Bully stick for dogs: danger, digestion and duration
The bully stick is a 100% beef chew made from a single ingredient: the bull pizzle, carefully cleaned and dehydrated. Natural, highly digestible and additive free, it is the great favorite of 99% of dogs that love to chew!
Is the bully stick dangerous for my dog?
When it is suited to your dog’s size and chewing habits, the bully stick is an excellent option. For safer chewing, three simple rules: choose the right format, supervise your dog while it chews, and remove the last small piece before it swallows it.
Unlike cooked bones, which can break into sharp pieces, the bully stick softens gradually as your dog chews. To help hold the last piece, a treat holder is recommended.
Is the bully stick digestible?
Yes, the bully stick is a beef chew that breaks down naturally in the digestive system, unlike rawhide, which we do not sell at Happy Chew. The size of the stick and the way your dog chews still matter: even a digestible chew should not be swallowed in large pieces. To help hold the last piece, a treat holder is recommended.
How long does a bully stick last?
The duration depends mainly on the thickness, the length and your dog’s chewing style. A moderate chewer will keep its bully stick much longer than a very intense one. At Happy Chew, each stick is weighed and graded individually by weight and length to help you choose the right format. In general, the heavier and thicker a bully stick, the longer the chew it can offer.
What about the smell?
Some bully sticks give off a strong smell. We select low odor sticks, carefully washed in water before dehydration. They keep the natural beef smell dogs love, without being unpleasant for the home.
What size should I choose for my dog?
To learn more, read our full article: How to choose the best bully stick for your dog? You will find all our formats, by weight, in the bully sticks collection.
The bully stick compared with other hard chews
| Criteria | Cooked bone | Rawhide | Bully stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bone | Processed animal skin | A single ingredient: beef |
| Tooth fracture risk | High | Variable | Generally lower |
| Digestibility | Variable | Generally harder | Good |
Bully sticks sorted and weighed individually, for the right duration every time.
See our bully sticksFrequently asked questions
Is the bully stick suitable for puppies?
Yes, if the puppy is old enough to chew solid treats, usually from 8 weeks. Choose thin sticks or go for our puppy set, which contains a nice assortment of treats suited to their needs. Always supervise your puppy while chewing.
Can my dog swallow the last piece?
The bully stick is digestible, but we recommend removing the last small piece. A treat holder helps hold it and keeps your dog from swallowing it whole.
What is the difference between the bully stick and rawhide?
Rawhide is made from processed animal skin and can be hard to digest. The bully stick is made from a single ingredient, beef pizzle, and is generally well digestible. At Happy Chew, we do not sell rawhide.
How often can I give a bully stick?
It depends on your dog and its diet. Like any rich treat, the bully stick fits in moderation within its daily ration. Keep in mind that treats should generally not make up more than 10% of its daily food intake.
Always offer a chew under supervision and with fresh water. Wash your hands after handling.