Search Menu

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. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Does your dog like to chewDog chew toys and dog chew treats keep dogs engaged, and help prevent them from choosing to chew on your shoes or other valuables. A particular favorite of many dog owners (and, more accurately, of dogs themselves) are bully sticks for dogs. So what’s so great about these natural, edible chews?

Bully Sticks for Dogs Can Be Healthy Treats

Are bully sticks healthy for dogs? In fact, bully sticks offer a variety of potential health benefits for your pet. They are digestible, unlike some other chews or treats. The beef hide in rawhide, for example, can be difficult to digest for some dogs. Bully sticks, on the other hand, are highly digestible, which means that they break down easily in your dog’s stomach.

Are bully sticks safe for dogs? Because bully sticks don’t splinter like other treats, you don’t have to worry about broken pieces causing any internal injuries. Bully sticks are a tasty, single-ingredient treat, made from high-protein beef muscle (more specifically, a bull’s penis). Beef muscle is a complete source of amino acids, which support your dog’s muscles, brain, skin, and coat.

If your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities, or allergies to other types of protein, beef bully sticks can be a great option. Quality bully sticks are free from artificial chemicals, additives, and preservatives.

Young beagle chewing on a dog dental treat
©Christian Buch - stock.adobe.com

Want to keep your dog’s smile healthy? Bully sticks can help with dog dental care, too! While you should regularly brush your pet’s teeth with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste, bully sticks can help maintain clean teeth. Given that inflammation of gums (periodontal disease) is one of the most common diseases in dogs, tough chews are an important part of keeping your dog healthy. Chews, like bully sticks, support healthy teeth and gums. The chewing and gnawing required to get through the treat scrapes away plaque and buildup before it has the chance to stick.

Most Dogs Can Enjoy Bully Sticks

Not only can bully sticks be healthy treats for dogs, but more importantly, dogs love them! Dogs of any breed, age, or size can enjoy chewing on a bully stick. They’re even suitable for puppies, as long as your puppy can chew hard food or treats on their own. Bully sticks provide the same high protein and dental health benefits for puppies as they do for adult dogs.

Bully sticks can fit whatever chewing style your dog has, whether they’re an average chewer or a powerful chewer. Bully sticks are available in different thicknesses, sizes, and shapes. Is your dog an intense chewer? Try bully sticks labeled “thick” or braided bully sticks. Does your dog take a while to finish a chew? Odor-free bully sticks are a great choice. Need to challenge your dog? Shaped bully sticks, like curly bully sticks, engage your dog as they chew.

Bully sticks are long-lasting, in more than one way. They can last a long time while your dog is chewing them, and they also stay fresh in their packaging for up to three years, so you can stock up when you see a great deal on bulk bully sticks.

Related article: Expert Tips on What Your Puppy Can Safely Chew
https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
Get Your Free AKC eBook

Tips for Responsible Dog Owners

This e-book is a great resource for anyone who's considering dog ownership or already owns a dog. Download for tips on how to be the best dog owner you can be.
*Turn off pop-up blocker to download
*Turn off pop-up blocker to download