Bully sticks (pizzle sticks) are one of the more controversial chews for pups and adult dogs. Some owners swear by them as a natural and irresistible treat that will keep their pooch happy for an hour or so. Others are put off by the origin, odor and scary stories that they have heard about them. We have put together a no-nonsense guide to best bully sticks for dogs packed with all you ever needed to know about this doggy chew.
The Best Bully Sticks for Dogs
A 100% natural alternative to raw hide chews, these six inch sticks contain only natural free range and grass fed beef. They will help to scrape away tartar and plaque and therefore care for your four legged friend’s teeth. There are no additives, hormones or nasty chemicals for you to worry about.
Your pet will be able to easily digest all of the bully stick and they deliver a healthy dose of protein and essential vitamins. Bags of 25 or 50 sticks area available but sizes of bully stick inside the bags may be variable so it is worth checking before giving them to your doggy.
100% natural beef product
No additives or hormones
Packed with protein and vitamins
Scrapes away plaque and tartar for dental health
- Brand: Best Bully Sticks
- Model: FBA_002-0001-0662
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
Healthy bully sticks manufactured in a USDA approved facility from beef sourced from grass-fed and free-range cattle. They are low in fat and high in protein and contain no artificial ingredients. They have a natural beefy smell which is mainly down to the organic oils.
Your pet gets a long-lasting, satisfying bully stick which helps their dental health and the nutrients are great for their skin and coats. The sticks are hand-picked and specially selected to ensure consistency. You can purchase them in packs of 15 or 30 bully sticks.
Long lasting and low odour
Promotes dental and skin health
No additives or chemicals
Contains grass fed beef only
Hand packed for consistency
- Brand: Nature Gnaws
- Model: 855357007246
- Weight: 8 ounces
Bully sticks with a distinctive natural odour that dogs love and indicates that there has been no treatment with harsh chemicals. The six inch sticks are available in a choice of seven sizes of packs ranging from five to 100 sticks.
The product is approved by both the USDA and the FDA and is 100% safe for pooches. There are no artificial chemicals or additives.
USDA and FDA approved for maximum safety
Distinctive natural meaty odour
Packs available in a wide range of sizes
Thickness of individual sticks varies
- Brand: Downtown Pet Supply
- Model: U1-XNGR-LAUJ
- Weight: 8 ounces
These sticks area available as six inch or 12 inch products depending on the size of your pooch. They’ll keep your dog amused for up to an hour and scrape plaque off their teeth at the same time!
There are absolutely no hormones or chemicals which makes them a very healthy alternative to raw hide. They are manufactured from free-range Brazilian cattle.
12 inch stick available for medium to extra-large breeds
Extra-long lasting
Hand inspected to ensure quality and consistency
Made from free-range Brazilian cattle only
No additives – 100% natural ingredients
- Brand: Top Dog Chews
- Model: TDC1212BSR
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
A good choice for larger dogs and a healthier and great tasting bully stick made from free-range, grass-fed cattle with no hormone or antibiotic treatment. You can have peace of mind about how the sticks are manufactured because they are made in a USDA Human Grade Certified plant.
They are naturally low in fat but high in protein because they are made from beef muscle and tendon. All the sticks a 12 inches long so will be big enough to satisfy medium sized and bigger dogs. The sticks are not stretched so they are safer and do not splinter.
Sticks are not stretched and do not splinter
12 inches long for larger dogs
Manufactured by boiling, roasting and smoking for maximum goodness and flavour
100 % natural product
Manufactured in a food grade facility
No preservatives – naturally stays fresh for longer
- Brand: Jack & Pup
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
A 12 piece pack with a useful resealable zipper to keep the product fresh. Manufactured from beef obtained from North American cattle and contain no fillers or preservatives.
They help to maintain dental health and prevents the build-up of plaque.
