Without question, one thing our four-legged companions love to do, is chew! Can be anything from one of your favorite pair of shoes to the side of your leather couch. Turn your back for just one second, and it is not uncommon to see them gnawing on something.
If only you could find a healthy alternative to this unwanted behavior!
For many dog owners, they have turned to a product that eliminates this behavior and one that actually provides a healthy source of activity. Bully sticks for dogs have become quite popular and have actually replaced the number of questionable treats on the market today.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
Bully Sticks For Dogs: What Exactly, Are They?
Okay, we are all familiar with the more common type of dog treats including bones, biscuits, dental, soft and hard treats, etc. So what are these bully sticks and what makes them different from these common treats? Let’s take a closer look at bully stick in more detail.
How Are Bully Sticks Made?
Bully Sticks for dogs are made from bull penises, yep, you read that correctly. Those companies in the business of producing this product will actually dry this product and add flavor before they are available to dog owners. This process allows the product (also called Pizzles) to retain its original state and flavor.
Unlike your favorite pair of shoes, the Bully Stick actually contains some nutritional value that may provide benefits to your pet. You can find these products as all-natural, which is an added bonus when you consider other treats on the market that provide little to no nutritional value to your pet.
Are They Safe For Your Dog?
This is probably the most important question you should ask as it pertains to the bully stick. In a nutshell, the type or brand that you choose will go a long way in determining how safe it is. Make sure you look at the ‘all-natural’ brands and ones that do not contain any artificial coloring, dyes or harmful chemicals.
With that said, you should always pay close attention when your pet is enjoying the bully stick. The key is to make sure your pet doesn’t bite off or chew too large of a chunk of the stick. Large pieces or chunks can sometimes make it difficult for dogs to swallow, increasing the risk of choking. That explains why monitoring your pet is so important.
There are a number of calories (6 inch stick has over 80 calories) contained within a bully stick that may eventually put on some unwanted pounds on your pet. Like everything else, pet owners would be smart to give their dogs these bully sticks in moderation. In addition, Canine Journal indicated that a small study conducted with bully sticks, showed that some actually contained some bacteria that may cause harm to your pet. Purchasing all-natural bully sticks and ones made from the USA should eliminate these concerns.
What Is The Best Bully Stick For My Dog?
The answer to this question really depends on what type of dog you own. Some dogs tend to devour anything we put in front of them in a matter of seconds. Others like to take more time and will nibble here and there before total consumption takes place. So which bully stick should you choose? Here are a few type of bully sticks (forms) that may make your decision a little easier:
- Straight – ( Great for dogs who like to take some time with their bully stick treat )
- Braided – ( For those dogs who devour their treats, the assertive type )
- Curly – ( Will present a challenge for your dog, but one they will enjoy )
- Rings – ( Ideal for the adult dog )
You should easily be able to find a type of bully stick that will be appropriate for your dog. Hopefully, one of the types mentioned above will do the trick and provide your pet with a stick they will enjoy.
Benefits Of The Bully Stick ( The Good Stuff )
Like any product, consumers may have different opinions on the bully stick. Many veterinarians, dog owners, and myself have seen firsthand the benefits associated with this popular treat. Let’s take a further look at some of these benefits to give you further insight and information:
- Dogs love the taste! Delicious!
- Oral Health – The chewing process is great for the dog’s gums, tartar and plaque build up, and to maintain strong teeth.
- Being all-natural, your pet will find these treats to be easy to digest.
- High in protein which is essential to the overall health of your dog.
- Can be purchased in various forms and sizes.
- Affordable
- Nutritious
- Free from artificial flavors, wheat, grains and soy.
- Long-lasting, keeping your four-legged companion bust.
The Bully Stick … ( The Bad Stuff )
Not a whole lot to say here, but there are a few things you may want to consider before purchasing a bully stick for your pet. Let’s take a look at these below:
- Calories – Bully sticks, as mentioned earlier, do contain a great deal of calories. Not a great source for the overweight dog.
- May contain bacteria that can be harmful. ( Choosing a quality stick reduces this concern. )
- Supervision is highly suggested, making sure your pet is not in danger of choking.
As you can see, the benefits certainly outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to this specific treat.
Without question, the rawhide chew is one that has been very popular with dog owners all over the world. Go to any pet store, and you will find a variety of rawhide chews to choose from. Why then, has the bully stick caught the interest of dog owners and what makes them so different from the classic rawhide chew? Here we go:
Let me ask you a question: If you knew absolutely nothing about the products mentioned above, and were looking to find a healthy treat for your pet, which one would you choose from the details mentioned above? Obviously, the healthier choice is the one to the right or the bully stick.
Chemicals, artificial coloring, zero nutritional value are things I simply don’t want to put in front of my dog. The choice is yours!
In conclusion, I certainly hope this article has been beneficial to you. My hope was to provide you specific information as it pertains to the bully sticks for dogs and help you to make an educated decision when it comes to choosing a healthy treat for your pet. If you have interest in the bully stick, you can find a number of quality products and brands by clicking on the link below.
Shop These Tasty Bully Sticks Here!
Disclaimer
For those unfamiliar with dog food grain-free recipes, there has and is a controversy taking place as I write this article. The FDA has madeetween the grain-free diet and heart disease within dogs. For further information, the American Kennel Club has provided further details. Click here.
Disclaimer
The purpose of this site and articles are intended to provide a source of entertainment and information. As a dog owner and dog lover myself, I enjoy researching dog food products on the market to provide you with helpful insights. I am not a veterinarian nor an animal nutritionist, just a dog owner who wants to provide a healthy lifestyle to their pet. I use my research to express an opinion which may or may not be one you agree with.
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