Best Bully Sticks: What are Bully Sticks Made From?

Bully sticks are one of the most popular natural dog chews in Canada. In addition to their long-lasting nature and drool-worthy flavour (to dogs, that is), bully sticks are also one of the safest chew treats. So just what are bully sticks made of? Buckle up, because you are about to find out. Plus you'll learn all about picking the best bully sticks, bully stick safety and feeding tips.

Whether your dog is a bully stick enthusiast, or you are just discovering this popular chew for dogs, stick around to get answers to the most asked bully stick questions and learn pretty interesting facts about this amazing natural chew.

• • What bully sticks are really made of (brace yourselves)
  • Basic bully stick safety and feeding tips 
  • The best bully sticks in Canada

Known for their natural flavour and long-lasting nature, bully sticks satisfy a dog’s natural urge to chew, which helps keep their teeth clean and gums healthy. Plus, they’re made from a single ingredient, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for many dogs.

Before you start filling your cart with the best bully sticks in Canada, it's important to understand what they are and how to safely feed them to your pooch. Read on to find out the benefits, risks,  and nutritional facts of the best bully sticks in Canada.

Just remember to supervise your pup while they enjoy their bully stick to ensure safe chewing.

What are Bully Sticks Made Of?

So let's just dive right in and rip off the band-aid. Bully sticks are made from bull penises. They are stretched and then dried at a low temperature to remove moisture and give them their durable but satisfying texture.

What!?!?

Yep, you read correctly. It may sound a little unpleasant, but it's a nutritious and safe natural chew that dogs absolutely love. Now that you are done cringing, here are some more facts about bully sticks for dogs.

Bully sticks are a single-ingredient product that is 100% natural and is a safer alternative to rawhide chews and cooked bones. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes to help you choose the perfect long-lasting chew for your pup. Some are as small as 4", which might be perfect for a small breed or young teething puppy, while the 12"+ options may be best suited for giant canines and aggressive chewers.

What's in a name? Would a bully stick by any other name still... well, you get the idea. There are many names for the best bully sticks, so you may have already been giving your dog these natural, grass-fed cattle treats without even realizing it.

Here are some other popular names for bully sticks:

• • Bull Sticks
  • Bully Bites
  • Bull Pizzle Sticks
  • Pizzle
  • Bull Pizzle
  • Steer Sticks

As a long-lasting natural chew,  bully sticks are unsurprisingly one of the best-selling dog chews in Canada. As long as the treats are made from single-ingredient bull, uh... parts, these chews are a safe and tasty way to keep your dog occupied and get in a good jaw workout.

How Are Bully Sticks Made?

Though manufacturing processes differ between brands, the best bully sticks are generally stretched or shaped, and then dried in a low-temperature oven to remove the moisture and eliminate bacteria. It's also common for bully sticks from different brands to look a little different from each other depending on their manufacturing process.

Some bully sticks are cooked at higher temperatures and end up with a much darker colour and an almost crystallized or hollow interior. These tend to be more cost-effective, but also may not be as robust.

Additionally, bull sticks aren't always sticks. Yes, this is the most common format, but bull pizzle can be stretched and shaped into a wide range of things, like rings, pretzels, canes, spirals, and more.

Different shapes can be a good way to encourage chewing in different areas of the mouth, and can even be longer lasting because your dog will need to spend time figuring out how to hold the chew and get the right angle.

How Do They Make Bully Sticks Odor Free?

If you've never smelled a bully stick before, then we have to tell you - it's an experience - and not a good one. Odour-reduced and odour-free bully sticks are a popular option for pet owners who like to feed chews in the house but don't want to have their stomachs turned by the pungent odour of the chew.

The most common and safest way to reduce odour from bully sticks is to dry them for longer, at low temperatures of course. The more moisture you remove, the less odour the bull stick will harbour. Fortunately, the less stinky options don't seem to bother dogs, so it's a win-win for their humans.

Odour-free bully sticks, although an enticing idea, aren't actually 100% odour-free. It's more like - drastically odour-reduced. And while the chew can still give off a little funk when your dog chews on it, it won't be nearly as bad as a full odour bull pizzle.

Are Bully Sticks Safe?

One of the first questions that most pet parents ask when considering new chews is - is it safe? There are a lot of types of natural chews out there, and even though no chew is completely without risk, some chews have more risks than benefits.

Rawhides and cooked bones can have some particularly scary risks, so it's no surprise that many pet owners opt for safer and easier-to-digest chews like bully sticks.

Are Bully Sticks the Safest Long Lasting Chew for Dogs?

Yes, bully sticks are one of the safest natural chews for dogs, but it's important to note that there is zero risk.

All chews have some level of risk. No matter how big or small, hard or soft, all chews have the potential to be dangerous. It's never recommended to leave your pet unsupervised with a chew. Even the most experienced chewers can get overzealous and try to gulp something that is too big, swallow, or dense to digest.

That being said, bully sticks are one of the safest natural chews for dogs. When properly chewed, bully sticks are easy to digest and safe for healthy teeth.

Bully sticks are safe for puppies, too. Unlike cooked bones, antlers, and yak cheese which may be too hard and risk damaging your puppy's delicate teeth, bully sticks are just the right amount of density and pliability to be safe for those fragile baby teeth to munch on.

Benefits of Bully Sticks

First and foremost, are bully sticks ok for dogs? Yes! Not only are they safe, but they offer several benefits to your dog's mental and physical health. Here are a few of the top reasons why we recommend bully sticks for dogs:

A Tasty Distraction

The top reason why bully sticks are a recommended chew is because they're long-lasting for most dogs. Sure, some dogs basically have a wood chipper for a mouth, but the average dog will get 15-30 minutes out of a bully chew, and some even longer.

They are excellent as a distraction treat for dogs that love to chew, can be used to encourage downtime in a kennel or quiet space in the house, or can be used to distract your dog from traffic and changes happening in your home.

Reduce Boredom and Anxiety

If you have a dog that acts out destructively out of boredom or anxiety, then bully sticks could be a great tool for helping your dog learn to occupy their downtime with more productive and safer activities.  

An almost universally appealing chewy, the best bully sticks are distracting enough for any dog and provide a positive outlet for your dog while you are busy with something else. No more chewed furniture, no more whining - at least for a little while!

Avoid rewarding bad behaviour by offering a bull stick after the negative behaviour is displayed. Instead, act preventatively and build a routine of safe chewing. Dogs that are both mentally and physically stimulated are less likely to display destructive chewing behaviours.

Good Dental Health

Chewing is a great way to support your dog's dental health, and bully sticks are one of the best natural chews in Canada. As they chew, the bully sticks can help to scrape away bacteria and food debris that can settle at the gumline and cause bad breath and other dental issues.

Bully sticks are not a replacement for regular dog tooth brushing, but can complement your dog's dental care routine and help to prevent dental issues over time.

Healthy Protein Boost

As a single animal ingredient treat, bully sticks offer a tasty boost of protein and calories, which can be a great way to help supplement the diet of a growing or active dog breed. Though bully sticks and other chews should not be a replacement for a complete and balanced dog diet, they can be a useful tool for buffering extra nutrients on days of higher-than-average activity.

Growing puppies can also use an extra boost of healthy animal protein during growth spurts. Larger breeds have a lot of growing to do in a short time, and it can be challenging to keep up with frequent meal adjustments to accommodate and help maintain their growth rate and muscle development.

Best Bully Sticks Canada

Over the years bully sticks have become more and more popular in Canada, which is there are so many options to choose from. No matter how big or small, how young or old, how powerful or dainty, Homes Alive Pets can help you find the right bull stick to keep your dog happy and occupied.

We picked our top-selling bully sticks including bully sticks Canada, bully sticks for large breeds, and bulk bully sticks for pet parents looking to save money and never run out. 

1. Eldon's Free Range Odourless Bully Sticks

Eldon’s Bully Sticks are premium, all-natural dog chews made from high-quality, free-range beef sourced from Brazil. These single-ingredient chews are perfect for satisfying your dog’s natural chewing instincts while promoting dental health by helping to scrape away plaque and tartar.

Eldon’s Bully Sticks come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit dogs of all breeds and chewing preferences. You can choose bully sticks by length, offered in both 6-inch or 12-inch bully sticks, and select the most appropriate width, from small to jumbo pizzle sticks, to find the chew that will give your dog the long lasting chewing experience they crave.

