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Does your dog like to chew? Do you catch them running off with a shoe or nibbling on the couch corners? Chewable dog toys and treats keep dogs busy and prevent them from munching on your valuables. A particular favorite of many owners (and of dogs themselves) are bully sticks. So what’s so great about these edible chews?

Bully Sticks Can Be Healthy Treats

Are bully sticks healthy for dogs? In fact, they offer a variety of potential health benefits. 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 they also 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, bull penis). Beef 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, bully sticks can be a great option, as they 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 are dog bully sticks healthy treats, 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/treats on their own. Bully sticks provide the same high protein and dental health benefits for puppies as they do for adult dogs.

Moreover, bully sticks can fit whatever preferences your dog has. You can find a bully stick that caters to your dog. The sticks have different thicknesses, sizes, and shapes. Is your dog an aggressive, intense chewer? Try braided bully sticks. Does your dog take a while to finish a chew? Straight 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 for up to three years.

Related article: Expert Tips on What Your Puppy Can Safely Chew
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