Bully Sticks for Dogs: Safe and Durable Chewing Selections
by Carol Bryant
Published on December 02, 2024
Bully sticks for dogs are among the most popular treats pet parents choose. Amazingly, the U.S. pet food and treat market is expected to reach almost $67 billion in sales in 2024 (1). Bully sticks are a part of that huge number and with good reason.
Made of beef pizzle (penis of a bull or steer), bully sticks are available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate dogs of all life stages. The unique forms provide an engaging challenge, keeping dogs mentally stimulated and entertained.
Pet parents should always supervise their dog while chewing a bully stick. Ensure the size and thickness match your dog’s size and chewing strength. In addition to our top picks for safe, durable bully sticks, we include our favorite bully stick holder.
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Top Bully Sticks Picks
- Best Overall Bully Stick for Dogs: WOOF Bully Sticks
- Odor-Free Bully Sticks for Dogs: Barkworthies Odor-Free 6-Inch Bully Sticks
- Bulk Bully Sticks: Redbarn 7-inch Bully Sticks, Case of 35
- Small Dog Bully Sticks: Cadet Bully Sticks Extra-Small Size
- Puppy Bully Sticks: Best Bully Sticks 4” Size
- Braided Bully Sticks: Pawstruck Braided Bully Sticks Dog Treats, 1 Pound-Bag
- Pretzel Shape Bully Sticks: Nature Gnaws Pork Bully Sticks
- Best Bully Stick Holder: Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device
Bully Sticks for Dogs: Safe and Durable Options
We selected the following bully sticks for proper sourcing, processing method (dried or baked), single ingredient (beef pizzle) without additives or chemicals, and digestibility.
Best Overall Bully Stick for Dogs
Our Pick: WOOF Bully Sticks
WOOF Bully Sticks top our list. Sustainably sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle on ranches with sustainable grazing and forestry practices, they are affordable and available in various-sized packages. Each stick measures 12 inches and is low-odor and long-lasting, so your dog will enjoy the chomping fun. Good for dental health and rich in protein, each stick contains no added ingredients. They are available in several varieties, including 12” five-pack, 12” 10-pack, and more.
Highlights
- Each bully stick is designed to last.
- Low-odor (which pet parents appreciate).
- High protein treat for dogs.
- Ideal for all life stages.
- Sustainably sourced from small ranchers.
- It is ideal for dental health (it helps scrape tartar).
- Affordably priced for most budgets.
Things to Consider
- Some pet parents complain that not all bully sticks are the same size.
- They are not 100 percent odor-free.
Odor-Free Bully Sticks for Dogs
Our Pick: Barkworthies Odor-Free 6-Inch Bully Sticks
If you prefer an odor-free bully stick for your dog, consider the Barkworthies brand. Each 6-inch bully stick is additive-free, chemical-free, and preservative-free with no odor. The single-ingredient chew is made from free-range, grass-fed Brazilian cattle pizzle. Designed for medium chewers, each package contains five or more sticks. They are touted as highly digestible and an ideal alternative to rawhide.
Highlights
- Odor-free bully sticks for dogs.
- Ideal for medium chewers.
- Single source of protein.
- The 6-inch length is ideal for most dogs.
- It may help support teeth and gums.
Things to Consider
- Made in Brazil.
- 71 kcal per treat.
Bulk Bully Sticks
Our Pick: Redbarn 7-inch Bully Sticks, Case of 35
If you have a multidog household or would prefer to keep a supply of bully sticks on hand, we recommend the Redbarn case of 35 seven-inch bully sticks for dogs. These bully sticks contain no added chemicals, and Redbarn says they never split. As your dog chews, they support good breath, scrape away at plaque and tartar, and naturally support cleaner teeth and gums. Made for adult dogs.
Highlights
- Naturally low odor for each bully stick.
- They are ideal for most sized dogs.
- Bulk size means you won’t run out soon.
- One single ingredient: beef pizzle.
- Contains no chemicals or additives.
- Long-lasting and boredom-busting.
Things to Consider
- The bully sticks may not all be the same thickness.
- They are not 100 percent odor-free.
Small Dog Bully Sticks
Our Pick: Cadet Bully Sticks Extra-Small Size
If you have a small dog, consider the Cadet Bully Sticks in the extra-small size. This 8-ounce bag contains several extra-small bully sticks for smaller mouths. Ideal for all life stages, these bully sticks are best for dogs 10 pounds and under. Use supervision when your little pooch is chewing on one-ingredient treats. This product is available in different configurations (i.e., 8-ounce, 12-ounce, 20.3-ounce bag, etc.)
Highlights
- The smaller size makes these ideal for little dogs.
- Cadet bully sticks are low in fat and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
- No polycarbonate plastics, bisphenol A, epoxy resins, synthetic components, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or added vitamins or minerals are included.
- Naturally high in protein.
Things to Consider
- Made in Canada
- The thickness may be different for each stick included.
