Bully sticks are popular treats among dog owners, especially those who have heavy chewers. They have numerous benefits, but owners must take care to buy high-quality products, as poor ones can be risky.
To help you out, we’ve come up with the ten best bully sticks for dogs currently on the market. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the treats and answer the most frequently asked questions.
What Are Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks are a single-ingredient dog treat made from beef muscle (usually pizzle) that has been cleaned, stretched, twisted and dried, or cooked. They are a by-product of the meat industry and are sold in most commercial pet stores and online. They have several health and wellbeing benefits, as well as some risks, which we will explore down below to help you decide whether or not they are for you.
Alternatives to bully sticks include dog antler chews, dental treats, and Himalayan dog chews. Based on your dog’s breed and size, some vets may recommend different chews.
The Benefits
Not only are bully sticks tasty for dogs, but they are also an all-natural, healthy treat. They are high in protein which is great for active dogs and low in fat and sodium. They only use one ingredient, so you don’t have to worry about fillers and artificial additives.
Because of this, they’re also easily digestible, making them a great treat for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The tough texture helps to bust stress and clean teeth by scraping off plaque and tartar, too. This can promote fresher breath, whiter teeth, and prevents bacteria build-up and gum disease.
Bully sticks also come in different, fun shapes, such as rings and braids, as well as the classic straight stick, which are great for dogs that need some extra mental or sensory stimulation. This can help to prevent destructive chewing that can occur from boredom and stress.
Unlike other hardy dog chews, bully sticks don’t splinter, so they come with fewer safety risks, and they also come in a variety of sizes for different dogs. They’re not just good for dogs, though. They’re super affordable and long-lasting, both in usage and shelf-life, making them very convenient and cost-effective for owners of heavy and aggressive chewers.
The Risks
Like all dog treats, bully sticks carry a choking risk, so always supervise your pet when they are chewing something hardy. Bully sticks can also carry harmful bacteria including salmonella if not processed correctly. Some brands even use harmful chemicals to clean and preserve them, which may affect a dog’s health over time or immediately if they are sensitive.
To avoid this, you should only buy bully sticks from trusted, vet-recommended brands and only buy products with high ratings and good reviews online, or those that are approved by official bodies such as the FDA or veterinary organizations.
Which Dogs Are They Good For?
Bully sticks are suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds, and there are different-sized sticks for different dogs. There are even softer sticks for puppies and elderly dogs whose teeth may not be able to handle regular ones.
Bully sticks are also ideal for heavy chewers, anxious dogs, active dogs, and working dogs. They’re tough and long-lasting for heavy chewers and chock-full of protein to keep active muscles strong. They’re also ideal for occupying the minds of anxious dogs and relieving stress.
How Often Should You Give Your Dog Bully Sticks?
Whilst they are all-natural and healthy, bully sticks are still quite high in calories. So, adult dogs should have no more than one or two per week, depending on their size, to avoid unhealthy weight gain. (One per week for smaller dogs, two per week for larger dogs).
Owners of puppies, on the other hand, should only give their pups small bully sticks for 5-10 minutes at a time, and they should consume no more than one stick per week or even two weeks for super small/young pups.
What To Look For In A Bully Stick For Your Dog
When looking for a bully stick for your dog, always look for the following qualities:
- Bully sticks made from 100% beef
- Chemical-free products
- Products that use free-range beef (if this is important to you)
- Trusted, familiar, and vet-reccomended brands
- FDA approved products
- Highly rated products & good reviews
- Cooking methods listed on label or product description
Top 12 Bully Sticks For Dogs
These are our favorite best bully sticks for dogs.
1. Cadet Bully Sticks
These classic bully sticks by Cadet are high in protein, low in fat, and made from 100% real beef. They are free from artificial colors, flavors, and fillers and are highly digestible for sensitive stomachs. They come in 6 oz packs, 12 oz packs, packs of 25 treats, and packs of 50, all of which are suitable for small-medium and medium-large dog breeds. There is also an extra small option for super small dogs and an extra thick pack for giant breeds.
Cadet are the number 1 retail brand for bully sticks in the USA and all of their products are inspected and tested in the USA. They are an internationally loved and trusted brand with over 30 years of experience in creating world-class products for dogs. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with many buyers mentioning how long-lasting they are.
