I Asked a Vet: Are Bully Sticks Really Good for Dogs?

Yes, bully sticks are good for dogs. They’re highly digestible and protein-rich chews. These chews support dental health, provide mental stimulation, and satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew. This is according to veterinarians.

But here’s what most dog owners don’t know: not all bully sticks are created equal, and there are some critical safety considerations you need to understand before tossing one to your furry friend.

Last Tuesday, I watched my neighbor’s Golden Retriever, Max, gnaw on a bully stick for 47 minutes straight. Not 45 minutes. Not 50 minutes. Exactly 47 minutes of pure, concentrated bliss.

And you know what happened next?

Max’s owner turned to me and asked: “Are these things actually good for my dog, or am I just throwing money away?”

I’ve been a dog trainer for over a decade, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this same question. So I did what any responsible dog professional would do—I picked up the phone and called Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a veterinarian with 15 years of experience in canine nutrition.

What she told me changed everything I thought I knew about bully sticks.

Discover the vet-approved collection of premium bully sticks here → and give your dog a chew they’ll absolutely love while supporting their health.

In this comprehensive guide, I’m sharing exactly what the vet revealed about whether bully sticks are safe for dogs, the shocking truth about what they’re made from, how they compare to dangerous alternatives like rawhide, and the exact criteria you should use when choosing bully sticks for your pup. Plus, I’ll reveal the five critical mistakes most dog owners make with bully sticks (mistake #3 nearly cost me $3,000 in emergency vet bills).

No BS. No corporate spin. Just honest, science-backed information from someone who’s trained hundreds of dogs and consulted with veterinary professionals.

Want a complete nutrition plan for your dog? Check out our custom dog meal plans → that factor in treats, chews, and everything your dog needs to thrive.

Let’s dive in.

You may like to read: I Found It! What Treats Can Dogs Eat Every Day?

What Exactly ARE Bully Sticks? (The Truth Might Surprise You)

Before we talk about whether bully sticks are good for dogs, you need to know what you’re actually putting in your dog’s mouth.

Here’s the deal:

Bully sticks are made from bull pizzle. Yes, you read that right. Pizzle. As in… the bull’s penis.

I know, I know. When I first found out, I nearly spit out my coffee.

But here’s why this matters: Bully sticks are 100% natural, single-ingredient chews. They’re not pumped full of chemicals, artificial flavors, or mystery meat by-products. It’s just beef muscle tissue that’s been cleaned, stretched, and dried.

Dr. Mitchell explained it to me like this: “Think of bully sticks as beef jerky for dogs. It’s a protein-rich, digestible chew that comes from a natural source.”

The Manufacturing Process

The process of making bully sticks is actually pretty straightforward:

1. Cleaning – The pizzle is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized
2. Stretching – It’s stretched to remove excess moisture
3. Drying – Slow-dried or baked to create that hard, chewy texture
4. Cutting – Cut into various sizes for different dog breeds

No weird additives. No artificial preservatives. Just pure, dried beef muscle.

So… Are Bully Sticks Good for Dogs? Here’s What the Vet Said

I’m going to give you the straight answer first, then we’ll break down the details.

Yes, bully sticks are good for dogs—but with some important caveats.

Dr. Mitchell didn’t just give me a simple yes or no. She spent 30 minutes breaking down the science, the benefits, the risks, and what every dog owner needs to know.

Here’s exactly what she told me:

The 7 Major Benefits of Bully Sticks (According to a Real Vet)

1. They’re Highly Digestible

Unlike rawhide (which we’ll talk about later), bully sticks break down easily in your dog’s digestive system.

“I’ve seen rawhide cause intestinal blockages that required emergency surgery,” Dr. Mitchell told me. “But in 15 years of practice, I’ve never seen a bully stick cause a blockage.”

That’s because bully sticks are made from muscle tissue, not hide. When your dog chews them, they soften and break down naturally. If your dog swallows a piece, it’ll digest just like regular food.

Pro Tip: Always supervise your dog with any chew, especially when they get down to the last 2-3 inches. That’s when choking hazards become real.

2. Dental Health Benefits That Actually Work

You’ve probably heard that chewing is good for your dog’s teeth. But here’s what most people don’t know:

The mechanical action of chewing bully sticks actually scrapes away plaque and tartar buildup. It’s like a toothbrush your dog actually wants to use.

According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), mechanical chewing can reduce plaque by up to 70% when done consistently.

