Are Bully Sticks Safe For Dogs?
There’s conflicting information about the safety of bully sticks for dogs. Most of the buzz on the web from veterinarians and all-natural dog-product websites say these chews are not only safe but they also provide easily digestible beef protein nutrition, rich in taurine (an amino acid that contributes to your dog’s healthy heart muscles and eyesight).
These same sources say they are low-fat and effective for helping keep your dog’s teeth clean. But make sure that the bully stick isn’t too hard for your dog’s teeth, which could cause a tooth injury. A good rule of thumb is that if you can indent the chew with a fingernail, then it’s not too hard.
Even though they’re easily digestible, bully sticks can pose a choking hazard. As your dog chews the stick down to a few inches wide, it can be small enough that your dog tries to swallow it whole. But at that size and shape, it can become lodged in your dog’s throat. So, it’s important to keep an eye on your pup when he’s enjoying one and take it away once it gets smaller to prevent choking.
Our research found one study published in 2013 that analyzed 26 different bully sticks made by different manufacturers. They found a small sample of bully sticks that were packed with calories and an even smaller subsection contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria. However, these Tufts University research findings make us question the findings of this study, not only because the study sample was small but also because the bacteria they found only accounted for 30% of their overall sample.
Puppies are especially prone to chewing, so people often wonder if you can give bully sticks to puppies. We recommend waiting until after their adult teeth come in as their baby teeth are more brittle and fragile to cracking and breaking. Most puppies have their full set of adult teeth by six months of age. Learn more about puppy teeth and teething.
We recommend Best Bully Sticks as our editor’s number one choice if you plan to give this product a try for your dog. Here are some reasons why we think this product is worth considering:
What are the benefits of my dog having a bully stick?
Bully sticks are an excellent treat that you can give your dog to chew on for many different reasons. Just like nylon bones or those made from potato starch, these are overall considered to be a safe chew for your dog. Because they are made from only meat, there are fewer health risks, and they offer your dog health benefits.
Are you looking for a safe and natural chew for your dog? Natural Cravings Bully Sticks are a great choice. Check out their convenient 3 pack. Perfect for multi-dog households.
How long should a bully stick be for my dog?
Making sure that your dog has the right-sized chew can reduce the risk of choking. When in doubt, go a size bigger. Worse case is, the chew will last a bit longer.
Related: Still not sure what bully stick is right for your dog? Check out this handy guide.
Bully Sticks – Are Bully Sticks Safe For Dogs
Whether you’re new to puppy parenting or know what to expect, you’re probably aware of how much puppies love to chew. Shoes, clothes, hand bags, furniture—you name it—in those first few months of teething, nothing seems to be off-limits. During this time, setting chewing boundaries for your pup can be a near-constant battle.
Despite testing your patience, you probably also know that a puppy’s need to chew is perfectly natural and instinctual. In addition to relieving the pain and discomfort of teething, chewing helps support a healthy mental state by releasing two important neurotransmitters; dopamine and serotonin, aids in combating boredom, and strengthens their jaw muscles.
Bully sticks are one of the best chew treats you can give your puppy to help satisfy their need to munch, crunch and gnaw on things to death!