2. Nature Gnaws Bully Stick Rings Odor-Free
Nature Gnaws’ single ingredient bully rings are made using 100% premium quality beef that is sourced, processed, tested, and packaged by hand in a USA facility that uses disinfecting UV light. They’re suitable for all dog breeds and come in packs of 5 and 10 rings that are around 5 inches in circumference. They are also odor-free, which is a massive plus for owners and families, and dogs love the fun shape.
It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews love it. In fact, it’s got no bad reviews and many buyers claim the rings are their dog’s favorite treats.
3. Only Natural Pet Soft Easy Chew Sticks For Puppies & Senior Dogs
These 6-inch bully sticks by Only Natural Pet contain 100% free-range, grass-fed, human-grade Brazillian beef, except the meat, is from organs instead of pizzle for a softer chew. This makes them the perfect alternative to classic bully sticks for teething pups, senior dogs, and dogs with mouth sensitivities. They also contain natural glucosamine, a natural pain reliever, which is ideal for arthritic dogs!
They’re formulated by holistic vets, and like classic sticks, they’re high in protein, low in fat, and are completely digestible. They also still have the teeth cleaning qualities of harder chews and are free from unnatural hormones and additives. The softer consistency also allows for thorough chewing, reducing the risk of choking and swallowing larger pieces.
ONP’s bully sticks have USDA/FDA approval and have passed inspection by the national food inspection authorities. They are also committed to sustainability and do their best to use eco-friendly practices in every aspect of their business. Owners can buy the treat in a single pack to try, as well as in packs of 10, it also comes with a happiness guarantee and reviews call them great value for money.
4. Natural Farm Bully Sticks 6-Inch Long
These bully sticks by Natural Farm are made from 100% real grass-fed beef. They’re GMO and grain-free, and come in multiple different sizes and buying quantities for different dogs. All of their sticks have undergone cleaning with pure water and oven baking in the brand’s food-grade facility.
They’re also odor-free and the product’s packaging uses 51% ‘green’ plastic which is renewable and recyclable. The brand also regularly donates a large portion of its proceeds to dog shelters and animal charities. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive and buyers highly recommend the product.
5. Raw Paws Thin Bully Sticks
These extra thin bully sticks by Raw Paws are an Amazon best-seller. They contain only 100% all-natural, grass-fed, free-range beef without the use of preservatives, hormones, or steroids. They are ideal for small dogs and are available to buy as 6-inch sticks and 12-inch sticks, in packs of 2 and 5.
Raw Paws are a small, family business that genuinely loves dogs. In fact, they regularly donate a portion of their proceeds to dog charities. Reviews of the product are highly complementary and many buyers remark on the sticks’ lack of odor.
6. Raw Paws Standard Bully Sticks
Another Raw Paws product, this time for medium-sized dogs. These standard bully sticks come in packs of 2, 5, and 10. They’re another Amazon best-seller, and contain all of the same good stuff as their thinner counterparts. The 6-inch sticks are non-greasy and have next to no odor so you don’t have to worry about stains and smells indoors.
The brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of its products and promise that all of its ingredients are high quality and carefully sourced. They also hand package and inspect all of their products in Indiana, USA. Reviews highly recommend them.
7. Jack&Pup 6-Inch Premium Grade Odor Free Bully Sticks
These bully sticks by Jack&Pup are made using premium grade, grass-fed, free-range cattle. They’re free from fillers, additives, hormones, and antibiotics, and are processed in a USDA human-grade certified and inspected facility. They’re also great for dental health and easy to digest for sensitive tummies.
Jack&Pup‘s sticks are carefully prepared through a process involving boiling, roasting, smoking, then slow drying. The process effectively locks in the natural flavors of the beef, making a tastier treat for your dog, whilst naturally eliminating odors for you! It also means it stays fresh for longer. J&P never stretches their bully sticks, resulting in a treat that’s 30% thicker and longer-lasting than other leading sticks on the market.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with buyers echoing the brand’s claims, such as no odor and a treat that dogs go wild for! Many also remark on the high-quality feel of the chews.
8. Raw Paws Jumbo Bully Sticks
Yet another product by Raw Paws, these jumbo-sized, thick 6″ bully sticks for large dogs come in packs of 5 and 20. They contain all of the same good stuff as the other Raw Paws products on this list, including free-range beef that is free from harmful additives, and natural glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, which is super helpful for large dogs.
It is an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews love it, with several buyers saying that the sticks are a firm favorite with their dogs.
