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Bully Sticks Guide: How to Choose a Bully Stick

June 24, 2025 7 min read
dog holding bully stick between paws and looking to the left

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of bully sticks! As dog parents, we get it. Keeping our pups happy, healthy, and busy, without breaking the bank, is something we're always focused on. If you've ever found yourself wondering what a bully stick for dogs actually is or how to pick the perfect one for your beloved canine companion, then you've landed in just the right spot. So, this guide is really just for you, fellow dog parents, to help you feel confident and make the absolute best decisions when you're picking out a chew your dog will love. Our goal is to make sure your pup gets a chew that's not just super fun, but also really good for them.

What Are Bully Sticks?

So, what are bully sticks? Simply put, bully sticks are a natural and easily digestible dog chew that's easy on their stomach. Unlike some chews that might leave you scratching your head about their origins, bully sticks are made from a single, natural ingredient: beef pizzle, meaning they're free from artificial additives, chemicals, and preservatives that can sometimes be found in other dog treats. What you get is a really tough, protein-packed chew that dogs just go crazy for. And here at Best Bully Sticks, we make sure to get our prime-quality stuff from the best suppliers all over the world, so you know you're getting a top-notch product.

Benefits of Bully Sticks for Dogs

A quality dog bully stick offers a variety of advantages that go beyond just keeping your pup busy:

  • Long-Lasting Entertainment: Bully sticks are known for their durability, providing hours of engaging chew time for your dog. If you're a busy pet parent, you know how valuable this can be – it offers a great distraction and helps them burn off that extra energy.
  • Dental Support: Chewing is a natural and vital activity for dogs, and bully sticks can contribute to their dental hygiene. When your dog gnaws on a bully stick, it actually helps scrape away plaque and tartar, which means cleaner teeth and healthier gums for them.
  • High-Protein Content: Made from beef, bully sticks are naturally rich in protein, an essential nutrient for your dog's overall health and muscle development.
  • Mental Stimulation and Reduced Destructive Behavior: Beyond just being a physical action, chewing actually gives dogs some great mental stimulation. Providing a dedicated chew like a dog bully stick can help alleviate boredom, reduce anxiety, and redirect potentially destructive chewing habits toward an appropriate outlet.
  • Satisfy Natural Chewing Instincts: Dogs have an innate need to chew. Giving them a bully stick is a safe and satisfying way to let them chew to their heart's content, and that usually means a happier, more content pup.

Can Any Dogs Have Bully Sticks?

Yes, most dogs can enjoy bully sticks, but there are definitely conditions to consider. When it comes to puppies, they can generally have bully sticks once their adult teeth have started to come in, typically around 3-4 months of age, and certainly once their permanent teeth are established and they are done teething. It's crucial to select an appropriately sized bully stick for puppies and always supervise their chewing sessions. No matter your dog's age, always keep an eye on them while they're chewing. You want to make sure they don't try to swallow a piece that's too big and to watch out for anything that could be a problem.

Choosing the Right Bully Stick for Your Dog

Selecting the perfect bully stick depends on several factors, including your dog's size, age, and chewing behavior.

Light Chewers vs. Aggressive Chewers 

For light chewers or those new to bully sticks, a thinner or shorter stick might be a good starting point. Aggressive chewers, on the other hand, will benefit from thicker, longer, or braided options that offer more resistance and last longer.

Small Dogs vs. Large Dogs 

Small dogs often do well with thinner, shorter bully sticks, while larger breeds or power chewers will require much thicker and longer bully sticks to prevent them from finishing the chew too quickly.

Types of Bully Sticks

Straight: The classic, straightforward bully stick, available in various thicknesses and lengths.

Braided: Multiple bully sticks woven together, creating a thicker and more challenging chew for aggressive chewers.

Shaped: Some bully sticks come in unique shapes, which can add novelty and different chewing angles.

Odor-Free: Best Bully Sticks oven-dries products to destroy bacteria and hangs chews vertically until they're free of odor-creating moisture, providing an odor-free option for pet parents sensitive to smell.

Extra-Thick: These are specially selected for their larger diameter, ideal for strong chewers.

Factors to Consider: Always look for products that are easily digestible. Thickness and length are crucial for matching the chew to your dog's chewing style and size.

The Difference Between Bully Sticks and Other Chews

It's helpful to know how bully sticks stack up against other popular dog chews. That way, you can pick the safest and most satisfying option your dog will enjoy.

Bully Sticks vs. Rawhide

Bully sticks are widely considered a safer and healthier alternative to rawhide chews. The problem with rawhide is it can be really tough for dogs to digest, and sometimes it can even get stuck inside them, which could lead to blockages or choking. In contrast, bully sticks are easily digestible and crafted into totally natural, protein-rich dog treats.