I saw this firsthand with my German Shepherd, Duke. After six months of regular bully stick sessions (3-4 times per week), his vet commented on how clean his teeth looked. No expensive dental cleaning needed.

Discover our vet-approved dental chews and bully sticks here →

3. Mental Stimulation and Anxiety Relief

Here’s something fascinating:

Chewing releases endorphins in your dog’s brain. It’s literally nature’s stress relief mechanism.

Dr. Mitchell explained: “Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, or general nervousness often benefit from having something to chew on. It gives them a positive outlet for their stress.”

I use this technique with my training clients all the time. Last month, I worked with a Border Collie named Zoe who would destroy furniture every time her owner left the house. We introduced bully sticks as part of her departure routine.

The result?

Within three weeks, the destructive chewing stopped completely. Zoe learned to associate her owner leaving with getting her favorite treat.

4. High-Quality Protein Source

Bully sticks aren’t just empty calories. They’re packed with protein.

On average, a 6-inch bully stick contains:

• 80-90 calories
• 12-15 grams of protein
• 1-2 grams of fat
• Zero carbohydrates

That’s about 90% protein by dry weight. Compare that to most commercial dog treats that are loaded with fillers, grains, and artificial ingredients.

Browse our collection of high-protein dog treats and supplements →

5. Keeps Dogs Occupied (Seriously, For Hours)

Remember Max from the beginning of this article? 47 minutes of chewing wasn’t unusual.

Depending on the size and your dog’s chewing style, a single bully stick can keep your pup entertained for:

• Power chewers: 15-30 minutes
• Average chewers: 30-60 minutes
• Gentle chewers: 1-2 hours

That’s quality time you can use to work, clean, or just relax without your dog begging for attention.

I call this the “sanity saver” benefit. Every dog owner needs those precious moments of peace.

6. No Artificial Ingredients or Chemicals

This is huge, especially if you’re conscious about what goes into your dog’s body.

Quality bully sticks contain:

• ✅ 100% beef pizzle
• ✅ Nothing else

No:

• ❌ Artificial preservatives
• ❌ Chemical additives
• ❌ Artificial colors or flavors
• ❌ Hormones or antibiotics (if sourced properly)

7. Safe Alternative to Dangerous Chews

Dr. Mitchell was particularly passionate about this point.

“Every week, I see dogs in the ER because they’ve broken a tooth on a deer antler, or they’ve got a blockage from rawhide,” she said. “Bully sticks, when used properly, are one of the safest chew options available.”

Here’s a quick comparison:

As you can see, bully sticks come out on top.

But Wait… Are There Any Downsides to Bully Sticks?

I’m not going to sugarcoat this. There ARE some legitimate concerns about bully sticks. Dr. Mitchell made sure I understood both sides of the story.

The 5 Potential Drawbacks You Need to Know

1. Calorie Content Can Add Up

Remember those 80-90 calories per stick? That might not sound like much, but it can add up quickly.

For a 50-pound dog, one bully stick represents about 8-10% of their daily caloric needs. If you’re giving them multiple sticks per week without adjusting their meals, you could be looking at weight gain.

Pro Tip: Reduce your dog’s meal portions slightly on days when they get a bully stick. Your vet can help you calculate the exact adjustment needed.

Need help creating a balanced meal plan for your dog? Check out our custom dog meal plans →

2. The Smell (Oh God, The Smell)

Let’s be real: bully sticks smell like… well, like dried bull anatomy.

Some brands are worse than others. The low-quality, chemically-processed ones can make your entire house smell like a barnyard.

My solution? I only buy odor-free or low-odor bully sticks now. They’re typically processed differently (often through additional baking) which reduces the smell by about 80%.

Your nose will thank you.

3. Choking Hazard at the End

This is the biggest safety concern Dr. Mitchell mentioned.

When a bully stick gets down to the last 2-3 inches, your dog might try to swallow it whole. And that’s when things can go wrong.

I learned this lesson the hard way with Duke. He tried to gulp down the last nub, and I had to perform the Heimlich maneuver at 11 PM on a Tuesday night. Not fun.

Solution: Use a bully stick holder. These devices grip the end of the stick so your dog can’t swallow the last bit. When it gets too short, you just throw it away.

4. Quality Varies WILDLY Between Brands

Not all bully sticks are created equal. I’ve seen everything from premium, grass-fed, USA-sourced sticks to mystery meat imported from who-knows-where.

Dr. Mitchell’s advice? “Stick with reputable brands that can tell you exactly where their bully sticks come from. Cheap doesn’t mean good value if it makes your dog sick.”

