choking hazard – puppies’ smaller throats are more prone to obstruction.
- Difficult digestion – a puppy’s digestive system is still maturing and may struggle with a tough, dried chew.
- Unsafe to swallow – a puppy may gulp down a large piece of bully stick, causing a choking risk or intestinal blockage.
- Teething discomfort – hard bully sticks may cause pain if puppy is actively teething.
For puppies, a softer puppy-specific chew is usually a safer choice. Avoid any chews that split into sharp pieces. Once a puppy is fully grown, transition slowly to bully sticks if desired, supervising closely at first.
How to Choose Safe Bully Sticks
When shopping for bully sticks, look for ones from reputable companies that follow safety and quality standards. Here are some tips for choosing safe bully sticks:
Look for Locally Sourced
Bully sticks sourced from free-range cattle in the USA or Canada tend to be safer with less risk of contamination compared to imports. Local sourcing also allows for tighter quality control.
Avoid Artificial Colors or Preservatives
Don’t purchase bully sticks containing artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These chemical additives provide no health benefits and may cause adverse reactions in some dogs.
Select Odor-Free Bully Sticks
A strong odor indicates a higher bacteria level in the bully stick. Opt for odor-free options that use drying methods that suppress odor and bacterial growth.
Read Company Reviews
Research bully stick companies online and read reviews on sites like Chewy. Look for complaints about quality, safety standards, and customer service issues.
Start with Smaller Sizes
When first introducing bully sticks, choose smaller 6″ sticks instead of jumbo 12″ ones. This allows you to monitor chewing and reduces choking risks from large pieces breaking off.
Supervise Chewing
Always supervise dogs the first few times they enjoy a new bully stick. Monitor their chewing habits and take away any remaining portion when it becomes a choking hazard.
Are There Health Benefits of Bully Sticks?
Along with risks, bully sticks do offer some health benefits that make them a popular choice among pet owners:
Nutritious Protein
The high protein content of dried bull pizzles provides dogs with a meaty, satisfying treat between meals. Protein supports muscles, energy and overall health.
Long-Lasting Chew Time
Dogs tend to spend significant time chewing on bully sticks, which relieves boredom, anxiety, and destructive chewing behaviors. The chewing action also promotes health by strengthening gums.
Minimal Odor
Unlike some natural chews, high-quality bully sticks have minimal odor thanks to the drying methods used in their production. This makes them appealing to have in the home.
Promotes Dental Health
The texture of bully sticks gently scrapes away tartar and plaque as the dog chews. This reduces the risk of dental disease.
Easy to Digest
Since bully sticks are 100% beef, they are highly digestible compared to rawhides and other chemically processed options.
Bully Stick FAQs
How long do bully sticks last?
Bully stick chew time depends on the size of the stick and how aggressively the dog chews. Expect anywhere from 30 minutes of chewing for a small stick up to 2 hours for a jumbo size. Choose an appropriate size for your dog.
Can puppies have bully sticks?
Bully sticks are not recommended for puppies under 9-12 months old, as they pose choking risks and may be difficult to digest. Wait until your puppy is fully grown before introducing bully sticks.
How many calories are in a 6 inch bully stick?
A 6 inch bully stick contains approximately 140 calories. Compare this to a milkbone treat at just 25 calories. Adjust quantity provided to avoid overfeeding.
What are odor free bully sticks?
Odor free bully sticks use a specialized drying process that results in less odor and bacterial growth. They have minimal smell compared to other varieties, making them more pleasant to have in your home.
Can bully sticks cause diarrhea?
Bully sticks are high in protein, which can cause loose stool or diarrhea if introduced too quickly. Transition slowly to bully sticks, only offering small sizes at first. Discontinue use if any digestion issues arise.
Conclusion
Bully sticks can offer dogs a tasty, long-lasting natural chew, but they do come with some safety concerns. By selecting high-quality bully sticks sourced from reputable companies and monitoring your dog’s chewing, you can help minimize risks. Weigh the pros and cons carefully for your individual dog to decide if bully sticks are a good option or if a different chew toy would be safer.