If you’re a concerned puppy owner wondering whether these chew treats are a good choice for your furry friend, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of bully sticks, exploring their safety, benefits, and potential risks for your puppy.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of why bully sticks can be a great addition to your puppy’s life, as long as you’re aware of a few precautions. So, let’s dig in and discover why bully sticks are more than just a safe treat – they’re a healthy and beneficial option for your growing pup.
Are Bully Sticks Safe for Puppies?
Yes, bully sticks are safe for puppies. They aren’t just a safe dog treat, though. They are healthy too.
About Bully Sticks for Puppies
Does your puppy love to chew on anything and everything it lays its eyes on? If this is the case, puppy owners will be excited to know that bully sticks are completely safe and are encouraged for several reasons.
Bully sticks also known as pizzle sticks, steer sticks, or bull pizzles are a great distraction for your energetic puppy.
Bully sticks are a natural treat made of beef muscle from bull penises. They are a healthy dog treat that is highly digestible and carries a lot of health benefits.
This treat is high in protein and low in fat which positively impacts your puppy’s growth.
The amino acids inside bully sticks help out with the development of your pup’s muscles, skin, fur, and brain.
The nickname of bully sticks is pizzle sticks. “Pizzle” is a cuter way to say the penis from where the beef muscle comes from to make the chew treats.
Benefits Of Bully Sticks for Puppies
Now you know the answer to the question: are bully sticks safe for puppies? In addition to them being safe, they provide many benefits to puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
Dental Health
Bully sticks are extremely beneficial for dental health. All dog owners know the hassle of trying to brush their dog’s teeth with a toothbrush. It is near impossible to get them to sit still.
Bully sticks clean your dog’s teeth by scraping away plaque and buildup just with a gentle chewing action. This will easily improve your pup’s breath and hygiene without all the struggle. Your dog will have cleaner teeth in no time.
Relieve Discomfort From Teething
The reason why puppies have the constant desire to be chewing something is that they are teething. Teething causes a lot of gum pain and chewing helps out a lot with the discomfort. This treat is great because it will last a while and keep your puppy occupied for a long time.
Healthy Mental State
Bully sticks release two important neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin which aid in happiness, fighting boredom, and strengthing jaw muscles.
Puppy Biting
Most puppies have a habit of nipping at you, whether it’s your fingers, hair, or lips it can hurt. According to the ASPCA, the best way to distract your pooch from biting you is with a strong rubber chew toy or chew treats like bully sticks. This way they will be occupied with the treat or toy instead of your body. Also with the bully stick, it will be a tastier alternative as well.
Safer Alternative to Rawhide
Rawhide has gotten a bad name over the years. It has caused choking and GI obstruction. Bully sticks are a safer alternative to rawhide and are even recommended by many veterinarians.
The Risks of Bully Sticks for Puppies
Like many things, there are many dangers with bully sticks. Consider the following as you decide whether or not to buy them for your puppy.
Choking Hazard
Even though bully sticks are highly digestible, they can become an obstruction in your pet’s throat if swallowed incorrectly.
If you notice that your dog is nearing the end of its treat and it is a small piece you may want to take it away. Most pups will think that it is small enough to swallow whole when in reality it wasn’t. This could then lead to a choking incident.
A small piece of a bully stick can also cause intestinal obstructions. If your dog does start to choke or they seem to be in a lot of pain contact your veterinarian immediately.
Calories
There has been a lot of research on the number of calories that these treats contain. With the number of pet obesity increasing, it is a good idea to start counting your pooch’s calories and make sure they are eating healthier.
An analysis showed that there were 9-22 calories per inch. This means a 6-inch bully stick is 100 calories. There are many healthier treat options out there that you can choose from.
How to Buy the Best Bully Sticks for Puppies
Dog Ownership Guide has identified the best manufacturers of bully sticks.
Conclusion: Are Bully Sticks Safe for Puppies?
Bully sticks are safe for puppies. Just keep an eye on your dog’s bully stick to make sure it doesn’t get too small in size. Large pieces for your puppy may end up getting swallowed, which is a choking hazard.
Besides that, you can feel good about this natural chew treat for your puppy.