Puppy Bully Sticks
Our Pick: Best Bully Sticks 4” Size
Why should adult dogs have all the chewing fun? Best Bully Sticks offers a size ideal for smaller puppy mouths. Their 4-inch sticks are great for puppies and small breeds and are hand-inspected to ensure the correct size and quality. Made with one hypoallergenic ingredient (beef pizzle), they contain no additives or preservatives. Best Bully Sticks sources its products from high-quality American or South American cattle that are hormone-free, mature, and free-range.
Highlights
- Perfect size for smaller mouths.
- Contains no chemical treatments.
- Approximately 14 calories per inch of bully stick, so about 56 calories per stick.
- Fully digestible product.
- It is ideal for teething puppies and keeping them busy (always supervising).
- Made in the USA.
Things to Consider
- This chew is recommended for small and medium breeds.
- Not 100 percent odor-free.
Braided Bully Sticks
Our Pick: Pawstruck Braided Bully Sticks Dog Treats, 1 Pound-Bag
Some dogs love a challenge, and that’s where a tasty braided bully stick can be satisfying. The 12-inch length from Pawstruck helps bust boredom and lasts a while. A family-owned business, these natural and wholesome chews are made from free-range, grass-fed beef. Each bully stick is braided with three separate sticks to keep dogs busy. They contain no stinky odors, so your nose will rejoice. Pawstruck uses no additives, hormones, or chemicals to make its bully sticks.
Highlights
- Beef is sourced from ethically conscious farms.
- Three sticks-in-one to create a braided challenge for dogs.
- Contains one ingredient: beef pizzle.
- Also available in 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch sizes.
- It’s more digestible than traditional rawhide.
- Packed with protein.
Things to Consider
- The product’s natural oil may stain your furniture, carpeting, or other surface.
- Made in South America in a plant the company owns.
Pretzel Shape Bully Sticks
Our Pick: Nature Gnaws Pork Bully Sticks
Some dogs like the curvy pretzel shape of Nature Gnaws Pork Bully Sticks. These thoughtful pork bully pretzels contain no grains, gluten, or rawhide, so you can feel safe feeding them. Ideal for all life stages of small and medium dogs, chewing may also help relieve your dog’s stress or anxiety. Best for moderate chewers, Nature Gnaws is a family-run business. Each bag contains 15 pretzel bully sticks, ideal for multidog households.
Highlights
- Pretzel design is fun and unique to change your dog’s chewing habits.
- Best for smaller or medium breeds.
- Single-ingredient: Pork.
- Supports good dental hygiene.
- Low-odor and gluten-free product.
- Made by a family-run business.
- Naturally scented and bacon-flavored chews.
Things to Consider
- The natural oil may stain your furniture, carpeting, or other surfaces.
- The thickness of each pretzel varies.
Best Bully Stick Holder
Our Pick: Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device
Experts and veterinarians recommend that dogs be supervised when chewing bully sticks. The Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device can help secure bully sticks and other long-lasting chews. Insert the bully stick into the unit, tighten the screw, and watch your dog enjoy the treat. This holder is made in the United States with BPA-free, durable nylon.
Highlights
- This product measures 6.42 x 5.16 x 2.87 inches.
- It helps keep dogs safe while chewing a bully stick.
- It is a sturdy material that keeps bully sticks in place when used properly.
- Provides peace of mind for pet parents.
- This product can be placed in the dishwasher.
- Available in a variety of sizes to accommodate all dogs.
Things to Consider
- Not all bully sticks fit in this unit.
- The Bow Wow Buddy is not a toy but a safety device.
What Are Bully Sticks?
Most bully sticks are made of one ingredient: beef pizzle, which is a bull or calf penis. They have a tough exterior to keep dogs busy without splintering. They are rich in protein and are used to keep dogs busy while scraping tartar or plaque from teeth. They are not low in calories, so follow feeding instructions closely. Always watch your dog when they are consuming a treat.
Considerations When Buying Bully Sticks for Dogs
When you are ready to purchase bully sticks for your dog based on our above list, here are some things to consider:
- The size of your dog: Smaller dogs should not eat larger chews and vice versa to avoid choking.
- The chewing level of your dog: Medium or moderate chewer? Aggressive chewer? Read the packaging carefully.
- Breakable pieces: Most dog treats, including bully sticks, may break off into smaller pieces. Always remove small fragments so your dog cannot choke.
- Grass-fed and free-range cattle: Are the cattle ethically sourced? Are they free-range? Grass-fed? Many companies reveal this information on their packaging or their websites.
- The size and thickness of the bully stick: Choose the thickness carefully so your dog’s mouth size is suitable for that particular chew.
- Shape and style: Does your dog prefer a pretzel shape? Straight? Braided? Like people, dogs have preferences, too.
- Bully stick holder: Always supervise a dog when they eat a chew, even with a bully stick holder, which helps keep the treat in place.
- Brand reputation: Choose brands that provide clear information about their production, country of origin, etc.
More About Dog Treats
If you’d like further information about dog treats, check out our other articles:
