The Best Bully Sticks For Your Dog
Bully sticks are the ideal edible dog toy for keeping boredom at bay, boosting healthy nutrients such as essential amino acids, and keeping teeth and gums healthy. Although rawhide treats were once considered to be beneficial for similar reasons, we know now that rawhide can splinter, causing blockage and in many cases, severe digestive irritation or damage. That is not the case with bully sticks, which are made from a single muscle and don't splinter or cause any of the issues sometimes attributed to rawhide. Coming in a variety of sizes fit for any breed, size, and age, bully sticks are the essential treat to keep on hand. These are some of our favorites.
What to Look For
While researching the best bully sticks on the market, we considered size, taste, and nutritional value. Natural Farm’s bully sticks are an all-around excellent option for simple and satisfying snacking for all kinds of dogs. But for especially small breeds, we think Pawstruck’s mini sticks are hard to beat. Check out our reviews below to find the right bully sticks for your furry friend.
Natural Farm Bully Sticks
Healthy and flavorful
If you’re looking for a healthy, simple pack of bully sticks, look no further than Natural Farm. This transparent company boasts clean ingredients that are free of hormones and added chemicals. Actually, this 12-ounce pack is really comprised of just one ingredient: all-natural beef. Although we humans normally prefer a little extra salt and spices on our beef jerky, dogs seem to go crazy for these simple beef chews. As an added perk, the simplicity of these bully sticks helps our furry friends digest them easily.
Pros:
- Most bully sticks are pretty stinky, but these are surprisingly low-odor.
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs will most likely be able to digest this tasty treat without a problem since there are no hormones, additives, or preservatives. These bully sticks are made of simple grass-fed beef.
Cons:
- They’re a premium bully stick, so the price is a bit higher.
Cadet Premium Bully Sticks
More for less
Cadet is another big name in the bully stick game. Their bully sticks are made from a single ingredient — beef. They contain just the right amount of flavor and protein to make both dog and owner happy. We also love the variety of size options that Cadet offers which allows you to stock up on a 50-pack for the long haul or just opt for the travel-friendly six-ounce pack.
Pros:
- If you have a larger dog, Cadet offers extra-thick bully stick options that last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your dog’s chewing ability.
- While some picky eater pups may turn up their noses at other bully sticks, we think Cadet’s pure beef bully sticks will appeal to
Cons:
- They can smell kind of stinky, so they’re best enjoyed outside.
Best Bully Sticks Odor-Free Angus Bully Sticks
These fully digestible, splinter-free, and odor-free bully sticks continue to be a dog’s favorite beef chew. Why? It might have something to do with the ingredients. Made with high-quality, 100% Angus beef, these treats are tasty, healthy, and durable. Medium-sized dogs will adore the six-inch option since it’s the perfect size for happy chewing. That being said, the twelve-inch size is also appropriate, though it may take a bit more work to finish a stick. Each bully stick is loaded with protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. They’re also free of harsh ingredients, unwanted chemicals, and preservatives.
Pros:
- We were happy to learn that the “odor-free” claim is legit.
- Puppies and mid-sized dogs love the long-and-thin size since they can gnaw on it gently and still enjoy the flavor.
Cons:
- They’re pretty thin, so large dogs will devour them very quickly.
Pawstruck Mini Beef Bully Sticks
Small sticks for small canines
When it comes to bully sticks, it can be tricky to find ones that work for small or even toy breeds. Their delicate mouths and tiny teeth need bully sticks that fit their needs, so the typical, large bully sticks just won’t cut it. Pawstruck’s Miniature Beef Bully Sticks are designed specifically with small breeds under 15 pounds in mind. Made without artificial ingredients, hormones, or chemicals, these free-range, grass-fed 100%-beef mini bully sticks contain only the highest quality ingredients for a product that you can feel confident giving to your beloved pup.
Pros:
- With so many packs to choose from, you can test out these bully sticks with a small 10-pack or buy in bulk with a 100-pack.
- There are three fun shapes to choose from: springs, barbells, and braids. The variety of shapes will keep your pup occupied and will also help reach all parts of their mouths for thorough cleaning.
Cons:
- The braid and barbell shapes seem to have the strongest odor, so if you want a less stinky option we recommend sticking with the spring shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bully sticks safe?
Yes. Bully sticks are fully digestible and won’t splinter during the chewing process. The ingredients (should they be made of 100% meat) are easily digested upon chewing, so bully sticks don’t typically cause an upset stomach.
What are bully sticks used for?
Think of a bully stick as a toothbrush and dental floss for your pet. Chewing on tough meat like this allows dogs to fully clean their teeth and gums. Bully sticks also help ease your dog’s boredom, making them an excellent option for a dog that needs a little distraction.
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