Bully sticks (called nerf de bœuf in Quebec) are easy to find in Canada — pet stores, big-box retailers, Amazon and independent brands all sell them. They are not all the same, though, and a few Canada-specific details are worth knowing before you buy. This guide covers import rules, labels, pricing and shipping.
Where do bully sticks sold in Canada come from?
Most bully sticks sold in Canada are imported. Beef pizzle is a by-product of beef processing, and a large share of the world's supply comes from major cattle-producing countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and the United States. A good brand will tell you the country of origin. Ours comes from free-range, grass-fed cattle in Bangladesh, and PUPHE lists it on every product page and on our Sourcing & Safety page.
What CFIA checks
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the import of pet food and treats made from animal products, mainly to keep animal diseases out of Canada. Depending on the country of origin and the product, an importer may need an import permit and an official health certificate from the exporting country confirming how the product was sourced and processed.
The specific requirements for each country and product are listed in CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). You don't need to read it yourself, but a reputable brand should be able to tell you — or show you — that its products are imported in compliance. That’s why we list the documents behind ours.
CFIA's import rules focus on animal health. They are not a guarantee of nutritional quality — so the label and the brand's transparency still matter.
What a Canadian label should show
Pre-packaged consumer products in Canada fall under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, which requires, among other things:
- The product's common name, in English and French
- The net quantity in metric units
- The name and address of the company responsible for the product
In Quebec, the Charter of the French Language also requires French on product packaging and on commercial websites aimed at Quebec customers. That's why the PUPHE label and this website are fully bilingual.
Beyond the legal minimum, look for these signs of a transparent brand:
- A single ingredient — "100% beef pizzle" and nothing else
- A guaranteed analysis — protein, fat, fibre and moisture
- Country of origin
- Size information — length and ideally weight per stick
- Calories, or enough information to calculate them
More on judging quality in How to spot a high-quality bully stick.
How to compare prices
Bully sticks are sold by count, by weight, or both, and bags that look similar can differ a lot in value. Compare on one of these:
- Price per stick — useful when sizes are the same
- Price per 100 g — the fairest comparison across thicknesses, because a thick stick contains more chew than a thin one
Every PUPHE product shows both under each pack size. As a rule, bigger packs cost less per stick — and unopened pouches keep for up to 24 months, so buying larger packs is usually safe.
Shipping in Canada
- PUPHE ships from Canada, so there are no cross-border duties or surprise brokerage fees.
- Orders ship within 1 business day and typically arrive in 2–6 business days.
- Shipping is free on orders over $65, and every product page shows an estimated delivery date.
Online store, pet shop or Amazon?
| Where | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Brand website | Full sourcing details, all sizes, subscriptions, direct support | Need to meet free-shipping threshold |
| Pet store | See and smell before buying | Limited sizes; often no origin or calorie info |
| Amazon | Fast delivery, reviews | Hard to verify origin; imported listings may not follow Canadian labelling |
Quick buyer's checklist
- Single ingredient, no rawhide
- Country of origin stated
- Guaranteed analysis on the label
- Weight per stick or size chart available
- Bilingual Canadian label
- Price compared per stick or per 100 g
- Clear return policy
New to bully sticks? Start with The Complete Guide to Bully Sticks, or browse all PUPHE bully sticks.
Documents you may hear about
| Document | What it is | Who holds it |
|---|---|---|
| Import permit | CFIA authorisation to import certain animal products, when required for the origin and product | The Canadian importer |
| Zoosanitary / health certificate | Official certificate from the exporting country's veterinary authority describing sourcing and processing | Travels with each shipment |
| Lab test report | Results of tests such as Salmonella and E. coli on a production batch | The brand or manufacturer |
Brands aren’t required to publish these, and they contain confidential supplier and shipment details. A transparent brand should still tell you which ones it holds — we list ours on the Sourcing & Safety page.
Storing bulk packs in a Canadian climate
- Humid summers: moisture is the enemy. Keep pouches sealed, out of sunlight and away from the dishwasher or laundry area.
- Dry winters: sticks can become harder in very dry indoor air. That's normal; they soften again as your dog chews.
- Freezing is optional: it isn't necessary for dried sticks, but a sealed freezer bag can extend freshness for very large orders.
- Check before giving: discard any stick that is soft, sticky, mouldy or smells sour.
Subscriptions and returns
If your dog gets a stick most days, a subscription can save money and avoid running out. Look for plans you can skip or cancel anytime. Check the return policy too, so you know what’s covered before you buy. At PUPHE, defective or damaged products are covered for 30 days — see our return policy.
Buying for Quebec
Quebec shoppers are entitled to product information and online shopping in French. Beyond the legal requirement, it is simply a better experience: every page on this site — product details, size guide, sourcing and these guides — is available in French.
Sources
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) — Regulatory oversight of pet food, treats and chews in Canada.
- CFIA — Import of pet food, treats and chews containing animal products and by-products.
- CFIA — Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
- Competition Bureau Canada — Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods (guaranteed analysis, ingredient list, origin, bilingual name).
- Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-38).
- Charter of the French Language (Quebec, CQLR c. C-11), as amended in 2022.
