How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick? Puppies should chew on a bully stick no more than twice a day, and no more than 30 minutes at a time.
If you are asking this title question, you have no doubt already purchased, or at least heard of these items, but you may have some really smart questions pertaining to their use and safety.
These are the questions we will attempt to answer in detail in the article below.
To help you become more familiar with bully sticks and how and why they are used, here we will first define the products and explain the materials/substances from which they are made.
We will also talk about their nutritious value and safety, and outline how they should be used, including the time parameters for which puppies should have access to them.
All About Bully Sticks
While not everyone knows all of the particulars with respect to bully sticks, one of the aspects of the product that seems to be very well-known, at least according to the thousands of posts in cyberspace, is that both dogs and puppies seem to love and crave them.
Bully sticks first came into prominence about the time that rawhide dog chews were getting a well-deserved bad rap for the possible dangers they pose.
Although rawhide dog chews are certainly tough and durable, dog lovers began to find out that, after heavy use, these popular treats could crack and splinter, potentially causing a choking hazard or damage to a dog’s teeth and gums.
Inventors quickly went to work to come up with a better, safer alternative to rawhide, and the bully stick was born.
What Are Bully Sticks and What Are They Made Of?
So what exactly are bully sticks and are they deserving of their stellar reputation?
The answer to that second question is ultimately in the eye of the beholder, but so far the products certainly seem to be measuring up to all the hype.
A bully stick is a treat you give your dog, but it is also much more than just a treat.
Bully sticks are long-lasting dog chews that can help puppies who are teething and give older dogs something to chew on and occupy their time—time that could otherwise be spent chewing on your favorite pair of shoes.
Like its name implies, Bully sticks are dog chews that are made from bulls—the penis of a bull (yes, you heard right).
Although some extra, but very natural seasonings and coatings can be used on a bully stick, at the heart of it all is a dried-out, completely dehydrated bull’s penis.
Now, we know what you are probably saying, “it sounds disgusting.” Okay, we will give you that.
However, the product is actually very nutritious and a great source of protein, especially in younger dogs.
Bully sticks are also very natural and, because of this all-natural makeup, they are additionally very safe.
Although pieces of the bully stick can be gnawed-off eventually with regular use, these pieces are safe to eat and very softened from chewing.
They pose less risk to the mouth and gums of a dog, and they will not cause a bowel obstruction—a condition that can potentially result from sharp, broken pieces of the rawhide chews.
Rawhide chews are not all natural.
Manufacturers use glue to piece these chews together, and bleach to whiten them so they resemble an actual bone.
So while you may think the idea of chewing on a bull’s penis is a little gross (to say the least), at least your dog will not be exposed to any harsh chemicals or choking risks as he enjoys it.
With a name that has “bully” in the title, you know these chews or sticks have to be tough, and the drier they are, the tougher they are and the longer they will last.
Also known as beef sticks or pizzle sticks, bully sticks can now be found in almost every location that sells pet supplies and accessories, and their cost will not break your dog’s piggy bank.
Important to note here is not everything is completely rosy when it comes to the bully stick.
While certainly tasty, tough, durable and completely safe, they also possess an odor that can be very, very strong and objectionable.
Some have used terms like “gross,” “dead animal,” and “urine” when discussing the smell of these dog treats, so before you gift your dog with one of these flavorful chews, be sure to open a window or administer the treat outdoors.
Your nose will thank you.
Fortunately, the unpleasant aroma of these bully sticks wears off after a period of time, but the first day or so can be a little brutal to your olfactory senses.
Beyond the horrid initial smell, bully sticks are very nutritious and healthy.
A great source of protein and taurine, the treats can help build strong muscles and enable the gastrointestinal system to function properly.
How Long Can a Puppy Chew on a Bully Stick
Bully sticks can be great for puppies—and as an added bonus, puppies absolutely love them.
When a puppy is young and teething, bully sticks can help ease the pain associated with teething and give new teeth the workout they need to be completely healthy and functional.
There is nothing artificial in a bully stick.
It is simply a well-dried beef product consisting mostly of muscle.
This is especially important for puppies.
Younger dogs have gastrointestinal systems that are not as well-developed as their mature dog counterparts.
Because of this, chemicals like glue and bleach, which are regularly used in rawhide chews, can harm their delicate stomachs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea or both.
With bully sticks you’ll encounter none of this; just a healthy, delicious and safe treat.
Although they are harmless to chew, bully sticks can be fairly high in calories.
Thus, they should be used only as a treat, and not given daily or more.
Puppies should chew on a bully stick no more than twice a day, and no more than 30 minutes at a time.
As your dog gets older, you can increase this time frame a bit more, as long as you continue to monitor his weight.