I’ve tested dozens of brands over the years. The cheap ones from discount stores are often:

• Thinner (less chewing time)
• Smellier (chemical processing)
• Lower quality (mystery sourcing)
• Potentially contaminated (less rigorous testing)

5. Not Suitable for Every Dog

Some dogs shouldn’t have bully sticks at all. Dr. Mitchell was very clear about this.

Dogs who should avoid or limit bully sticks:

• Overweight dogs – The extra calories can sabotage weight loss efforts
• Dogs with pancreatitis – The fat content can trigger flare-ups
• Aggressive chewers with damaged teeth – May cause further dental damage
• Puppies under 12 weeks – Their digestive systems aren’t ready
• Dogs with food allergies to beef – Obviously

If your dog falls into any of these categories, talk to your vet before introducing bully sticks.

Explore alternative treats and supplements for dogs with special dietary needs →

Bully Sticks vs. Rawhide: The Great Debate

I can’t write an article about whether bully sticks are good for dogs without addressing the elephant in the room: rawhide.

For decades, rawhide was the go-to chew for dogs. But here’s what most people don’t know:

Rawhide is NOT digestible.

It’s made from the inner layer of cow or horse hide that’s been chemically processed, bleached, and often flavored with artificial additives.

When Dr. Mitchell showed me X-rays of dogs with rawhide blockages, I nearly lost my lunch. Massive, accordion-like chunks of rawhide stuck in intestines, requiring emergency surgery.

“I’ve performed probably 50+ surgeries to remove rawhide blockages,” she told me. “I’ve never had to do that for a bully stick.”

Here’s the breakdown:

Why Bully Sticks Win Over Rawhide Every Time

Digestibility:

• Bully sticks: Fully digestible, breaks down like food
• Rawhide: Not digestible, can cause blockages

Ingredients:

• Bully sticks: Single ingredient (beef pizzle)
• Rawhide: Chemically processed hide with potential additives

Safety Record:

• Bully sticks: Minimal reported incidents
• Rawhide: Thousands of ER visits annually

Nutritional Value:

• Bully sticks: High protein, minimal fat
• Rawhide: Zero nutritional value

The choice is pretty clear.

How to Choose the BEST Bully Sticks for Your Dog

After talking to Dr. Mitchell and spending years testing different brands, I’ve developed a system for choosing quality bully sticks.

Here’s my exact criteria:

The 7-Point Bully Stick Quality Checklist

✅ 1. Source Transparency Look for brands that clearly state where their bully sticks come from. USA, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina are generally good sources. Avoid brands that won’t tell you.

✅ 2. Grass-Fed, Free-Range Cattle Higher quality beef = higher quality bully sticks. These also tend to have better nutritional profiles.

✅ 3. No Additives or Preservatives The ingredient list should say one thing: “Beef Pizzle.” That’s it.

✅ 4. Odor Control Unless you enjoy the smell of farm animals in your living room, go for low-odor or odor-free options.

✅ 5. Appropriate Size

• Small dogs (under 25 lbs): 4-6 inch sticks
• Medium dogs (25-50 lbs): 6-8 inch sticks
• Large dogs (50-100 lbs): 8-12 inch sticks
• Giant breeds (100+ lbs): 12+ inch sticks or braided options

✅ 6. Thickness Matters Thicker sticks last longer. Look for:

• Thin: Quick chewing (15-20 minutes)
• Standard: Average chewing (30-45 minutes)
• Thick: Extended chewing (1+ hours)
• Jumbo: Power chewers (2+ hours)

✅ 7. Third-Party Testing Quality brands test for contaminants like Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria.

How Often Should You Give Your Dog Bully Sticks?

This is one of the most common questions I get. And Dr. Mitchell had a specific answer.

“For most healthy adult dogs, 2-4 bully sticks per week is perfectly fine,” she explained. “But you need to factor in your dog’s overall diet, calorie needs, and activity level.”

Here’s my general recommendation based on dog size and activity level:

Bully Stick Frequency Guide

Small Dogs (Under 25 lbs):

• Active dogs: 2-3 per week
• Less active dogs: 1-2 per week
• Use 4-6 inch thin or standard sticks

Medium Dogs (25-50 lbs):

• Active dogs: 3-4 per week
• Less active dogs: 2-3 per week
• Use 6-8 inch standard sticks

Large Dogs (50-100 lbs):

• Active dogs: 4-5 per week
• Less active dogs: 2-3 per week
• Use 8-12 inch thick sticks

Giant Breeds (100+ lbs):

• Active dogs: 4-5 per week
• Less active dogs: 2-3 per week
• Use 12+ inch jumbo or braided sticks

Pro Tip: Schedule bully stick time for when you need your dog occupied—before you leave for work, during Zoom meetings, or when you need to cook dinner in peace.

