Many new and experienced dog owners are curious about the ever-popular bully stick. Bully sticks, or bull pizzles, are a type of dried cattle penis that is commonly used as a dog chew toy. If hes likely gagging, he will throw it up. They can last a long time while your dog is chewing them, and they also stay fresh for up to three years. Shaped bullys, like bully rings, provide a puzzle for your dog as he chews. Braided bully sticks are made of three strips of pizzle that are tightly braided together, then baked to form a treat. Many vets recommend this method of feeding . I have tried it and its a tough job so I would rather go for the butchers knife thing. Many pet owners have heard stories of bully sticks being contaminated with various bacteria that may pose a threat to the health or their dogs as well as the humans in their household. Bully sticks come in interesting flavors that make them irresistible to dogs. Get an X-ray at your earliest. The mechanical chewing action not only satisfies your dogs primal needs, but it helps to scrape buildup from his teeth. The manufacturing of bully sticks does not require any impact on the environment beyond what is already being done to raise cattle for meat. They are boiled, roasted, smoked, and slow-dried without any additives or chemicals. They are usually single-ingredient or limited ingredient chew treats made from steer or bull penis, and they come in dried, cooked or raw forms. Since bully sticks are available in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes, they are appropriate for dogs of any age and breed. Since bully sticks tend to last longer than many other types of treats, its important to note that they arent great for training. Buy our standard bulky bully sticks and your wallet will thank you. However, for a 10-pound dog, that same bully stick will equal almost a third of his daily calories, which is far above the recommended 10 percent. Any way to soften it to get it out? Choose the bully stick based on the size of your dog. In addition to adequate physical exercise, its a great way to prevent the destructive behaviors caused by boredom. Last but not the least, bully sticks are the best way to keep your furniture free from dog marks. Another thing that's great about them is that they're one piece of food, meaning you won't have any damages to the house from having to deal with . Instead, theyre best used to keep your dog busy or distracted. However once pups start chewing, these sticks develop a very gamey smell. Mary Jo DiLonardo is a senior writer and editor who covers pets and animals, health and wellness, nature and sustainability, and all things environmental. If you do have any concerns about your dog swallowing his chews whole, supervision is necessary. The doggo chewing the meat right and tight softens it is the best. Often, cattle hides are treated with various chemicals to aid in separating the layers. Definitely have to warm it up to soften the centre before poking the stick though but not that big of an issue and an excuse to clean it before reloading. Depending on how heavy of a chewer your dog is, it can keep him or her busy for several hours or even days. Since many other types of treats are made with the parts of the cow not preferred for human consumption, the pizzles are often transported alongside other common pet treat ingredients like ears, hooves, and tails. As long as the dog doesnt have any sensitivities to beef, a bully stick can be a beneficial addition to their treat rotation. You may also recall that the average 6-inch bully stick contains about 88 calories. Whether your dog is an active canine athlete or needs to lose a few pounds, bully sticks can be a great way to provide him with a healthy treat that wont expand his waistline. Get him tested for allergies and choose other livestock options.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'jollydoggy_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-jollydoggy_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Using the same bully stick over and over again can make a dog sick. Bully sticks are highly digestible, so the risk of intestinal blockage is very low. That means they're a healthy, boredom busting alternative to bleached rawhide chews. Remember, the longer a bully stick lasts, the more mental stimulation your dog receives. 54,1 (2013): 50-4. Puppies are often prone to more sensitive stomachs than adults, and so this is something to watch out for, she says. Start with small pieces and increase the size as they get older. . How to soften bully sticks? Both are excellent meat holders. Without getting too deep into canine nutrition, the basic concept is that proteins are made up of about 22 different amino acids. Bully sticks, also known as pizzle sticks, are an increasingly popular treat for dog owners. This is to make sure you always receive the product you are expecting and dont end up with bully sticks that are too thick or thin for your dogs needs. Larger dogs and growing puppies will require more calories than smaller breeds. By giving your dog a bully stick, youre allowing him to satisfy a craving he might