What Are Bully Sticks?

Pet stores are filled with dog toys and chews, but few raise eyebrows and prompt questions as to their origins as bully sticks can. The unattractive, intriguing dog chew has gained popularity over the past few years due to its simple pleasure: first-rate chewing for your dog.

  1. Identification

    • Bully sticks are all-natural chew toys that are made from bull penises. They are highly digestible and low in fat.

    Origin and Processing

    • Bull penises are usually 22-25 inches long in their natural state. After the bull has been slaughtered, the penis is removed and is hung vertically until all fluids contained have been drained. The draining of the fluids causes the final product to be odorless.

      The bull penis is then stretched to approximately 30-40 inches long. It is sterilized and usually dipped in a natural liquid smoke product. The bully stick can be shipped to pet suppliers at full length, cut into sections, shaped into rings, braided or knotted into the shape of a bone.

    Significance

    • Bully sticks can be enjoyed longer than many other dog chews. They can last as long as a couple of weeks when chewed by very small dog breeds or may be consumed by a large-breed dog in a few hours. That is quite an impressive time for a chew to last, compared to many other so-called long-lasting chews that can be eaten in a matter of minutes.

    Benefits

    • Bully sticks are an excellent way for a dog to satisfy its natural need to chew. They can help clean the dog's teeth and gums, assisting in fighting off plaque and gingivitis. Boredom can be a problem in dogs, and long-lasting, smoke-flavored bully sticks can keep their attention for hours, keeping them away from your shoes. Many other types of chew toys and treats are made of compressed pieces that break apart easily and shorten the chew time. Other chew toys may be made of fabric that can be torn open in a matter of seconds by a dog with a strong bite.

    Considerations

    • Bully sticks are considered more safe to chew than conventional rawhide, according to their manufacturers, due to the fact that they are 100 percent digestible and do not break into large chunks. No dog treat can claim complete safety.