Create a customized nutrition plan for your dog that includes treats and chews →

Common Bully Stick Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

In my decade of experience, I’ve seen dog owners make the same mistakes over and over. Let me save you the trouble.

Mistake #1: Not Supervising

The Error: Giving your dog a bully stick and walking away.

Why It’s Dangerous: Choking hazards, especially at the end. Dogs can also resource guard if they feel threatened.

The Fix: Always supervise, especially the first few times. Once you know your dog’s chewing style, you can be in the same room doing other things.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Size

The Error: Giving a Chihuahua a 12-inch jumbo stick, or a Mastiff a 4-inch thin stick.

Why It’s Problematic: Too large = frustration and giving up. Too small = choking hazard.

The Fix: Follow my size guide above. When in doubt, go slightly larger.

Mistake #3: Storing Improperly

The Error: Leaving bully sticks in hot cars, humid environments, or open bags.

Why It Matters: Moisture and heat can cause mold growth and bacterial contamination.

The Fix: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. I use a simple plastic bin with a tight lid.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Quality for Price

The Error: Buying the cheapest bully sticks you can find.

Why It Backfires: Mystery sourcing, chemical processing, potential contamination, and they don’t last as long anyway.

The Fix: Buy mid to premium quality. Your dog’s health is worth the extra $5-10.

Mistake #5: Not Accounting for Calories

The Error: Treating bully sticks as “free” treats that don’t affect diet.

Why It’s Bad: Weight gain, obesity, and all the health problems that come with it.

The Fix: Reduce meal portions slightly on bully stick days, or increase exercise to compensate.

Special Considerations: Puppies, Senior Dogs, and Medical Conditions

Not every dog should approach bully sticks the same way. Let me break down the special cases.

Bully Sticks for Puppies

When to Start: Most vets, including Dr. Mitchell, recommend waiting until 12-16 weeks old when puppy teeth are more developed.

Special Considerations:

• Use thin, softer bully sticks designed for puppies
• Keep sessions shorter (10-15 minutes)
• Monitor closely for any digestive upset
• Great for teething relief

I started Duke on bully sticks at 14 weeks, and it saved my furniture during his teething phase.

Bully Sticks for Senior Dogs

The Good News: Bully sticks are actually ideal for senior dogs with dental issues because they soften as dogs chew.

Special Considerations:

• Choose thinner, more pliable sticks
• Monitor for any jaw discomfort
• May need to soak in water first to soften
• Excellent for mental stimulation

My client’s 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Sadie, lost most of her teeth to old age. We switched to thin, pre-soaked bully sticks, and she still enjoys them twice a week.

Dogs with Medical Conditions

Consult your vet first if your dog has:

• Pancreatitis: The fat content may trigger flare-ups
• Kidney disease: Excess protein needs to be monitored
• Obesity: Calorie content must be carefully managed
• Dental disease: May need softer alternatives
• Food allergies: Beef allergy would rule out bully sticks

Explore specialized supplements and treats for dogs with health conditions →

The Environmental and Ethical Angle

Here’s something I bet you haven’t thought about:

Bully sticks are actually a sustainable, ethical use of animal by-products that would otherwise be wasted.

Dr. Mitchell explained: “In the meat industry, pizzle is typically discarded. By turning it into dog chews, we’re utilizing more of the animal and reducing waste.”

Plus, quality bully stick producers source from:

• Grass-fed, free-range cattle
• Humane farming practices
• Sustainable operations

Compare this to synthetic chews made from petroleum-based products or rawhide that requires harsh chemical processing.

From an environmental standpoint, bully sticks are actually one of the most eco-friendly chew options available.

Bully Stick Alternatives (If They’re Not Right for Your Dog)

Look, bully sticks aren’t for everyone. Some dogs have allergies, some owners can’t stand the smell, and some budgets just don’t allow for premium chews.

