Short answer: Bully sticks are generally safer than rawhide but carry real risks: choking on small end pieces, calorie load (~88 kcal per 6-inch stick), and bacterial contamination (Salmonella reported in 1 in 4 brands tested). Supervise chewing, take away when the stick gets short, and wash your hands after handling.
What you should actually do
- Caloric content: 80-90 kcal per 6-inch stick, ~22% of a small dog’s daily intake.
- Choking risk: take away when the stick gets shorter than 2-3 inches.
- FDA testing has found Salmonella, Clostridium, E. coli in 25%+ of bully sticks – wash hands after handling, especially in households with immunocompromised people.
- Bully stick holders (BarkBox, Bow Wow Buddy) prevent the dog from swallowing the last small piece.
- Compare to rawhide: bully sticks digest more readily and are less likely to cause obstruction.
Bully sticks are dehydrated beef pizzle (penis) – the name is a euphemism. They’re high-protein, fully digestible, and most dogs find them very rewarding, which makes them a good option for crate training or long absences.
Choose USA- or Canada-sourced bully sticks from reputable brands (Best Bully Sticks, BarkBox, Jeff’s Best). Avoid cheap imports – some have failed Salmonella testing. Subtract bully stick calories from the daily food allowance to prevent weight gain.
Dig deeper
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.
