Bully sticks have quickly become a popular, all-natural treat for dogs. However, many owners worry about whether a bully stick is safe for their dogs. They fear that the bully stick might be like a rawhide chew which is not ideal for a pup. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about bully sticks.
What is a Bully Stick?
A bully stick is a 100% natural bull penis. You’ll find small bully sticks made from the genitalia of steers and larger bully sticks that have been fashioned from large bulls. The stick has undergone a dehydration process.
Bully sticks are called a variety of names such as:
- Pizzles
- Pizzle sticks
- Bull stick
Benefits of a Bully Stick
Below are a few benefits of bully sticks:
- All-natural
- Long-lasting
- Break down quickly in the stomach (unlike rawhide chews) so do not upset a dog’s stomach.
- Easy to digest
- Effectively removes plaque from the surface of the teeth.
- Primarily protein
- Low in fat
- Safe for young or old dogs.
As a pet owner, you always want to give your dog healthy things. A bully stick is a high protein chew that helps supply your pup with energy and build strong muscles. The quality chew also helps maintain your dog’s dental and oral health by stimulating gum circulation and removing harmful plaque and tartar buildup which can lead to gum disease.
Your dog also has a natural desire to chew, especially as a puppy. A bully stick lets your dog safely indulge in the action.
How Long Does a Bully Stick Last?
Large dogs tend to chew bully sticks up quickly. Many can destroy the stick in less than an hour. You’ll want to purchase a bully stick that’s size is appropriate for your dog. A large, tough bully stick will last longer than a smaller steer stick which is more suited to a small or medium sized dog. A senior dog might also benefit from a smaller stick if they have trouble chewing due to missing teeth or gum disease.
A large, braided bully stick or one of the ones that have a curly design last longer than a single sick.
You can also invest in a bully stick holder which is hard chewable toy that cradles the bully stick and makes it more difficult for dog to reach. Bully stick holders come in a variety of sizes and shapes to meet any dog’s needs.
Safety of the Bully Stick
As you probably already know, rawhide chews are often contaminated with harmful bacteria. A bully stick might also contain bacteria. A recent study conducted found 26 types of bacteria on bully sticks. However, a dog’s intestinal tract is different than a human and can easily stand up to the bacteria overload. However, when managing a bully stick, you should always wash your hands using soap and water.
A bully stick is a delightful chew for most dogs to enjoy. Invest in a holder to ensure long lasting fun. You can even purchase bully holders that are shaped like balls for a game of fetch.