otherwise express by chewing on your shoes or furniture. But if your dog has been panting after eating bully stick it is a sign that the bully stick has become an obstruction. The best solution to this problem is use a bully stick holder to secure the end of the bully stick (the last inch of any stick will do). We all love to play with our puppies, but we cant do that all the time right? The less moisture your bully sticks encounter, the longer theyre going to last. As with any other aspect of a raw meat diet, you should always wash your hands after handling your dogs bully stick. Mental Health As with any long lasting chew, bully sticks stimulate a release of endorphins, promoting good mental health. All of the chews we recommended are 100 percent beef with no additives or chemicals, and they offer clear information about sourcing. The bully sticks are hung vertically and suspended using hooks at both ends to help them maintain their shape during the cooking process. Is your dog an aggressive, intense chewer? The best way to prevent your puppy from getting diarrhea from bully sticks is to feed them in moderation. But, what if your puppy swallows the bully stick? If you fail, rush him to the nearest vet! As a general rule, dogs thrive best when fed a protein-based diet. How to Store Bully Sticks for Dogs We package and ship our bully sticks in zip-top bags that allow them to be re-used many times. This is often when owners will discover that their puppy has chewed up their favorite pair of shoes or piece of furniture. Bully sticks are firm enough to last through long chewing sessions but arent hard enough to break or damage dogs teeth. If you have several dogs or just feed your pup a lot of treats, it can be convenient and save money to buy in bulk. Natural Farms bully sticks are suitable for medium chewers, making them a good pick for most dogs. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. During this time, puppies will seek things to chew on to help relieve the discomfort of their aching teeth and gums. Further whitening can be accomplished with a coating of titanium oxide or they may be basted with artificial dyes or flavoring. Bully sticks for dogs come in various shapes including braid, ring, twist and bone shapes. According to the majority of reviews that we read, most customers that have used this product are very happy with them. Can a 10 week old puppy have a bully stick? First, the holder keeps the bully stick safely encased so your dog can't chew the tail end of it. Remove all debris and visible dirt with a quick towel wipe. They are a biologically appropriate treat that closely mimics a dogs ancestral diet. Most companies will list where the animals came from. Dogs love the taste and texture, and parents love their long-lasting, natural source of protein they provide. For a 50-pound dog, a 6-inch bully stick will contain an appropriate number of calories for his daily allotment of treats as it averages out to about 9 percent of his daily calories. productslearn more about How long does it take a dog to pass a bully stick? If youre particularly offended by the smell of bully sticks and would prefer not to have the scent wafting through your home, consider buying your dog odor free bully sticks. Though they may seem firm at first touch, they become soft and malleable with enough chewing. | Free Returns. For seniors, you can always size down or choose thinner bully sticks as your aging companions chewing capabilities decrease. And luckily so because they are high in nutritional value (Vitamin A, C, K, plus beta-carotene and other nutrients). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Without this tension, the bully sticks may shrivel into shapes that are difficult to cut down to size. I know they wont be able to gnaw off much, but it makes them happy as theyre teething and keeps my fingers safe from sharp puppy teeth. Apart from sourcing animal products from trusted local farmers, Nature Gnaws uses a chemical-free process to dry these tasty and . If your dog can tolerate beef in his diet, he can easily digest an appropriately sized bully stick with no digestive upset. This means if your dog is beef allergic you can go for dried yams. She has verified and edited articles on a variety of subjects for The Spruce Pets, including pet behavior, health, and care as well as the latest trends in products for animals in the home. