What Size Bully Stick for My Dog?

Picking the right bully stick for your dog shouldn't feel like guesswork. Understanding bully stick sizes helps you choose treats that keep your dog entertained, support their dental health, and ensure safe chewing sessions. 

If you find yourself wondering “what size bully stick for my dog works best,” our helpful guide is here to break it down for you.

What Are the Different Bully Stick Sizes?

Best Bully Sticks offers various lengths and thicknesses to match every dog's needs. 

Length options include:

• Under 6 inches (bites, braids, and rings)
• 6-inch standard sticks, 
• 10-inch curly sticks, and 
• 12-inch extra-large sticks. 

Thickness categories include:

• Thin 
• Standard 
• Thick
• Jumbo 

Each level affects how long bully sticks last during chewing. Some feature three bully sticks braided together for maximum durability. Understanding how bully sticks are made explains why density matters for longevity.

What Size Bully Stick Should I Choose for My Dog?

Combine your dog's weight with their chewing behavior. Light chewers need thin or standard thickness in shorter lengths. Moderate chewers benefit from standard to thick options. Power chewers require thick, jumbo, or braided sticks. Always choose a bully stick wider than your dog's mouth to prevent choking. 

Check out our bully stick guide for more tips, too!

Bully Sticks for Different Size Dogs

While the guide below offers a great starting point based on weight, remember that these are general rules. Every dog’s chewing style is unique. Some smaller dogs may prefer the challenge of a "giant" stick, while some large dogs might prefer a quick 6-inch snack.

• Puppies: Once adult teeth emerge (3-4 months), puppies can enjoy thin bully sticks under 6 inches. Always supervise closely.
• Small Dogs: Dogs under 25 pounds do best with 6-inch thin or standard bully sticks.
• Medium Dogs: Dogs 25-50 pounds handle 6-inch thick sticks or 10-inch standard options well.
• Large Dogs: Dogs 50-80 pounds need 6-inch thick sticks as snacks or 12-inch versions for longer sessions.
• Extra Large Dogs: Dogs over 80 pounds benefit from 12-inch thick, jumbo, or braided options. Monster bully sticks offer maximum durability.

How to Measure Bully Stick Thickness and Length

Width directly affects chew duration. Thin works for light chewers. Standard suits moderate chewers. Thick, jumbo, and monster provide increasing challenges. Jumbo bully sticks are 30-50% larger than thick versions. A 6-inch stick provides substantial chew time, a 10-inch stick extends duration, and a 12-inch stick offers the longest sessions.

Choosing Thickness Based on Chewing Style

• Light Chewers: Thin or standard thickness works perfectly for gentle chewers who take their time.
• Moderate Chewers: Standard and thick bully sticks provide satisfying resistance. Most dogs fall into this category.
• Aggressive Chewers: Thick, jumbo, monster, and braided options are essential. Braided versions feature three sticks twisted together for added complexity.

What is the Most Popular Size?

For adult dogs, 6-inch standard bully sticks remain most popular. They balance chew time and manageability for small to medium dogs and moderate chewers.

Choose The Right Bully Stick for Your Pup

Use a bully stick size chart combining weight and chewing intensity. Rotate between shapes like bites, rings, and braids for variety. Learn how often to feed your dog bully sticks for healthy habits. Browse our bully sticks collection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bully Stick Sizes

How often should I give my dogs Bully Sticks?

Most dogs enjoy bully sticks 2–3 times per week, depending on their individual diet and activity level. Since bully sticks are high in protein and calories, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to determine the best frequency for your dog’s specific nutritional needs and weight management goals.

Is it okay for my dog to swallow the small ends of a bully stick?

No. Remove bully sticks when they become small enough to swallow whole to prevent choking.

What size bully stick is best for my puppy?

Puppies who’ve started getting their adult teeth (around 3–4 months old) can begin with thin sticks under 6 inches. The right bully-stick size for your puppy depends on their breed and overall size.

Are Bully Sticks safe for dogs' teeth?

Yes, chewing helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup while being gentler than harder chews.

How do I know if a bully stick is too small for my dog?

If your dog can fit the entire stick in their mouth at once, it's too small.

Does bully stick thickness affect how long it lasts?

Absolutely. Thicker options contain more material and last significantly longer than thin or standard sticks.

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