Pet owners like yourself might be looking for the next best thing for your four-legged friend. These can include different types of toys or treats, especially the ones that your dog can chew on regularly. One of them may be bully sticks. You might have heard of them as one of the alternatives to rawhide because of how healthy and digestible they claim to be.
If you are a bit cautious about what you want to give your dog, we understand completely. Bully sticks may be the best option for your dog, especially if you’re looking for something that will benefit them in the long run. But are they safe to have for dogs? The short answer is yes, but there may be risks.
What Are Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks are made from a material derived from the pizzle of a bull or steer. This ingredient is known for being fully digestible, high in protein, long-lasting, and free of artificial preservatives or chemicals (if they are sourced properly). These dog chews are made from 100 percent beef that is dried and cooked, making them perfect treats.
How Are Bully Sticks Made?
After the pizzle is harvested from the bull, it will undergo a process that will go from its raw form to a chewy treat that your dog might enjoy. Here’s how the entire process is done from start to finish:
- Cleaning and Draining: The bull pizzle is cleaned thoroughly, drained of fluids, and stripped of fat. It’s designed to ensure the product is clean while also preventing spoilage.
- Twisting or Straightening: You may notice that some bully sticks are twisted or braided. Others may be left straight. Either way, the design may be something that can play a role in lasting long. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, they may benefit from a bit of a challenge with bully sticks that are twisted or braided.
- Drying and Dehydrating: Once the pizzle is cleaned, twisted, or straightened, it goes through a drying and dehydration phase. The process takes several hours or days, depending on certain factors. This will help remove moisture while making it easy to naturally preserve and harden the stick itself. Some may even smoke it during this part of the process, while others may bake or air-dry it. Either way, the method used is intended to influence the texture, smell, and taste.
- Cutting and Packaging: After they are dried, bully sticks are cut into numerous lengths. They can be 6, 12, or 18 inches. After this, they are packaged and sealed. Before they are shipped and put on shelves, manufacturers spend time testing them for bacteria or other contaminants. They prioritize safety and make sure your dog enjoys their bully sticks without the risk of getting sick.
Now you have an idea of what bully sticks are made of and how the entire process goes. The question now becomes, what makes these so appealing to dogs as the best option for natural treats?
Why Do Dogs Love Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks are irresistible to dogs for many reasons. To begin, they have a natural beef smell, and they can also be great to chew on. As such, they are great for satisfying a dog’s need to chew and gnaw on something. Plus, there are other benefits that dogs can enjoy, including:
- Provides mental stimulation
- Can be great for dental health as it can help ward off plaque and tartar buildup
- Reduces destructive behavior such as chewing on foreign objects. Behavior that may be associated with anxiety or boredom
- Helps satisfy natural chewing instincts
These can be excellent alternatives to rawhide, which can be difficult to digest, because bully sticks are made from pure beef muscle tissue, which makes them easily digestible and less risky in terms of intestinal blockages (provided your dog is fed these appropriately).
Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs?
Most of the time, yes. Bully sticks are safe, but you need to give them to your dog in moderation and under supervision. The reason for this is that some safety and hygiene considerations need to be addressed. These include:
Choking Hazard
Dogs can chew bully sticks into much smaller pieces. However, the last bits may not be chewed down to that size. The dog may end up swallowing that last bit whole, making it a potential choking risk even in smaller breeds. Once you notice the last inch or two of the stick is leftover, remove it.
You could consider purchasing bully stick holders that secure the bully stick in place while also preventing dogs from getting to the last part. Once again, it’s best to supervise them with bully sticks and know when to remove them from your dog accordingly.
Bacterial Contamination
Since bully sticks are derived from raw animal parts, there is a risk of bacterial contamination. Typically, bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella may be present if they are not processed properly. For this reason, you’ll want to carefully consider brands that are known to be sourced from reputable suppliers, conduct testing for bacteria, and are clear and transparent with their processing methods.
After bully sticks are being used, make sure they are stored in a clean, dry place. Always wash your hands after handling them.
Calorie Count
A standard 6-inch bully stick has about 80 to 120 calories. This may depend on other factors such as the brand and thickness. If you have a small dog, that number of calories is quite significant. Plus, it should be factored into their caloric intake, especially if you are trying to prevent them from gaining weight.
Nutritional Benefits of Bully Sticks
Yes, there is plenty of nutritional value that your dog can get from bully sticks. Getting right to it, they are getting a high amount of protein that will be great for muscle development and energy. For those who are on a low-carb or grain-free diet, these are excellent since it has lower amounts of carbs. They are rich in taurine, which is an amino acid that can benefit your dog’s heart. Bully sticks are also hypoallergenic, especially if your dog has sensitivities or allergies to things like chicken, grains, or synthetic ingredients.
What To Look for When Buying Bully Sticks
It’s no secret that not all bully sticks are created equal. That is why you’ll want to find one that will be best suited for your dog. Keep in mind that there are considerations to mull over, including safety, quality, ethical sourcing, and other factors. Here are some things to look for:
- Origin: Since you know what bully sticks are made of, you’ll want to know where as well. Places of origin such as the USA, Canada, or South America are excellent, considering they have strict food safety standards. Do not purchase beef sticks or similar from overseas.
- Odor-Free Options: Some bully sticks may have overpowering smells that can be a bit off-putting for pet parents. Of course, you can always find odor-free options that undergo a lot of cleaning and drying during the manufacturing process. Keep in mind that not all sticks are going to be 100 percent scent-free.
- Size and Thickness: Consider the chewing strength of your dog before choosing a size or thickness. If your dog is a large breed or an aggressive chewer, a thicker or braided option may be useful, given their durability and safety.
- Single-Ingredient Labels: If there are any additional preservatives or additives, steer clear of them. The best bully sticks include one ingredient and one only: beef pizzle. Single-ingredient chews always win the day versus those that might not have them.
What Are the Best Alternatives?
If bully sticks seem like they are out of the question, no worries. There are plenty of different options to choose from and provide excellent benefits for dogs. These can include the following:
- Collagen Chews: Great for senior dogs and an excellent source of ingredients that can help with their skin and mobility. Under the Weather has Collagen Chews of its own.
- Dental Chews: For dogs, so they can keep clean teeth. Plenty of dental health benefits are possible here, including stronger teeth and fresh breath.
- Carrots or Frozen Treats: Excellent for puppies or light chewers. It's a treat for dogs that you can give from time to time.
Even with these alternatives, it is important to monitor your dog while they use them. If you want to take extra precautions, consult with your vet, especially if you have concerns regarding allergies or digestive issues that may arise with these bully stick alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Bully sticks can be a good option for dogs. Not to mention, they have excellent health benefits. Whenever they are used, make sure you supervise your dog while they enjoy them to the fullest. However, if you are looking for other alternatives, you can get some through Under the Weather, including some of our products like Collagen Chews and more. Be sure to check us out for more dog-friendly items.
