What are Bully Sticks?
One of the top questions among dog lovers is: “What is a bully stick?” Sure, dogs enjoy them, but are they really the right choice?
Many dog owners I’ve seen buy bully sticks for their dogs without really understanding what they are. They don’t know what they’re giving their dogs.
It’s important to understand exactly what we’re feeding our pets. Those who know about bully sticks tend to love their dogs dearly. One reason people avoid discussing bully sticks is that they are made from a bull’s most private organ.
Yes, a bully stick is a single-ingredient treat made from the penis of a bull or steer. It’s referred to by different names for easier understanding—some call it a pizzle. In the eyes of dog owners, the bully stick is a long-lasting chew product for dogs. It’s often considered a magical item for keeping dogs entertained or away from trouble. Depending on the strength of your dog’s chewing habits, it can last from a few hours to several days.
Bully sticks have gained popularity across all dog breeds, shapes, and ages. Many dogs find them irresistible. Even dogs that don’t typically enjoy eating meat seem to love bully sticks, showing just how popular they are.
How are Bully Sticks made?
Have you ever wondered about the process behind the creation of the bully stick that your dog loves? Many of us don’t think about it. We don’t know where it comes from or how it’s made.
It’s important to have knowledge about this. Otherwise, we might fail to provide our pets with healthy treats. It’s our responsibility to understand our dog’s diet, including everything we give them. Otherwise, we won’t feel confident about it.
Here’s how bully sticks are made:
Gathering Raw Materials:
Since this particular organ of the bull is used for pet treats, it’s collected directly from meat processors. As a raw product, it must be kept fresh during transportation, so it’s usually shipped in refrigerated trucks. Remember, the fresher the product, the higher quality the treat.
There are various types of treats made from different parts of the bull or cow, and these materials are often transported together.
Washing and Cleaning:
Because it’s a special organ, it must be 100% safe for consumption. Excess fat is trimmed off, and the remaining parts are thoroughly washed.
Since the pizzles are flexible in their raw state, they can be shaped now before cooking. This is the stage where the bully stick gets its shape, as it can’t be adjusted after cooking due to its firmness.
The bully sticks are hung up because they shrink during cooking. Hooks are placed on both ends to maintain their shape while cooking. This allows them to be cut to the proper size later.
Oven Drying:
The drying process takes several days, with the sticks being cooked at temperatures between 165°F and 195°F. The pizzles are carefully separated to preserve their quality. If they aren’t fully dried, the risk of bacterial contamination increases significantly, which could spoil the product.
Cutting to Size:
Once cooked, the bully sticks are trimmed to their final size, usually between 24 to 36 inches long. Some people request custom sizes for their dogs.
Bully sticks are trimmed and sorted according to thickness, as manufacturers have standard weight categories. This allows you to choose the right size for your dog.
The average shelf life of a bully stick, when stored properly, is about 1.5 years. Manufacturers recommend storing them in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to preserve freshness. Low humidity is key to keeping bully sticks fresh for a long time.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate bully sticks and thaw them before use, making them a great summer treat for dogs.
Benefits of Bully Sticks
Those of us who buy bully sticks for our dogs may think it’s just a treat to keep them occupied, but there are actually other benefits.
Single Ingredient:
Bully sticks are made from a single ingredient with no added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This makes them ideal for dogs with allergies, and they are easy to digest, especially if your dog tolerates beef well.
Highly Digestible:
Unlike other foods, bully sticks are highly digestible, breaking down quickly in the stomach. If your dog can tolerate meat, they’ll likely have no issues with bully sticks.
Mental Stimulation:
Bully sticks provide mental stimulation for dogs. They help combat destructive behaviors caused by boredom, especially in puppies that chew on household items. Bully sticks satisfy their chewing needs.
Fits Most Diets:
Bully sticks are natural products and are suitable for most dogs, even those on a diet. Some owners who feed raw diets use bully sticks as a safe alternative to raw pizzle.
Dental Health:
Bully sticks act like a natural toothbrush, helping to clean teeth and gums. They prevent plaque buildup and protect against harmful bacteria.
Eco-Friendly:
Bully sticks are environmentally friendly. Since pizzles are typically considered a waste product, using them as dog treats reduces waste and helps balance the environment.
Bully Sticks and Dental Care
The mouth is a vital part of every animal’s health. 60% of diseases in animals are caused by poor oral hygiene. Common signs of dental disease include bad breath, gum bleeding, and difficulty eating. According to veterinarians, 80% of dogs over four years old show signs of dental disease.
Thankfully, using bully sticks helps maintain strong and healthy gums in dogs. They act as a defense against oral bacteria.
Removes Plaque and Tartar:
Bully sticks help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. Regular use ensures cleaner teeth and healthier gums.
Bully Stick Nutrition
High Protein, Low Fat:
Bully sticks are low in fat because the fat is removed during processing, but they are high in protein, making them a great source of amino acids.
How Long Do Bully Sticks Last?
The durability of a bully stick depends on the size of the dog and the stick itself. Strong chewers may go through them quickly, while others may take hours or days.
Chewing Tendency and Shape:
Different shapes and thicknesses affect how long a bully stick lasts. Curly bully sticks tend to last longer because they’re made from multiple pizzles.
Are Bully Sticks Safe?
Yes, bully sticks are 100% safe and digestible. Unlike bones, they won’t splinter or cause injury.
Why Do Bully Sticks Smell?
Bully sticks can be smelly due to moisture content. The more moisture retained during cooking, the stronger the smell.
Are There Bacteria in Bully Sticks?
Studies have found some bacteria in bully sticks, but these are not generally harmful to humans or animals. Still, it’s a good practice to wash your hands after handling them.
For Puppies and Seniors
Bully sticks are great for teething puppies, helping to ease gum pain and prevent them from chewing on household items. For senior dogs, smaller and thinner bully sticks are recommended, as thicker sticks may be too hard on their teeth and gums.