Prevents build-up of plaque
Useful, re-sealable pack to keep them fresh
Made from North American cattle
No preservatives
- Brand: Cadet
- Model: 949145
- Weight: 1.32 pounds
A mid-length bully stick suitable for medium-sized dogs. You can buy them in a range of pack sizes from a pack of 10 to a pack of 250. They are a low-odour product and contain absolutely no artificial ingredients or chemicals. Because they are made in a FDA and USDA approved facility you can have complete peace of mind about hygiene and safety.
If you have a larger or smaller dog, there are plenty of other sizes available – 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 inches. All the sticks are easy to digest and will tempt even fussy pooches.
You may also like our guide on Dog Food for Picky Dogs.
Available in a huge range of stick sizes
Many sizes of packs available
Made in FDA and USDA approved facilities
Highly digestible
Appeals to even fussy dogs
- Brand: Pawstruck
- Weight: 1 pounds
This product is sold by weight rather than number of sticks but there are various sizes of both bags and sticks available. They are all made from American beef herds that have received no growth hormones whatsoever and they are completely free from cheap fillers.
They are fully digestible and have a moderate odour from the natural ingredients. There are no cereal grains which could cause allergies and therefore 100% safe for all dogs.
Sold by various weight packs for convenience
Sticks available in several sizes
No cereal grains which can cause allergic reactions
No hormones or cheap fillers
Keeps dogs amused for ages
- Brand: Sancho & Lola’s Closet
- Model: BULLSTK-6UP
- Weight: 5 ounces
Whilst all of these sticks are six inches in length, they are available in a range of thicknesses depending on how ‘chewy’ your doggy is! For the big chewers with big teeth, there is a Jumbo stick. At the other end of the range, there are thin sticks for delicate chewers and these are too small to satisfy a bigger dog. They could also cause a choking hazard in larger breeds.
They are all made from pure beef sourced from South America, India and Mexico. Plus, they come in a resealable bag so they don’t need any preservatives to keep them fresh.
Available in a good variety of thicknesses to suit different size dogs
Resealable bag to seal in the freshness
Made from 100% beef sourced from South America, India and Mexico
- Brand: ValueBull
- Weight: 3.33 pounds
Designed to help keep your pooch’s teeth clean and stinky breath at bay, these Dental Bones from Blue Buffalo are mini sized for smaller dogs. But where they may lack in size, they don’t lack in quality or taste. There are no artificial ingredients, just whole meat protein sourced from poultry as well as a host of other healthy ingredients, including blueberry as well as parsley for fresher breath. And each chew is free from corn, wheat and soy so kinder on the tum. The bone shape is also pretty neat and has been designed to be longer lasting and help with the teeth cleaning action. These mini chews are sized for dogs up to 15 pounds, with larger chew sizes available for bigger pets.
Shaped to clean teeth and freshen breath
Whole meat protein – minimum 7.5%
Available in sizes for small to larger dogs
No corn, wheat, soy or artificial preservatives
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Model: 802363
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
Best Bully Sticks for Dogs Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying the Best Bully Sticks for Dogs
As with most products, not all bully sticks are the same. When you are thinking of buying some for your pooch, here’s what you should bear in mind.
- Where it has come from
The source of the beef may be important to you and could be a safety factor. If you are buying from the USA, you can choose bully sticks from a USDA and FDA approved facility. Some will be maintained to the same standards as human food production. You may want the best bully sticks sourced only in the USA and you may want only grass-fed or even organic and non-GMO meat.
Some will be from herds that have not been reared using antibiotics or hormones. Some imported bully sticks may have been treated with harsh chemicals or bleached. In general, if they don’t smell, it is likely that they have been treated in some way.
- What has been added to it
Bully sticks for dogs do not need to have anything added. A 100% pure beef bully stick is less likely to cause an adverse reaction in your dog. They have a natural odor, and even though you may not like it, it is probably preferable to the chemicals that would have to be added to remove it. On the plus side, the smellier it is, the more your dog will love it! They should not contain any cereal products which can cause allergies. The important point is the less added the better.
