{"id":1919,"date":"2022-07-15T11:54:16","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T11:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging2.kipandtwiggys.com\/?p=1919"},"modified":"2022-09-18T12:50:57","modified_gmt":"2022-09-18T12:50:57","slug":"bully-sticks-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kipandtwiggys.com\/bully-sticks-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Truth About Bully Sticks for Dogs (by Jo the Vet)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bully sticks for dogs seem to be all the rage, but did you know what they really are? Beef or steer pizzle (penis)! So many people have no idea, and while it might be something that grosses you out, your dog certainly won’t complain. So maybe you’re thinking, why would you want to buy something like this? What are the benefits for your dog? And are there any risks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will explore both the benefits and the controversies of this unusual treat, so you can make an informed decision whether it’s a good choice for your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Key facts<\/span><\/h2>

The pro’s & con’s of bully sticks<\/h4><\/div>

Bully sticks (also known as pizzle sticks, or bull pizzles) are made of bull penises<\/p>

They are a tough chew — excellent for oral health and releasing endorphins<\/p>

They are high in calories so you should only feed one or two a week max<\/p>

Bully sticks can carry harmful bacteria including salmonella — reduce the risk by buying from reliable sources and always wash your hands after handling<\/p>

Bully sticks stink! Great for dogs but not necessarily great for owners<\/p>

They are highly digestible, meaning the risk of intestinal blockage is low<\/p>

If large chunks are bitten off this can create a choking hazard — reduce the risk by supervising your dog and removing the final piece<\/p>

It’s OK to give them to puppies (but only for 5-10 minutes at a time)<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What are Bully Sticks?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bully sticks are made from beef or steer penis which has been stretched and twisted, before being dried. The drying process is usually through dehydration, however sometimes they are baked or smoked instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some will also have been treated with chemicals or irradiated to kill off harmful bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once fully dry, they are cut into 6-, 12- or 30-inch pieces and packaged, ready to feed your dog as a treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Benefits of Bully Sticks for Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Key benefits<\/h3><\/div>

Dental Health<\/strong>
Bully sticks remove tartar, reduce bacteria on teeth and promote strong jaw muscles. They can provide hours of chew time.<\/p>

Mental Health<\/strong>
As with any long lasting chew, bully sticks stimulate a release of endorphins, promoting good mental health.<\/p>

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Oral Health Benefits of Bull Pizzles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the main benefits that attract pet parents to bully sticks are the oral health benefits. Bully sticks are pretty tough, and will give even strong chewing dogs a good 30 minutes of chewing time. Smaller dogs may even get a few hours or days out of a bully stick. All that chewing is great for teeth, due to the mechanical abrasion which helps remove tartar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health Benefits of Pizzle Sticks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to that, chewing and licking stimulates a release of endorphins, which reduce anxiety and provide loads of mental stimulation. So if you have a dog with phobias or separation anxiety, bully sticks (or any long lasting chew for that matter) could help them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Nutritional Information for Bully Sticks<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nutrients & Compounds<\/h3><\/div>
Nutrients<\/div><\/div>
% <\/div><\/div><\/div>
Protein<\/div><\/div>
80-90<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fat<\/div><\/div>
3<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Compounds<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Cholesterol<\/div><\/div>
Low<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bully sticks are pretty nutritious. They are primarily made up of protein (around 80-90%, and are low in fat (approximately 3%) and low in cholesterol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Don’t Overfeed<\/h3>

Bully sticks are extremely high in calories. The mean caloric density of a bully stick is 15 kcal\/inch<\/a>, which means a small, 6-inch bully stick is approximately 90 calories! To put that into perspective, that could be anywhere between nine and 30 percent of the daily calorie requirement for a dog, depending on the size. That’s a lot for a treat.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Feeding Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pizzles should only be given as part of a balanced diet. And since they make up a large percentage of daily calories, are not suitable as a daily treat. You might therefore wish to just give bully sticks on special occasions, or alternatively give a maximum of one or two a week. But remember, those calories need to be taken from somewhere, so on the days your dog gets a bully stick, give him less food in his bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Safety Information<\/h3>

The main risk associated with bully sticks for dogs are from bacterial contamination. Try to source bully sticks from reputable companies with safe manufacturing processes. And always wash you hands after handling them. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial contamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs have much stronger stomach than humans, and can tolerate bacterial contamination to some degree. However, sometimes it can cause stomach upsets, and symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. This can be avoided by buying bully sticks from reputable companies, who put them through some form of processing and manufacture dog treats in a hygienic establishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as being highly calorific, bully sticks have gained some bad press for being contaminated with bacteria. Naturally, any product which is ‘all-natural’ will have had minimal processing, which means harmful bacteria can still remain on it. The more processed it is (for example, irradiation, baking at a high heat, or using chemicals to sanitise it), the safer it is from contamination. But those processes take away from the fact that one of the most common reasons why people like bully sticks is that they are natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you’re going to be giving your dog bully sticks, remember to wash your hands afterwards, and sanitise where they ate, as these bacteria can cause serious illness in young, old and immune-compromised individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2018: A Major recall<\/h3>

Did yOu know?<\/h4><\/div>

In 2018, the FDA announced a major recall<\/a> of thousands of bully sticks due to contamination with Salmonella. But Salmonella is not the only bacteria which has been associated with bully sticks in the past. A study in 2013<\/a> showed out of 26 bully sticks, three were contaminated, each with a different type of bacteria; Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli. Those are some dangerous pathogens!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Choking <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a pizzle stick becomes small enough to swallow whole, it becomes a hazard. If it reaches the stomach, it shouldn’t cause a problem, as they are fully digestible. However, prior to the stomach it can become lodged in the throat, which can cause serious choking incidents. Therefore, when it becomes small, take the last bit away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beef Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bully sticks are made up mainly of protein, so if your dog suffers with beef allergies, it will certainly cause adverse effects. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid If…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to these risks, since bully sticks are very high in calories, they should not be given to dogs who are overweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Are Bully Sticks Unpleasant to Have in the House?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most bully sticks for dogs stink! The very natural, unprocessed ones have an extremely strong odour to them, and you will most certainly want your dog to eat it outside only. However, some bully stick producers claim they have no odour. These ones will have been more processed, and once chewed will still smell, although to a lesser degree. However, they will be significantly more tolerable than the most natural ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Bully Sticks for Puppies<\/span><\/h2><\/div>
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Limit Chew Time<\/h4>

Dogs of any age can chew bully sticks. They are hard, but not so hard that they will damage puppy teeth. Therefore they are great for your puppy to gnaw out his teething frustrations on.<\/p>

However, puppies have a more sensitive stomach than adults, and therefore you should take away the bully stick after five to 10 minutes of chew time.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Alternatives to Bully Sticks<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thinking about buying your dog bully sticks, but not fully sold on the idea? Here are some alternatives which you might want to think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n