Bully sticks and dog chews: are they safe, and how to choose

Dogs need to chew. A good chew keeps them busy, eases boredom and gives teething puppies some relief. The best chew depends on your dog's size, how hard they chew and whether they tend to gulp.

What is a bully stick?

A bully stick, also called a pizzle stick, is a single-ingredient chew made from dried beef pizzle (a bull's penis). It's popular because most dogs love it, it softens as they chew, and it is digested much more easily than rawhide. Low-odour versions, like Open Range's Supreme sticks, are dried longer so they smell less in the house.

Are bully sticks safe?

For most dogs, yes, with a few rules:

• Stay with your dog while they chew.
• Take it away when it gets short. Once the stick is small enough to swallow whole, around 5 cm (2 inches) for most dogs, throw the end away. A swallowed end can choke a dog or block the gut.
• Use a holder for gulpers. A bully stick holder grips the end so it can't be swallowed. It's worth having for dogs that try to swallow chews whole.
• Pick the right size. The stick should be longer than your dog's muzzle is wide; thicker sticks last longer for strong chewers.
• Start small. Bully sticks are rich, and a whole stick on the first day can upset a sensitive stomach.
• Wash your hands after handling, as you would with raw meat.

Count the calories

Bully sticks are high in calories. A study from Tufts University found about 9 to 22 calories per inch, so a 12-inch stick can add up to more than 200 calories, a big share of a small dog's daily food. Count chews and treats in your dog's daily food: together they should stay under about 10 percent of the day's calories. For a small dog, a 5 to 6 inch stick, or part of one, is plenty.

Other chews compared

A simple test for hardness: if you can't press a fingernail into a chew, it may be too hard for your dog's teeth. Broken teeth are a common reason for dog dental visits, so go softer for strong chewers. Our puppy and senior guide covers teething and older teeth.

Chews at our store

• Open Range 5-6" Beef Bully Stick
• Open Range 11-12" Supreme Beef Bully Stick
• Open Range Bully Stick 12in 10pc Dog Treat
• 6" Beef Bully Spring
• This & That Split Antler Chew X-Large
• Himalayan Dog Chew With Peanut Butter Medium
• Himalayan Dog Chew Jughead Rubber Holder For Dog Chew
• Earth Animal No Hide Beef Dog Chews Medium

• Dog treats and chews
• Raw bones

More guides

Cat hairballs: remedies that work and when to see a vet

Why cats get hairballs, how often is normal, remedies that help (brushing, hairball gels, food, water) and the signs that mean a vet visit.

Dog food allergies and sensitive stomachs

Signs of food allergies and sensitive stomachs in dogs and cats, how an elimination diet works, limited ingredient and novel protein foods, and day-to-day tips for a calmer gut.