Best Bully Sticks for Dogs

Bully Sticks for Dogs are an excellent way to keep your pup healthy and happy!

They are an all natural treat that dogs just can’t get enough of. You may have read a bit about bully sticks, and more specifically what they are made of and feel a bit uncertain using this as a treat for your pup. If not, read on! We are sure you’ll be equal parts shocked and horrified.

springer spaniel getting a bully stick from person off camera

Although they may make you feel a little uncomfortable there are lots of reasons that you should be buying bully sticks for your dogs. Let’s take a look at what bully sticks are, why your dog can’t get enough, and some of their amazing benefits.

What Are Bully Sticks Made From?

Let’s just get this over with…Bully Sticks, also known as pizzle sticks or beef tendons, are a popular chew treat made from the dried muscle of bull penises. That’s right, you’ve been giving your dog bull penises as a tasty snack without even realizing it. Or maybe you already knew this and have come to accept this bizarre fact. In which case, we applaud you!

Giving these to your dog may sound gross but they're surprisingly nutritious but not to your four-legged friend. And despite your feelings about the subject, your pup certainly won’t complain about it.

Why Do Dogs Love Bully Sticks?

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny the fact that most dogs LOVE bully sticks. It’s just the way it is. But what is it about bully sticks that our dogs just can’t get enough of?

Natural Flavor

There are several reasons that dogs like bully sticks. One is they like the natural flavor. Dogs once ate any part of animals they could get as scavengers so its innate for them to like this natural flavor. In comparison to many of the highly-processed treats available on the market your pet is probably excited to have something chemical free!

Chewing Outlet

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. One that can be highly destructive if not channeled properly. In the wild our domesticated pets would have to chew their food significantly more than their dried kibble meals. This leaves an instinct that doesn’t have an outlet unless an alternative is provided. You will find that your dog is happy to sit and chew on a bone or bully stick for hours to meet this need.

Benefits of Bully Sticks

So, your dog loves bully sticks, but are there actual benefits to this treat? Or will your dog be just as happy getting a different non-penis related treat? Although your floof is sure to love any high quality treats you give him, there are some strong reasons that bully sticks should at least make the rotation.

Chocolate lab with mouth open showing white teeth

Natural Protein Source

They make a great treat because they are high in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates, and have no preservatives or additives. They have one ingredient (yes, we know) and have been minimally processed. Bully Sticks are about as simple of a treat as you can give your dog.

Additionally, Bully Sticks are considered organ meat which is super healthy for people and dogs. Organ meat is full of nutrients and packed with flavor.

Dental Health

Most dog food and treats are horrible for their dental health. The crunchy texture of dry kibble does nothing to help clean their teeth naturally. Even soft treats or wet food don’t encourage tooth health. Small pieces of food winds up stuck in their teeth causing bad breath, tartar, and ultimately tooth decay.

Brushing your dogs teeth is never a fun experience but removing this buildup is essential for your pets health. This is where bully sticks are great. Their unique texture helps keep teeth clean by removing tartar and plaque buildup.

Mental Health

Bully Sticks can also benefit your dog's mental wellbeing! Chewing is instinctual for dogs - it relieves anxiety and boredom, provides them with stimulation & enhances their sense of smell. This activity will help to burn up some of your dogs pent up energy on rainy days or when you will be gone for a long time.

Giving them a safe outlet for their chewing needs will your dog happier and will help to limit destructive behavior. Which we know will make you happier as well.

Perfect for Puppies

When you have a puppy you have to be extra careful with the treats you give them. Not everything that is safe for adult dogs is safe for your new puppy. That includes some treats.

Bully Sticks on the other hand are great for puppies and adults! They provide the same protein and nutrients, dental benefits, and mental benefits for puppies as we see in adult dogs.

Cons of Bully Sticks

Ok, so now you know some of the benefits of Bully Sticks, but are there any negative you should be aware of. All good things have at least one downside right? The same goes for Bully Sticks so let’s take a look.

Smell

This is one of the biggest downsides of Bully Sticks. They have a certain…..smell to them. Dogs love it. People..not so much. The smell isn’t particularly strong, but it’s not pleasant either.

For the most part this is hard to avoid. We recommend you give them to your dog in a kennel or at least off the furniture. You don’t need the smell lingering for longer than needed.

**However, there is one brand who seems to have overcome this smelly problem with a proprietary process that results in an Odorless Bully Stick. Check out our picks below to find out who!

Calories

Bully Sticks are essentially the organ version of jerky. They are high in nutrients and also calories. This makes them a poor choice for training as they will quickly use up their daily calories if given too many.

They also aren’t a replacement for exercise of other stimulating activities. You’re dog will have far too much energy to burn off just eating Bully Sticks, but they are great as part of a healthy life.

Just make sure to monitor how often you are giving your pup these treats. Adjust the amount your are feeding at regular mealtimes if needed.

Bacteria Contamination

Bully Sticks, like other treats, can be contaminated if not handled properly by the company producing them. Some studies have been done to check the amount of bacteria on bully sticks. These have found E. Coli, along with other harmful bacteria on some bully sticks.

Luckily, your dog has a much stronger stomach than you do. But, we still don’t want to expose your pup to more dangerous bacteria. The best way to avoid this is purchase from reputable brands with happy customers.

To protect yourself always wash your hands after handling bully sticks. We imagine you would want to anyway.

Our Verdict

Australian shepherd with one ear up standing on a beach

Bully Sticks are an all-round winner when it comes to keeping your canine companion happy and healthy.

Not only do they help maintain dental hygiene and provide mental stimulation, but most dogs absolutely love their natural flavor too. So, if you're looking for a healthy, safe chew treat for your pup – Bully Sticks are the perfect choice. So, what are you waiting for? Pick one of our recommended bully sticks that come from reputable companies. Your pup will thank you!

Our Top Picks

We have done the research so you don’t have to!

Wether you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly, a brand that is good for the environment, or and odorless bully stick, we have you covered.

All of these come from reputable companies with thousands of happy clients, so you’ve got nothing to worry about.

#3 Best Bully Sticks

Our Budget Friendly Pick

What We Love

Budget Friendly Option - Most Cost Effective Option
Options - They provide a variety of bully sticks to choose from, choose a longer bully stick for larger dogs so it lasts longer
US processing - All processing is done in a US factory
Natural Scent - High quality processing and sourcing results in a minimal natural scent

#2 Natural Farm Bully Sticks

Our Eco Friendly Pick

Things We Love

Packaged by weight - rather than number of sticks so you always get what you pay for
Healthy Sourcing - 100% grass fed, hormone free, Brazilian beef, processed in a Human Grade facility
Give Back - A percentage of all proceeds is donated to animals in need
Ethical Company - Green packaging made from sugar cane, conflict free farming sources
Natural Scent - High quality sourcing and facilities result in minimal smell

#1 Jack&Pup Jumbo Bully Sticks

Our Top Pick - Pssst….They’re Odorless!!!