- Size you want
Your main concern here is choking. Make sure that the bully stick cannot enter your dog’s throat. The bigger the dog, the bigger the pizzle stick you need and always take them away when they have been chewed to a smaller stub.
- Size of the pack
Some bully sticks come in packs of up to 250 but it’s not a good idea to go for this as your first purchase. Start off with a small pack to see if your dog gets on with them. You may prefer to have a variety with a resealable pack to keep them fresh.
Benefits of Using the Best Bully Sticks for Dogs
Bully sticks are popular amongst dog owners for several reasons. Here are the main reasons that so many dog lovers rate them and why you may want to give them a try.
- They keep your pooch amused
You may not like the idea of where bully sticks come from and you may not be a great fan of the odor, but your pooch will adore them! This is good news for you. Depending on the size of the bully stick and your dog’s chewing capabilities, a single stick can keep them amused for an hour or more. They can be useful when you need to keep your dog busy whilst you get on with something else.
- They promote good dental health
The importance of good dental hygiene in dogs cannot be overstated and yet some owners don’t make as much effort in this area as they should. The American Veterinary Dental College has estimated that most dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old. So, paying attention to dental health begins with puppies.
The first sign of early dental disease is bad breath but many owners wrongly assume that this is a natural doggy characteristic. Whilst it’s true that your four-legged friend will not always have minty fresh molars if their breath is bad enough to make you wince, it’s a sign that not all is well!
Along with brushing, dental wipes, and professional cleaning, dog chews are an important component of canine dental health care. Nearly all dog chews are designed to promote oral health by cleaning tartar off teeth and preventing the build-up of plaque. The process of gnawing the chew physically scrapes the plaque off the teeth.
- They are great for puppies
The best bully sticks are considered a safe chew for puppies from a very young age. They actively help with healthy teeth and gum development.
They can also save your sanity! Puppies are notorious for relentlessly chewing shoes, furniture and even doors and a bully stick will give your footwear and soft furnishings a much-needed break!
As a note of caution, it is recommended that you always supervise a puppy with a bully stick to make sure that they are chewing them safely. Bully sticks for puppies are harder than many other dog treats and weaker sticks can present a choking hazard.
It is best to use an alternative as a training incentive because bully sticks for puppies take too long to chew and do not work well as a reward.
Take a look at our guide on Jerky Treats for Dogs.
- They are digestible
Some dog treats and chews cause upset stomachs because they are not easy to digest. Bully sticks are easily digested by most dogs. Bully sticks made from 100% beef only will not cause allergic responses or adverse reactions that can happen with artificial flavorings, preservatives or colorings. They have no cereal grains added.
- They are nutritionally rich
Pizzle sticks for dogs are a healthy snack for pooches. They are low in cholesterol but very high in proteins and deliver a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Bully sticks deliver a lot of calories, so don’t overdo them!
You may also like our review of High Protein Dog Food.
Difference Between the Best Bully Sticks and Rawhides
Rawhide is another type of chewy treat that dog’s love. They are made from the inside layer of hide from a cow or a horse. When the animal is slaughtered, the hide is removed and the inner layer separated to be cleaned and cut or ground. It is then pressed into an attractive shape.
Rawhide chews usually have to have beef, chicken, or liver flavorings added to make them more appealing to dogs. Some owners prefer bully sticks to rawhide because they last longer and are more natural. Pizzle sticks for dogs are nutritionally superior and do a better job of cleaning plaque off teeth.
There are reports of rawhide chews swelling in the intestines and this causes gut problems in some dogs. Bully sticks, on the other hand, are easy to digest.
Check out our review of the Best Chew Toys for Puppies.
Best Bully Sticks for Dogs FAQ:
Q: What are bully sticks?
A: Bully sticks are sometimes called pizzle sticks, steer pizzle or beef pizzle which gives a clue about their origin. They are dried steer or bull penis. Many dog owners are completely unaware of this and are a bit shocked when they find out. A survey of vets has shown that not all of them were aware of this either! This may be because many producers refer to them as “tendons” or “dried muscles”, presumably to spare the blushes of their customers.