9. Nature Gnaws Braided Bully Sticks for Large Dogs & Aggressive Chewers
These 12-inch braided bully sticks by Nature Gnaws are perfect for large, aggressive chewers. They come in packs of 5, 10, and 20, and the braided shape and texture make for a chew that is more stimulating and longer-lasting.
The single-ingredient chews contain only 100% premium quality beef and are free from harmful chemicals and additives. They clean the meat using only water and then oven-bake them to perfection. The brand prides itself on using fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients. They also inspect and package their products by hand in the USA. Reviews cannot praise the sticks highly enough and say they work well for the most aggressive of chewers.
10. Nature Gnaws Bully Stick Springs
Another Nature Gnaws product, this time in the form of fun spring-like shapes, which are super interesting for dogs to chew. They’re 100% natural and free from grains and unnatural fillers. They are best for small-medium dog breeds and come in packs of 6, 12, and 25. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews praise the chews’ longevity with heavy chewers.
11. Pawstruck Bully Stick Variety Pack For Toy & Small Dogs
This variety pack by Pawstuck is ideal for toys and small breeds under 15lbs. It contains 6 x 5″ thin, straight bully sticks, 3 mini stick springs, 3 mini barbells, and 3 mini braids. They are all made using free-range, grass-fed cattle and contain no harmful ingredients, chemicals, or hormones.
They are also low-odor and made in South America, in a processing plant that adheres to the strictest of quality assurance standards. Pawstruck is a small business consisting of real dog lovers and reviews highly recommend the product.
12. Pawstruck Bully Stick Variety Pack For Medium-Giant Dogs
Another variety pack by Pawstuck, this time for medium-giant dogs. It contains 2 x 5″ straight bully sticks, a 7″ straight stick, a 7″ braided stick, a spring, a ring, and a rawhide barbell.
Like the product above, they are low-odor and all made using free-range, grass-fed cattle, without the use of chemicals, hormones, fillers, or artificial additives. Reviews are just as complimentary and buyers love the variety, saying it always keeps dogs entertained.
Bully Sticks For Dogs: FAQ
Depending on their size, most dogs shouldn’t have more than one or two sticks a week. Even though they are natural and healthy, they are pretty calorific, too! So, depending on how quickly your dog gets through his chew, you may want to take it off him now and then to make it last longer. Ask your vet for specific advice if you are worried about weight gain.
Bully sticks are healthy, all-natural, single-ingredient treats that are high in protein and low in fat and sodium. They should not contain chemicals or filler ingredients and should be easy for dogs to digest. They’re also great for stress-busting, oral hygiene, and can provide mental stimulation. And they’re not just good for dogs! They’re super affordable and long-lasting, making them ideal for owners of heavy chewers.
As with all dog treats, bully sticks carry a risk of choking, so it’s advisable that you supervise your dog when they are chewing something so hardy. They can also carry harmful bacteria and chemicals if they are not processed correctly, so it’s important to only buy from trustworthy pet brands. That said, they don’t splinter and are highly digestible, so there is a significantly lower risk of harm than with other hardy dog chews.
Bully sticks are made from bull penises, often referred to as “pizzle“. They are a by-product of the meat industry, so no extra bulls are being killed to make them. However, if this bothers you, you can look for bully sticks made from free-range, grass-fed beef.
The action of chewing itself encourages saliva production, which in turn, washes away surface-level bacteria and food. However, the tough texture of bully sticks actually scrapes off hardier plaque and tartar, sort of like a toothbrush, cleaning and brightening the teeth. This also prevents plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to bad breath and gum disease.
Bully sticks can be a bit smelly, so it’s best to give them to your dog outside in the garden if the smell bothers you. Or, give it to them in a room with a hard floor so that you can clean it afterward and the room doesn’t soak up the smell as much. That said, there are products that have been processed to give off less or no smell, so look out for those!
Bully sticks are suitable for dogs of all different ages, sizes, and breeds. They come in a variety of sizes and softnesses for different dogs, so it’s recommended that puppies have a smaller, softer (if they are teething) bully stick, for around 5-10 minutes at a time, and no more than once per week, as they are quite calorific.
Those are our ten best bully sticks for dogs! Bully sticks have numerous health and wellbeing benefits, but if you’re considering buying them for your dog, remember to only buy from trusted brands. Consider trying one of our recommendations, and if you have one of your own, let us know in the comments down below!