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, opt for a thicker bully stick like a braided option. This way you can put it at a temperature where no bacterial growth is likely and more importantly, it is beyond the reach of your naughty boy. In terms of size, there are small 4-6" bull sticks from steers all the way up to 12-18" bully chews from much larger bulls. Rather than avoiding by-products all together, its best to be informed about the ingredients in your dogs diet and the role they play in his or her nutrition. Food Form: Sticks | Amount: 1.17 pounds | Breed Size: Varies | Life Stage: All life stages, No growth hormones, toxic chemicals, or antibiotics. Unlike bully sticks, rawhide is not a by-product of the beef industry but rather a by-product of the leather industry. They are noway ready to giveaway nibbling on that meaty piece. As saliva helps soften bully sticks, you can expect hours of lip-licking fun and some well-deserved peace and quiet. Protein contributes to your dogs healthy skin and coat, proper muscle development, and repairing connective tissues. There are so many different styles for light, medium, hard, and even power chewers ranging from standard, braided, and curly sticks to jumbo, double cut, and monster sticks. The combination of the tough-but-soft fibers in the dehydrated product massages their . Bully sticks can safely be frozen for long periods of time if necessary. Since they need minimal processing to be used as dog chews, the resulting product is an all-natural chew with little to no additional impact on the environment beyond the existing impact of the beef industry. You save 15% if you pay upfront for six months worth of deliveries, and you can skip or cancel anytime Price 10-Pack Of 12 Sticks starts at $55/mo (for 6 months) Best Bully Sticks For Puppies: Nature Gnaws Small Natural Dog Chews View on Amazon However, the moderate odor treats are actually really stinky, which your dog will love more than you will. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Bullystick is a chewable protein treat, that is both the dogs and owners favourite. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Since cattle can leave behind a fairly significant carbon footprint, its crucial to make as much use as possible from them. There is a chance that anaerobic bacteria might start to grow but there is a far greater hazard than that. It made me nervous when Scarlett swallowed them so I always removed them when they got down to 3-4". You may be able to find full-length bully sticks if you prefer this size, but most are trimmed to more manageable lengths. Bag, Fully Digestible 100% Beef Pizzle Chews, Grass-Fed, Non-GMO, Grain-Free, Natural Long-Lasting Chews for Small & Large Dogs $78.00 $65.99 Buy on Amazon These bully sticks by Natural Farm are made from 100% real grass-fed beef. Feed a bulky meal of dry food to cushion stones or other heavy objects, and help them move on out Food also turns on the digestive juices, which can help soften wads of rawhide treats, so they pass more readily. The question then pops up, how to store a half-eaten bully stick?. They are boiled, roasted, smoked, and slow-dried without any additives or chemicals. How long does undigested food stay in a dog's stomach? Its mostly advisable to get the dental treats in all sizes for your four-legged friend. Disadvantages of a bully stick. Also known as bull pizzle, pizzle sticks, beef sticks, beef pizzle and steer sticks, this natural dog chew is made from a singular ingredient: bull or steer penis. Tip: If you do need to store your dogs bully sticks for longer periods of time, storing them in an airtight container in a freezer is best. However, if they start to change the colors to dull or yellow, dark red its time to rush to a vet. However, if you keep treats to a minimum during the days before or after the day he eats the bully stick, youre unlikely to see any major disruption in his diet or change in his waistline. Yes, but it's not recommended. They are made with delicious cheese and have little to no smell. For first-time dog owners, a 6-pack makes the most sense as you want to test it out before stocking up. There is also a line of sticks that are baked in the U.S. Food Form: Sticks | Amount: 24-30 count | Breed Size: Small | Life Stage: Not listed, One of the main complaints about bully sticks is that they arent the same size. It can also be difficult for dogs to digest. So if sticks are smaller, you get more sticks per bag. Oral Health Benefits of Bull Pizzles The chews have no gluten, grain, soy, lactose, or corn. These are usually cooked longer to get rid of some of the smell and moisture. The treats come from the Himalayas, where they support a network of more than 10,000 farmers who handcraft them. For all but the most tenacious chewers, bully sticks are a long-lasting chew that can provide hours of mental stimulation. Does your dog like to chew? Remember, bully sticks are single ingredient and are made through a simple cooking and drying process without the introduction of unnecessary chemicals and preservatives. Dogs who have not been spayed or neutered will also have higher caloric needs that those who have been altered. Indigestible Fix: Deer antlers arent ingested yet improve dental health and reduce anxiety. They're particularly suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and chicken, lamb, pork, fish and grain allergies. Food Form: Sticks | Amount: 1 count | Breed Size: Large | Life Stage: Adult. Not only is gnawing fun, it also helps relieve boredom and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Outside of the pet treat industry, that part of the bull isnt used for much. The amino acids that must be included in the diet are known as essential amino acids because if a dogs diet is deficient in certain amino acids, over time he or she can develop serious health complications.