Sold exclusively at Homes Alive Pets, Eldon's Bully Sticks are our number-one-selling bull stick chews. You'll always find our shelves well stocked and our prices hard to beat. Shop individual bully sticks or buy in bulk to save up to 20% off odourless bully sticks in Canada.

2. Puppy Love Canadian Bully Chews

Puppy Love offers a variety of natural pizzle chews that are perfect for satisfying your dog’s chewing needs, including the popular Puppy Love Beef Curly, Beef Barbell Chew, and Beef Cane Jr. These bully sticks are sourced and manufactured right here in Canada.

Each of these unique designs adds an extra challenge for your dog, making it an excellent option for keeping them entertained while also helping to support dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar as they chew.

Puppy Love pizzle chews are made from high-quality, natural Canadian beef and contain no artificial additives or preservatives, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable treat for your furry friend.

3. ValuePack Bully Sticks

ValuePack Bully Sticks are an affordable yet high-quality chew option sold exclusively available through Homes Alive Pets. These bully sticks are made from 100% beef pizzle, providing a single-ingredient treat that’s rich in natural flavour and packed with protein.

Sourced from premium, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free beef, ValuePack Bully Sticks are a safe and wholesome choice for dogs of all breeds and sizes. They help satisfy your dog’s instinct to chew while supporting dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, ValuePack Bully Sticks cater to different chewing needs, whether you have a small dog that prefers a softer chew or a powerful chewer that loves a challenge.

4. Red Barn Bully Rings

Red Barn Bully Rings are a unique and enticing treat crafted from high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Made from 100% beef, these bully rings offer a satisfying chew that is both durable and delicious. They are free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and grains, making them suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

The shape of the Bully Ring provides an engaging challenge for your dog, keeping them entertained while they chew. In addition to being a tasty reward, Red Barn Bully Rings promote dental health by helping to reduce plaque and tartar buildup as dogs gnaw on them.

5. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Bully Sticks

One of the most unique types of bully sticks on our list is the Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Bully Sticks. They are a high-quality, protein-rich treat designed to support your dog's health and well-being.

Made from 100% grass-fed beef, these bully sticks are freeze-dried to lock in essential nutrients while providing a satisfying chew that promotes dental health. They are a great choice for dogs that are new to bully sticks and are just learning how to chew safely, and for young puppies and seniors who may have more delicate teeth.

The freeze-drying process leaves a less dense final product, so they won't be a long lasting chew for most dogs, especially those that are already experienced chewers, but they will still offer many of the same benefits as traditional bully chews.

Bully Stick Alternatives

Although bully sticks are one of the most popular options for dogs that love to chew, over time dogs can get bored of eating the same natural chew. If your dog loves bully sticks but you are looking for ways to diversify their chew offerings, there are a wide variety of natural chews that are similar to bully sticks, and just as safe.

Offering a range of chews can be beneficial for many reasons, most notably, changing up your dog's chews can prevent them from learning how to demolish their chews faster and faster.

By choosing different shapes and textures, your dog will have to learn to use different parts of the mouth, tongue, and paws to properly position the chew. This will keep them mentally sharp and offer more dental benefits than just sticking to one type of chew.

Here are a few great bully stick alternatives:

• • Eldon's Beef Tendons
  • Eldon's Bladder Sticks
  • Unbelievabulls Beef Cheek Chews
  • Eldon's Beef Chomper Esophagus Chews
  • Puppy Love Beef Backstrap

Beef Free Bully Sticks

Need a beef-free bully stick for your dog with beef allergies or sensitivities? Dog treats like bully sticks can also be made from bison, but due to frequent supply shortages, especially in Canada, these can be a lot more expensive than beef bully sticks and difficult to find.

Also, while a delicious chew for dogs, bison bully sticks can have a stronger natural odour than beef bully sticks do. You might be better off with a different kind of natural chew treat, like a Bison Backstrap, Raw Elk Bones or Fish Skins.

These novel protein chew can provide your dog with a comparable chewing experience while still avoiding common dog food allergies.

