The Best Gluten Free Bully Sticks And Chews
Learning that you have to put your pup on a gluten-free diet might feel more like a punishment than a cause for celebration. But putting your pet's health first is always most important, especially if it clears up issues that are causing them pain or discomfort. With so many options available today, finding delicious and healthy gluten-free treats for your dog can be a fun challenge. To get you started, we've rounded up some of our favorite gluten-free bully sticks and chews for dogs. Keep reading to find the best fit for you and your pooch.
Best For My Pets Odor Free Bully Sticks
No complaints here
As an alternative to rawhide treats, these gluten-free bully sticks are made from high-quality free-range, grass-fed beef. Full of protein and free of preservatives and chemicals, these dense chews are naturally odor-free. These bully sticks will keep your dog occupied for hours and will work to remove excess plaque from their teeth to improve their oral health.
Pros:
- For larger dogs or aggressive chewers, try sticking these sticks in the freezer before offering one to your pet. This will make them last even longer and offer your dog a challenge.
- Each bag of treats weighs eight ounces and is sold by weight instead of the number of sticks, so you get your money’s worth. This means you could receive more thin sticks one time and fewer chunky sticks the next.
Cons:
- Some have found that these bully sticks are not consistently odor-free.
Himalayan Dog Chew Yaky Stick
While this dog chew might look a little out of the ordinary, the combination of Himalayan cheese and bully stick will give your dog a reason to party. In addition to being free of gluten and grains, they are also lactose-free so they are a great option if your pup has a sensitive stomach. At an affordable price and full of nutrition, you’ll love being able to treat your pet with this chew.
Pros:
- The various textures make this perfect for teething puppies or aggressive chewers. If you are worried about your puppy going rogue when you’re not looking, keep a few of these chews around your home to provide an alternative to chewing up your coffee table.
- If any large pieces of the cheese fall off while your dog is chewing, you can put them in the microwave for a few seconds to make a tasty cheese puff. Make sure you let the puffs cool before offering them to your dog.
Cons:
- The Himalayan cheese layer is crumbly and can make a huge mess if your dog loses interest before eating it all.
Hotspot Pets Bully Sticks for Dogs
These long-lasting bully sticks will give even the most indestructible chew toys a run for their money. Made with beef from grass-fed cattle, these bully sticks are free from preservatives and hormones to make it easy for your dog to digest. Perfect for medium to hard chewers, your pup can chew to their heart’s content.
Pros:
- These treats work well as a distraction for your pup when you need to do a routine grooming task like trimming their nails or brushing them. They can stay focused on their treat, giving you plenty of time to get them looking their best.
- Each bully stick is six inches long and thick enough that it won’t snap easily. Small and medium dogs would probably get the most enjoyment out of these since bigger dogs might eat through them too quickly.
Cons:
- These are a more expensive option with only ten bully sticks in the pack.
Brutus & Barnaby Bully Nuggets
These bully nuggets have everything we love about traditional bully sticks, but the smaller size makes them even more versatile. High in protein and low in odor, these grass-fed beef treats are the perfect way to add more protein to your dog’s diet. Give your dog one or more nuggets depending on their size and appetite, while also helping to clean their teeth and provide relief through chewing.
Pros:
- Some dogs are more prone to finishing their chews, while others will leave pieces on the floor for you to clean up. With these treats, you can easily decide how large or small of a piece you want your dog to have.
- These chews don’t collect dust or hair as your dog works on them, which will keep your floors nice and clean.
Cons:
- These bully nuggets can be a hazard if dogs decide to swallow large pieces whole.
Whimzees Natural Dental Chews for Puppies
Finding ways to give your puppy mental stimulation while relieving their need to chew can be a constant battle. While their puppy teeth may be tooth small and fragile to gnaw on bully sticks, it is important to provide them with something to soothe their mouths. These gluten-free chews from Whimzees are soft enough to protect their teeth but have grooves and enough texture to offer a bit of resistance.
Pros:
- In addition to puppies, these chews are also great for senior dogs or dogs with sensitive teeth. Many dogs lose teeth as they age, so these soft chews won’t be too difficult for them to bite.
- These dental chews have added calcium to strengthen teeth and help to keep your puppy’s breath fresh. The duck and bear shapes have grooves that fit between their teeth to remove excess plaque.
Cons:
- Each chew is fairly small so they are best suited for small breeds.
Our Tips and Tricks
When you are choosing bully sticks and chews for your dog, the most important things to keep in mind are your dog’s safety and satisfaction. Considering these factors, here are a few things to think about. If your dog is very young, you won’t want to buy hard chews that could potentially break their teeth. A grown dog, however, can manage harder and crunchier bully sticks that will be more of a challenge and last longer. Also, larger dogs such as German shepherds and Labrador retrievers have strong jaws that require more stimulation than smaller breeds like chihuahuas and Pomeranians. Finding the right texture, density, and size of bully stick or chew for your dog will provide them with more enjoyment and will protect them from hazardous situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a gluten intolerance or allergy in dogs?
Similar to humans, dogs with an intolerance or allergy to gluten will show outward signs. These can include, but are not limited to, thinning coat, itchy and dry skin, chronic ear infections, diarrhea, chewing and licking paws, and lethargy. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms it is important to check with a vet before starting them on a gluten-free diet.
Why is chewing so important for dogs?
Chewing is something that dogs do for fun, whether it’s to relieve anxiety or simply strengthen their jaws. In the process, it is also removing excess build-up on their teeth to help with their oral hygiene. Making sure your dog has appropriate treats and toys to chew on will not only give them structure but will also ensure your furniture and favorite shoes stay intact.
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