Bully sticks are one of the most popular dog chews in Canada, and for good reason: they are a single natural ingredient, dogs love them, and they last far longer than a biscuit. They also raise fair questions — what exactly are they, how many calories do they have, and are they safe? This guide answers all of it, and links to deeper articles on each topic.
What is a bully stick?
A bully stick is a dried beef pizzle — the penis muscle of a bull or steer. It is a by-product of the beef industry, which means nothing is raised specifically to make dog chews. After collection the pizzle is cleaned, stretched, cut to length, then slow-roasted and dried until it is hard.
Because it is a muscle, not hide or bone, a bully stick is high in protein (about 87% in PUPHE's guaranteed analysis), low in fat and fully digestible. There is no rawhide, no glue and — in good-quality sticks — nothing added at all. Read more in What bully sticks are made of.
Why dogs love them
- Chewing is a natural need. It relieves boredom and stress, and gives puppies relief while teething.
- Texture and taste. The stick softens slowly as your dog works at it, which keeps them interested.
- Teeth get a scrub. The abrasive action helps scrape soft plaque from tooth surfaces — see bully sticks and dental health.
Are bully sticks safe?
For most healthy dogs, yes — with sensible precautions. The main risks are the same as with any edible chew: swallowing a piece that is too large, eating too many calories, and handling a natural meat product.
- Pick the right size. A stick that is too thin for a big dog is finished in minutes and can be swallowed whole.
- Supervise. Stay nearby, and take the stick away when about 5 cm (2 in) is left, or use a bully stick holder.
- Wash your hands. A 2013 study in the Canadian Veterinary Journal found bacteria on some bully sticks tested. Handle them like any raw-meat-derived treat and store them dry.
- Introduce gradually. Start with 10–15 minute sessions so your dog's stomach can adjust.
Puppies need a little extra care — see Are bully sticks safe for puppies?
How many calories are in a bully stick?
More than most owners expect. The Canadian Veterinary Journal study mentioned above measured roughly 9–22 kcal per inch, depending on thickness. Using PUPHE's calculated value of about 3,200 kcal/kg, here is what that means per stick:
| Style | 6-inch stick | 12-inch stick |
|---|---|---|
| Thin | ≈ 30–60 kcal | ≈ 65–120 kcal |
| Standard | ≈ 60–75 kcal | ≈ 120–155 kcal |
| Thick | ≈ 80–95 kcal | ≈ 160–190 kcal |
| Jumbo | ≈ 95+ kcal | ≈ 190+ kcal |
| Braided | ≈ 95–160 kcal | ≈ 190–320 kcal |
Treats — including chews — should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. For a 10 kg dog that is roughly 50–60 kcal a day, so half a standard 6-inch stick may be plenty. Full details in How many calories are in a bully stick?
How to choose the right size
Choose by weight first, then by chewing style:
| Dog weight | Good starting point |
|---|---|
| Under 10 kg (22 lb) | 6-inch thin or standard |
| 10–25 kg (22–55 lb) | 6-inch thick, 6-inch braided or 12-inch standard |
| 25–40 kg (55–88 lb) | 12-inch thick or 12-inch braided |
| Over 40 kg or power chewers | 12-inch jumbo |
If your dog finishes a stick in a few minutes, go thicker. Our size guide has weights for every style, and Choosing the right chew for your dog compares bully sticks with other chews.
How long does a bully stick last?
It depends on thickness, length and your dog. In our own testing with medium-sized dogs, a 6-inch thin stick lasted about 10–20 minutes, a 12-inch thick stick about an hour, and a 12-inch braid 90 minutes or more across several sessions. Thickness matters more than length: a thin 12-inch stick is still a thin stick.
Why do some bully sticks smell?
The classic bully stick smell comes mostly from moisture left in the stick. Longer drying removes more of it, which is how "odour-free" (or "odor-free") sticks, really low-odour, are made. Every natural beef chew will smell a little once it is wet from chewing — but a well-dried stick should not fill the room.
Storage and shelf life
- Keep sticks in their resealable pouch, somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight.
- Unopened PUPHE pouches keep for 24 months; once opened, use within about 3 months.
- Between sessions, rinse a partly chewed stick, let it air-dry and store it. Throw it away if it becomes slimy, mouldy or smells off.
Bully sticks vs rawhide
Rawhide is processed cow hide. It can swell in the stomach and is harder to digest, which is why many owners and vets prefer bully sticks as a rawhide-free chew. We compare the two in detail in Bully sticks vs rawhide.
How to give a bully stick, step by step
- Choose the right size using the table above. If your dog is between sizes, go up.
- Pick a calm moment — after a walk or a meal, not when your dog is over-excited.
- Offer it somewhere easy to clean, like a mat or a crate. Bully sticks can leave a little residue on carpets as they soften.
- Stay nearby. Most dogs settle within a minute. Watch for gulping or trying to swallow large pieces.
- End the session after 20–40 minutes for most dogs (10–15 for puppies). Rinse the stick, let it air-dry and store it.
- Retire the end once about 5 cm (2 in) is left. Throw it away rather than giving it back.
Bully sticks for every life stage
- Puppies (from about 4 months): thin or standard 6-inch sticks, short sessions. Chewing helps with teething discomfort.
- Adult dogs: size by weight and chewing strength. Chewing is healthy enrichment, especially for high-energy breeds.
- Senior dogs: choose thinner sticks that soften faster, and check teeth regularly. If your dog has missing or sore teeth, ask your vet before offering any hard chew.
- Dogs on a diet: give a portion of a stick and reduce meals slightly on chew days.
Do you need a bully stick holder?
A holder is a small device that grips the end of the stick so your dog can't swallow the last piece. It's most useful for enthusiastic chewers and dogs that try to gulp. It also lets your dog use more of each stick. Without a holder, simply take the stick away when it gets short.
Common myths
- "Bully sticks are a kind of rawhide." They aren't. Rawhide is hide; a bully stick is muscle. See Bully sticks vs rawhide.
- "A longer stick is always better for a big dog." Thickness matters more. A thin 12-inch stick is still easy to bite through.
- "Chews don't count as food." They do — a single 12-inch stick can be 10% or more of a medium dog's daily calories.
- "Odour-free means no smell at all." Well-dried sticks have a mild smell that gets stronger when wet; they shouldn't fill the room.
Shopping in Canada? Our Canadian buyer's guide covers import rules, bilingual labels and how to compare prices.
Sources
- Freeman LM, Janecko N, Weese JS. Nutritional and microbial analysis of bully sticks and survey of opinions about pet treats. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2013;54(1):50–54.
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Petfoodology — Dangers of bully sticks: popular treat can carry bacteria and add calories.
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Petfoodology — What are safe and healthy treats for my pet? (the 10% treat guideline).
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) — Global Nutrition Guidelines and toolkit, including calorie needs for dogs.
- PUPHE guaranteed analysis and in-house chew-time testing (2026).
