Bully Sticks for Dogs - Are They Safe

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Dogs love chewing; that’s no big secret. However, having an enthusiastic chewer at home is very risky for your possessions, especially shoes. If you find yourself in this description, you might want to consider getting something healthy and durable for your dog to chew on. That is when bully sticks come into play.

Dog toys are a great option if you want your dog to be entertained, but some dogs with strong bite force can quickly destroy and ingest inedible toy pieces. Bully sticks are highly digestible and a lot safer than other available chewable treats for dogs. If you are considering getting your dog a bully stick, here is what you should know about them.

What are bully sticks made from?

Well, there is no sugarcoating it; bully sticks are dried bull penises. This might have a certain part of the “icky” factor, but there is a lot more to uncover about bully sticks if you pass the initial shock. Many dog owners gave their dogs bully sticks and weren’t adequately informed about these chewable treats. Now that you know what bully sticks are made from, you might start reconsidering and questioning whether you should give them to your dog. However, read on for more details that might change your mind.

Are bully sticks healthy?

Bully sticks are not only healthy, but they are also easily digestible, chewable dog treat that will keep your dog entertained for hours. Bully sticks are a single ingredient chewable treat, and your dog will love their taste. They are made from pure muscle, which makes them very healthy and safe for your dog to eat and chew on.

Some dogs have food allergies, and they are limited in their choices for chewable treats. Bully sticks are 100% beef, which means they are single-protein and relatively safe for dogs with allergies. Bully sticks for dogs are preserved without additives, artificial chemicals, or preservatives.  When it comes to chewable dog treats, this is pretty much the best there is.

The best thing about bully sticks is they are packed with amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and they are very beneficial for the dog’s whole body. These essential acids will produce protein, neurotransmitters, and hormones. Plus, amino acids are beneficial for the dog’s brain, coat, skin, and muscles.

What are bully sticks good for?

Many occasions will make bully sticks appropriate dog treats. However, one thing they are not suitable for is training. Training should include smaller treats dogs can easily chew and swallow. These durable treats will last a long time, almost as long as rawhide for dogs. Here are some of the best occasions to give your dog a bully stick;

• If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and you have to leave them at home. You can give your dog a bully stick before you go. They will remain focused on the treat and won’t make a huge fuss about you leaving. Just keep in mind that it is not a long-term solution and should be used only as a short-term solution. If you want to know how to deal with separation anxiety, check out this article - Separation anxiety in dogs.
• Bully sticks are a great tool to use against boredom. Boredom in dogs usually leads to behavioral issues. If you cannot play or physically engage your dog with jogging, cycling, or hiking, you can interest them in bully sticks. You can be sure your dog wouldn’t want to leave the house while they have this treat available. They will be completely focused on that, and all potential boredom will be avoided. Keep in mind that your dog should still go on regular walks and have plenty of exercises. Especially if it is an active breed.
• COVID-19 pandemic showed us that many of us can work from home, and there is no one happier about that than our dogs. However, they can easily become a distraction while you have an online meeting. A quick solution to that minor inconvenience? - Bully sticks for dogs. Your dog will be distracted until you are free to pay a bit more attention to them again.

How are bully sticks made?

There are many different bully stick manufacturers, and all of them have different preparation techniques. Generally, bully sticks are drained of all fluids and then immediately cooked. However, that is only the first part of preparation. After that, bully sticks are smoked or baked.

Another thing you should keep in mind - these sticks have a specific odor. Dogs will love it, but it can be a bit much for some owners. If you decide to get some bully stocks for dogs, make sure you don’t have a weak stomach. If you do, it is probably a good idea to give this treat to your dog while they are in the yard or somewhere in the open.

Are there any alternatives?

Some dogs can be allergic to beef, and in that case, getting them bully sticks is out of the question. It can trigger an allergic reaction which you can notice if your dog starts heaving, panting, swelling, becomes itchy, or you see redness all over their body. Luckily, there is an alternative.

If your dog can’t have beef, there is another option - bison sticks. They are the same thing; the only difference is, bison sticks come from bison. Well, that is not the only difference. The smell of bison-made bully sticks is a lot worse than the odor bully sticks have. That means this chewable treat will be irresistible to dogs. Keep in mind that bison sticks are harder to find than bully sticks, so their price can be a bit higher.

World Dog Finder team