The Best Pork Bully Sticks And Chews
Let's be honest: dogs chew. Some more than others, but almost all pet owners can remember losing a shoe—or two—to the teeth of their puppy pals. Though it might seem annoying at times, chewing is both natural and incredibly beneficial for your dog's oral health. If you're tired of replacing chewed-up household items, we'd invite you to check out the bully stick. Unlike some chew toys, bully sticks are generally all-natural and made entirely of meat, but that doesn't mean you can throw caution to the wayside. When buying these meat-sourced chew toys, it's important to consider the type of meat, the size of the stick, and its overall shape or texture. Nature Gnaw's pork bully sticks are actually pretzel-shaped, which gives your pup an even greater chewing challenge. On the other hand, Canine Butcher Shop's pig ears are cut into even and consistent strips to ensure you're never left with useless scraps. And Dog Nip! makes a corkscrew-shaped treat that is small enough for puppies to enjoy without weighing them down. Read on to find the perfect pork bully stick, no matter your pup's preference.
Nature Gnaws Pork Bully Stick Pretzels
The perfect pretzel
You got us—technically, this one isn’t exactly a stick. But since it’s got all the makings of a proper pork chew toy with the added flair of a pretzel twist, it earns top marks. Nature Gnaws has a host of great products out there, and this all-natural, oven-baked pork pizzle is no exception. Along with the traditional dental health benefits, this twisted treat provides additional mental stimulation for your favorite furry friend.
Pros:
- These pretzels are thin enough for smaller dogs but thick enough to last a good hour with heftier chewers.
- Since they’re small but tasty, they make a great dental hygiene supplement for dogs that don’t usually like to chew.
Cons:
- Because there are no additives, the smell can be quite strong. People sensitive to dried meat odor may want to look elsewhere.
Dog Nip! 6-Inch Pork Spring Bully Sticks
Have a helix
Everybody needs a little spring in their step, and sometimes, our canine companions need it in their chew. Dog Nip! can fulfill that wish with its pork bully sticks, made in a helix shape. Unlike some massive pizzle sticks, these corkscrews are only six inches in length, making them ideal for smaller breeds. They also have plenty of bend to them, which means you don’t have to worry about damaging delicate puppy teeth. Your dog will likely munch through these fairly quickly, so get ready to restock soon.
Pros:
- The helix shape ensures that all areas of the teeth are cleaned during the chew session.
- We found that dogs truly love the taste and smell of these treats, which really makes dental hygiene a cinch.
Cons:
- Because they’re smaller sized and more delicate, larger dogs may chew through these in a matter of minutes, or swallow them altogether.
Nature Gnaws Braided Pork Bully Sticks
Braided bullies are better
If there’s one thing stamped into the collective memory of dog owners, it’s an image of a tattered, braided rope with knots on each end. Unfortunately, as fun as tug-a-war is, rope doesn’t offer the same health benefits as a bully stick. But if you can’t let go of the braid, Nature Gnaws has just the stick for you and your pup. It braids their all-natural pork pizzle into a thick, six-inch stick that’s sure to hold your dog’s attention for hours. The added texture ensures that every nook and cranny of their gums stay plaque-free, too.
Pros:
- The braided pattern is far more interesting than a traditional stick, which helps keep your dog occupied for a longer period of time.
- They’re firmer than some of the other six-inch bully sticks, which is ideal for harder chewers.
Cons:
- We would love to see a longer version of this product for bigger dogs. Once the sticks get too short, they can become a choking hazard for some pups.
Canine Butcher Shop Whole Pig Ears for Dogs
Canine consistency
If pizzle isn’t your pup’s thing, you might want to give these pig ear strips a try. Canine Butcher Shop slice these ears into uniform strips before slow cooking them to perfection. It also sources all its pork from the USA and is committed to providing an additive-free treat for our favorite four-pawed pals. Canine Butcher Shop goes so far as to require third-party testing for each batch of treats, so you know your dog is chewing on the best of the best.
Pros:
- These strips strike the ideal balance between size and strength. They’re hard enough to aid in the teething process and big enough to last for hours.
- Even though they’re all-natural, we found their smell to be far more pleasant than traditional pizzle products.
Cons:
- When compared to whole pig ears, these strips seemed a little drier and less fragrant. Picky chewers might need something else to gnaw on.
Pawstruck Jumbo Pig Ears for Dogs
Hear us out
Whether you’ve got a whole pack of teething dogs or you’re just in it for the long haul, it’s nice to have the option to buy in bulk. Pawstruck hears you loud and clear, which is why it offers its jumbo pig ears in packs ranging from ten to 250. It also avoids bringing the treats into contact with common allergens during the cleaning and baking process, which ensures that the ears are safe for consumption.
Pros:
- We love the natural texture and shape of these pig ears. They give dogs plenty of chew time while deep-cleaning their gums.
- When the label says jumbo, it’s not playing around—we found the size to be both ample and consistent across the whole value pack.
Cons:
- Folks with big aggressive chewers may need to look elsewhere if they want their dogs to be occupied for more than 10 minutes. Ears aren’t as tough as regular bully sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bully sticks made out of?
While some chew toys are explicitly made of things like pig ears, traditional bully sticks are made of animal pizzle—an older, friendlier word for penis. Though we highlighted pork pizzle here, beef and bison options are also popular. Because they’re 100% tendon, they’re safe for digestion and wonderfully tough chew toys.
Are bully sticks better than rawhide chew toys?
Yes. Rawhide, while durable, cheap, and popular, is not nearly as easy for dogs to digest. In fact, many rawhide products can cause stomach problems for dogs of all breeds. Bully sticks are much healthier to gnaw on since they’re both tough and digestible. You’ll have to deal with a more pungent odor, but we promise it’s worth it for the safety of your pets.
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