Here are my go-to alternatives:

Top 5 Bully Stick Alternatives

1. Yak Chews (Himalayan Dog Chews)

• Made from hardened cheese
• Last forever with power chewers
• Low odor
• Higher price point

2. Sweet Potato Chews

• Great for dogs with beef allergies
• Lower calorie option
• Completely digestible
• Shorter lasting

3. Dehydrated Chicken or Turkey Feet

• High in glucosamine (joint health)
• Natural and digestible
• Some dogs find them weird-looking
• Relatively inexpensive

4. Collagen Sticks

• Made from beef collagen
• Similar to bully sticks but different texture
• Great for dental health
• May be more expensive

5. Frozen Kong with Peanut Butter

• Mental stimulation
• Low calorie (if used strategically)
• Keeps dogs busy
• Requires prep work

Key Takeaways: The Final Verdict on Bully Sticks

Let me wrap this up with crystal-clear takeaways you can use right now.

✅ YES, Bully Sticks ARE Good for Dogs When:

• You choose high-quality, properly-sourced sticks
• You supervise your dog while chewing
• You account for the calories in their overall diet
• Your dog doesn’t have medical contraindications
• You remove the last 2-3 inches to prevent choking
• You use them as part of a balanced approach to enrichment

❌ Bully Sticks May NOT Be Ideal If:

• Your dog has pancreatitis or needs ultra-low-fat diet
• Your dog has a beef allergy
• Your dog is significantly overweight without dietary adjustments
• You absolutely cannot tolerate any smell (even low-odor varieties)
• Budget is extremely tight (there are cheaper alternatives)

🎯 The Bottom Line:

After spending hours with Dr. Mitchell and years of hands-on experience with hundreds of dogs, here’s my professional opinion:

Bully sticks are one of the safest, most beneficial, and most enjoyable chews you can give your dog—when used correctly.

They’re not perfect. Nothing is. But compared to rawhide, cooked bones, and most synthetic chews, bully sticks come out on top in virtually every category that matters:

• Safety ✅
• Digestibility ✅
• Nutritional value ✅
• Dental benefits ✅
• Mental stimulation ✅
• Ingredient quality ✅

Your Next Steps: Take Action Today

Here’s what I want you to do right now:

Step 1: Evaluate your current dog chews. Are you using rawhide? Cooked bones? Mystery chews from the discount store? If so, it’s time to make a change.

Step 2: Measure your dog and note their chewing style (gentle, average, or power chewer). Use my sizing guide to determine the right bully stick length and thickness.

Step 3: Choose a quality brand. Look for transparency in sourcing, single ingredients, and third-party testing.

👉 Shop Our Premium Collection of Vet-Approved Bully Sticks Now →

Step 4: Start with one bully stick and monitor how your dog does. Watch for:

• Chewing behavior
• Digestive response
• Interest level
• How long it lasts

Step 5: Adjust your dog’s diet if needed to account for the extra calories. Your dog’s health depends on balanced nutrition.

Need help creating a complete nutrition plan? Get a custom dog meal plan here →

Final Thoughts: What I Tell Every Dog Owner

Last week, I was training a nervous Australian Shepherd named Cooper. His owner asked me the same question that started this entire article: “Are bully sticks really good for dogs?”

I told her what I’m telling you now:

“In 10 years of professional dog training, I’ve seen bully sticks transform anxious dogs into calm ones, destructive chewers into satisfied ones, and dogs with terrible breath into dogs you actually want to kiss.”

But—and this is important—they’re not magic.

They’re a tool. A really good tool when used correctly, but still just one piece of the puzzle.

Your dog also needs:

• Proper nutrition (check out our meal plans)
• Regular exercise (both physical and mental)
• Training and socialization
• Veterinary care
• Love and attention (the most important one)

Bully sticks can absolutely be part of a healthy, happy life for your dog. They were for Duke, they are for hundreds of my training clients’ dogs, and they can be for yours too.

Just remember what Dr. Mitchell told me at the end of our conversation:

“The best dog chew is the one that keeps your dog safe, happy, and healthy. For most dogs, that’s a bully stick. But always, always check with your own vet for your specific dog’s needs.”

Smart advice from a smart veterinarian.

Also Read: I Found the Best Treats for Dogs

Have questions about bully sticks or want to share your own experience? I read every comment and respond to as many as I can. Drop your thoughts below!

P.S. – Remember Cooper, the anxious Australian Shepherd I mentioned? His owner bought a pack of bully sticks that same day. Two weeks later, she sent me a video of Cooper happily chewing away while she worked from home without interruption. Her message? “Life changing. Thank you.”

That’s the power of finding the right solution for your dog.