Tips for Feeding Bully Sticks for Dogs

You may have heard some unsettling things about bully sticks for dogs in the news or on the internet. While chewy bully sticks for dogs have been the target of some concern with pet owners, many of these concerns can be remedied with appropriate use and additional information.

Here are a few tips to keep bully sticks safe for dogs:

Always Supervise

It's important to note that any natural dog treats (or dog toy, for that matter) can be a choking hazard if you are feeding the incorrect size or shape. Always monitor your pets to ensure that they are chewing properly and safely and not trying to swallow large pieces of the treat.

Most dogs eat the bully slowly but some might try to wolf it down. Durable dog toys, like bully stick holders, are a great way to stop your dog from swallowing the end piece of the chew. These toys are designed to securely grip the bull stick, preventing your dog from ever putting the whole chew in their mouth.

Feed the Right Size

When it comes to chews, choosing the appropriate size for your dog and their chewing habits is key. If your dog's bully sticks are too big, they may be getting more calories than they need and could even increase the risk of tooth damage if they can't chew with the right teeth.

Dogs need to use their powerful and sharp back teeth to safely chew these robust sticks, but if the chew is too big to get their mouth around, they may try to chew with their smaller and more delicate front teeth. Alternatively, offering your dog a bully stick that is too small could lead to them trying to swallow large pieces of the chew, making them a potential choking risk.

Thickness also matters. If the goal is to give your dog something to occupy them, the thin or brittle bully sticks are simply not going to last as long. This type may be fine for small breeds and more casual chewers, but big pups and power chewers will need something thick and dense to keep them busy.

Watch the Calories

Bully sticks are moderately dense in calories, but the quality of those calories is high. The best bully sticks for dogs are single-ingredient, high in protein, and low in fat. That being said, you do need to take these extra calories and nutrients into account, especially if your dog is on a diet.

Bully sticks for dogs typically have between 9-22 calories per inch, depending on the width and density. So if your dog is eating bully sticks every day, you may need to keep a close eye on their weight and be prepared to cut back if unwanted weight gain occurs.

For overweight dogs, you may need to reduce the amount of other treats and snacks they get throughout the day and make sure bully sticks are given on days when extra exercise and playtime are scheduled.

Wash Your Hands

It's important to practice safe handling habits with any dog treats or food. All dog treats and natural chews could have some bacteria on them, so even though your dog can safely consume these treats, our bodies don't handle the bacteria as well.

After touching your dog's bully chew, wash your hands. It's also a good idea to only let them chew their snack on easy-to-wash surfaces or their own bedding. Crates, dog beds, dog blankets, or even outdoors are all great places to help limit your interaction with these yucky chews.

Best Bully Stick Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bully Sticks a Good Chew for Dogs?

Bully sticks or bull pizzle are a good chew for your dog if you are seeking a high protein chew stick that supports muscle development and maintenance, as well as weight loss. Dogs love to chew bully sticks! Plus, the sticks are a long lasting chew.

How Long Do Bully Sticks Last?

Wondering how long a bully stick will last your dog? Well, we can't really tell you that. No dog is the same. All dogs have different eating habits.

Determining how long a chew will last depends on many factors such as the size of the chew and the dog chewing style If you are seeking long lasting chews then bully sticks are ideal, especially compared to pig ears.

How Often Should I Give My Dog Bully Sticks?

As much as dogs love bully chews, you may find that it is difficult to limit calories when you are feeding these chews daily. Feeding bully sticks every other day or a couple of times per week can help you limit calories over time and offer more substantial and longer-lasting chewing experiences. 

Do Bully Sticks Contain Animal By-Products?

Single-ingredient bully sticks for dogs do not contain animal by-products in the way we think of by-products in food, but they are technically classified as animal by-products themselves. This doesn't mean they are bad though, so don't get scared by the unflattering classification.

Can Bully Sticks Spread Bacteria?

Like any natural treatment, the risk of bacterial contamination is there. A scientific study with a small sampling of 26 different bull pizzle products has confirmed the presence of bacteria (according to this press release) such as Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli in a minority of the chewy sticks sampled.

However, your dogs can handle a lot more bacteria than ours can. Unless really your pet is immuno-compromised, consuming these bacteria is unlikely to affect your dog. Bacteria is a risk in all pet treats and food, so bully sticks are no more or less dangerous.