Bully Sticks vs. Antlers or Bones

While antlers and bones can provide long-lasting chew experiences, they often have a much harder texture than bully sticks. Bully sticks, though, are a bit more flexible but still tough, giving your dog a satisfying chew that's easier on their pearly whites. Unlike some other options, bully sticks are also a single-ingredient, protein-rich treat.

Bully Sticks vs. Pig Ears

Pig ears are another popular chew, but their nutritional value and chewing duration can vary. Bully sticks are generally more durable and provide a longer-lasting chew. Best Bully Sticks also offers other natural chews like antlers and jerky.

How Bully Sticks Promote Healthy Chewing Habits

Dogs need to chew; it's just what they do! So, giving them the right things, like bully sticks, can make a huge difference in how happy and well-adjusted they are.

  • Stress Relief: Chewing is a natural stress reliever for dogs. That repetitive gnawing can actually be a big help in easing anxiety, especially for those pups dealing with separation anxiety or who are left by themselves sometimes. A bully stick can be just the ticket, giving them something comforting and distracting to really focus on, which can help them feel much calmer.
  • Teething Relief for Puppies: For puppies going through the uncomfortable teething phase, bully sticks can be a soothing aid. That gentle pressure and texture from chewing can really help soothe their sore gums and encourage those adult teeth to come in nicely. It's crucial to select appropriately sized and softer bully sticks for teething puppies and always supervise their chewing sessions.

How to Safely Serve Bully Sticks

Ensuring your dog's safety while they enjoy their bully stick is paramount. Think of it this way: giving a dog an oversized stick is like handing a toddler a sword—it needs guidance and care.

  • Always Supervise: Never leave your dog unsupervised with a bully stick, especially until you understand their chewing habits. This allows you to intervene if the stick becomes a choking hazard or if your dog tries to swallow a piece that's too large.
  • Match Size to Dog: Always choose a bully stick that is appropriate for your dog's size and chewing style. A stick that's too small for a large dog can be swallowed too quickly, while one that's too large for a small dog might be overwhelming or difficult to manage.
  • Use Bully Stick Holders if Needed: For particularly enthusiastic chewers or to prevent your dog from trying to swallow the last small piece, consider using a bully stick holder.
  • Monitor for Wear and Discard When Small: As your dog chews, the bully stick will get smaller. Once it becomes small enough to be a choking hazard, or if it breaks into small pieces, it's time to discard it.

Where to Buy Quality Bully Sticks

When you're shopping for bully sticks, quality should really be your top priority. You'll want to find brands you can trust, ones that are upfront about what's in their products and meet high standards.

  • Clearly Labeled Ingredients and Sourcing: Reputable brands will clearly list their ingredients (which for bully sticks should be just one: beef pizzle) and ideally provide information about their sourcing practices.
  • No Added Chemicals or Artificial Preservatives: Quality bully sticks should be all-natural and free from any artificial additives, colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Find the Perfect Bully Stick for Your Dogs Today!

Alright, with this guide under your belt, you're all set to confidently choose the perfect chews for your beloved dog. Your pup deserves a chew that’s not just fun but also safe and healthy. Explore options like best bully stick for dogs, power chewer dog bones & treats, or smoked dog treats and chews to find the perfect fit for your canine companion.

FAQs

What to look for when buying Bully Sticks?

When buying bully sticks, prioritize size and thickness appropriate for your dog's chewing habits, ensure they are sourced from reputable regions like the USA or South America, and confirm they are single-ingredient and free from chemicals, hormones, and artificial additives. Definitely look for brands that focus on digestibility and are super clear about how they make their bully sticks, especially if they oven-dry them for safety.

Which are the best bully sticks for dogs of all sizes?

For small dogs, thinner or shorter bully sticks are generally best, while larger breeds or power chewers benefit from thicker, longer, or braided bully sticks. The "best" bully stick is ultimately one that matches your dog's chewing style and size, offering a satisfying and safe experience.

How often should I give my dog bully sticks?

General guidelines suggest giving your dog bully sticks a few times a week, perhaps 2 to 3 times, depending on their diet and activity level. It's all about moderation, really. And don't hesitate to ask your vet what the ideal frequency is for your dog since every pup's dietary needs and health are unique.

Are bully sticks natural and free from chemicals?

The best dog chews and bully sticks are indeed natural and should be free from chemicals. Best Bully Sticks, for instance, are made from a single natural ingredient and are oven-dried to destroy bacteria rather than being washed in chemicals. They are also free from added hormones and are sourced from free-range cattle. Always look for products that explicitly state their all-natural composition and processing methods to ensure you're providing a safe and healthy chew.


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