A pizzle stick is not made of the muscular part of the carcass that is used for human consumption and so they are classed as an animal by-product. This causes some difficulty. Some dog owners are not happy about feeding animal by-products to their pets because of health or welfare concerns. It is a personal choice.
Q: How are the best bully sticks made?
A: The process of making bully sticks for dogs is fairly simple. The moisture needs to be removed so that the product will last long enough to be shipped to consumers. The penis is removed from the carcass and cleaned, stretched and twisted. Then it is either sun-dried, oven baked or smoked to remove water.
The final product is a hard, brown stick which is about thirty to forty inches long. It is cut into smaller sections (usually six or 12 inches) and packed up for sale. An authentic pizzle stick is 100% bovine (beef) penis with no other added ingredients.
Q: What sizes do the best bully sticks come in?
A: Pizzle sticks for dogs are available in a range of lengths and thicknesses. The most common lengths are six or 12 inches but widths are highly variable. Some producers hand-pick the sticks for packing to try and ensure consistency but this is not always possible because it is a natural product.
If you have a big dog with big teeth, you need to choose one of the thicker and longer versions. For an adult dog of one of the larger breeds, such as a Labrador, it’s best to choose one of the chunky ones to cut down the risk of large chunks breaking off and presenting a choking hazard.
The thinner bully sticks may be cheaper but may have a tendency to splinter and this can be hazardous for your pooch. Remember that it is important that your dog cannot fit the whole chew in its mouth.
Q: How can I store the best bully sticks?
A: Some brands of bully sticks for dogs are supplied in resealable bags with zip tops and these are handy for bigger packs that you need to open and close many times. You can store bully sticks at room temperature but some dog owners prefer to store them in the refrigerator or in the freezer. This increases their shelf life and makes them harder.
It is not necessary for your pooch to finish the whole bully stick in one sitting. You can take the uneaten portion off them and pop it in a sealed bag in the freezer. It will harden back up and stay fresh so that they can finish it off the following day. You should not store uncovered bully sticks in the open as they will attract insects and pests and you may not enjoy the way they make your house smell!
It is important to remember that bully sticks are not a human food product and could contain pathogens that could make your family ill. Therefore, store them away from human food and always wash your hands after handling them.
Q: Are bully sticks safe?
A: The two main areas of concern about the safety of bully sticks are physical and microbiological safety. In terms of physical safety, there are concerns about bully sticks presenting a choking hazard. This can be largely controlled by selecting a brand that is too large to fit into your dog’s pharynx and by close supervision. Once the stick is too small to be safe, take it off your dog. The other physical danger is teeth breaking on very hard sticks but, on balance, most vets think that the benefits to dental health outweigh the risks of broken teeth.
As for micro-organisms, there is no doubt that bully sticks can contain potentially harmful bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Whilst these can cause serious health problems in humans, a healthy dog should cope.
You need to remember that bully sticks are usually a raw meat product and there is little regulation governing how they are produced. You can cut down the risks by only buying from a reputable source. However, they should always be regarded as potentially dangerous to humans and good hygiene needs to be maintained. Always wash your hands after touching them.
Some vets prefer to recommend toys that can be filled with healthy treats and advise owners to avoid all raw animal products. Again, it is a matter of opinion and personal choice.
Q: How often should I give my dogs bully sticks?
A: Obesity amongst dogs is a real concern and bully sticks are very calorie dense. On average, each six-inch stick will deliver 88 calories. This is a third of the recommended daily caloric intake for a 10lb dog and nearly 10% of the recommended daily caloric intake for a 50lb dog. However, if your dog does not eat the whole stick at once, it can last for several days and you can spread the calorie intake out.
As a general rule, you should not allow a pizzle stick to make up more than 10% of your pet’s total daily calorie intake. So, for example, an average adult Labrador should not have more than eight inches of bully stick per day.
Sources:
- Suz Redfearn, Healthy Treats for Your Dog, WebMD
- Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, Dog Treats, VCA
