Are Bully Sticks Safe for Puppies? A Deep Dive into Puppy Teething Treat Safety

If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. Bully sticks are a popular choice for dog owners looking for a natural, long-lasting chew, but are they safe for puppies? The short answer is yes, but there are some important caveats.

Bully sticks are safe for puppies in general, but only when used in moderation and with supervision. They are a natural, easily digestible way to help your puppy through the teething process. However, it’s important to make sure that the size of the bully stick is appropriate for your puppy and to watch for signs of overconsumption and blockage.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the research from veterinarians and other experts in pet care to help you better understand the best way to use bully sticks for your puppy. We’ll explore the potential benefits and risks of using bully sticks and discuss best practices to make sure that your puppy can safely enjoy this treat during their formative months. By the end, you’ll have a well-rounded view of the topic that will help you decide whether or not to add bully sticks to your puppy’s routine.

Nutritional Benefits and Digestibility of Bully Sticks for Puppies

In addition to being a tasty snack, bully sticks can also be a nutritious addition to your puppy's diet. According to the American Kennel Club, bully sticks are a high-protein treat that's made from beef muscle, which means they contain all of the essential amino acids that puppies need to support their muscles, brain, skin, and coat. The protein in bully sticks can also help satisfy a puppy's need to chew during the teething phase.

In addition, bully sticks are highly digestible and will break down in a puppy's stomach without splintering or causing internal injuries, according to Cadet Pet. They're also low in fat, which makes them a good option for puppies. As Bow Wow Labs notes, bully sticks are a single-ingredient treat that's free from artificial colors, fillers, and flavors, so they're a natural and healthy choice for your dog.

That said, it's important to feed your puppy bully sticks in moderation. Although they can be a healthy addition to your puppy's diet, overfeeding can lead to digestive upset, according to Bow Wow Labs. That's why it's important to introduce bully sticks slowly and watch your puppy's response to make sure they can tolerate this high-protein treat. If you do this and feed bully sticks in moderation, you can ensure your puppy enjoys the nutritional benefits of this delicious and digestible chew.

How to Introduce and Give Your Puppy Bully Sticks

When you first introduce your puppy to bully sticks, it’s important to ease them into it and only let them chew for a short amount of time. As noted by BullySticksCentral.com, puppies should only chew on a bully stick for 5-10 minutes at a time. This is because puppies have sensitive stomachs and the high protein content in bully sticks can lead to digestive upset if they eat too much too quickly.

The size of the bully stick matters, too. Redbarn advises that you should choose a bully stick that’s larger than your puppy’s mouth to prevent choking. You should also supervise your puppy while they’re chewing to make sure they don’t choke. In addition, as noted by Natural Cravings USA, most vets recommend that you don’t give puppies bully sticks until they’re at least 12 weeks old because the chewing action can damage their developing teeth and gums.

To ensure that your puppy stays safe, you should also limit the number of bully sticks they eat to one or two per day, according to BullySticksCentral.com. Finally, once the bully stick has been chewed down to a small piece that’s 2.5-3 inches long, it’s time to take it away and throw it out to prevent choking or blockage, according to Natural Farm Pet.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Bully Sticks for Puppies

Although bully sticks are generally safe and healthy for puppies to consume, there are some potential risks and drawbacks to keep in mind. According to Dogster, bully sticks are made from dried bull penises, which means they can potentially carry harmful bacteria like MRSA and E. coli if not properly treated.

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University discovered that 1 in 4 bully sticks they tested were contaminated with dangerous bacteria. They also note that bully sticks are high in calories, with a 6-inch stick containing almost 100 calories. This is especially concerning given that more than half of dogs in the United States are overweight.

Puppies with dental problems or weak jaws may struggle to chew on the hard bully sticks, which could be dangerous. Also, the last few inches of a bully stick can become a choking hazard if swallowed whole. Finally, some people may have moral objections to the source of bully sticks.

While bully sticks are a delicious treat, it's important to consider these potential risks and drawbacks before deciding if they are right for your puppy. For those who are concerned, there are other chew options on the market that may be less risky and more sustainable.

Bully Stick Alternatives for Puppies: Safer, More Sustainable Options

If you have a puppy or are concerned about the safety of bully sticks, there are other options for chews that are safer and more sustainable. Natural Farm has a range of natural, nutrient-rich alternatives, including Gullet Sticks, which are made from 100% natural, human-grade beef esophagus. These chews are on the softer side and are great for light chewers, senior dogs, and dogs with dental issues. They also provide glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help with joint and hip support.

Beef Trachea Chews are another option from Natural Farm and are described as being both flavorful and engaging for light to medium chewers. They also have glucosamine and chondroitin and can help with dental care. Tendon Dog Chews are for medium chewers and can help with weight management, muscle health, and dental care. They are also highly digestible.

In addition to meat-based options, Paws and Pines suggests a few other sustainable alternatives, including sweet potatoes, antlers, and Himalayan dog chews. Sweet potatoes are a safe and healthy option, while antlers are a natural and annually shed product from elk, moose, and deer. Himalayan dog chews are made from 100% yak milk and are a hard cheese that can be microwaved to create a soft snack.

Dental chews and chew toys can also help satisfy a puppy's need to chew and promote dental health, according to Paws and Pines. No matter what kind of chew you're giving your puppy, it's best to start with short chewing sessions of 3-5 minutes and work your way up to longer sessions to help your puppy get used to the new chew.

How to Store and Handle Bully Sticks to Keep Them Fresh and Safe

How you store and handle bully sticks is important to keep them fresh and safe for your dog. According to BullySticksCentral.com, unopened, unused bully sticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 years.

Once a bully stick has been chewed, it should be allowed to dry completely before being stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months, as per Best Bully Sticks. It's important to note that you should throw away any small pieces of the bully stick that your dog has chewed down to a size that they could swallow whole to prevent choking hazards.

According to Natural Cravings USA, you should not store bully sticks in the refrigerator or freezer because this can lead to condensation and attract beetles. It's also important to wash your hands after handling bully sticks, especially before eating or touching your face, to avoid the spread of bacteria.

Following these storage and handling tips can help keep your dog's bully sticks fresh, safe, and ready to be enjoyed. However, it's also important to pay attention to your dog's response and watch for signs of digestive upset that may require a trip to the vet.

How to Tell If Your Puppy Is Having Digestive Issues and When to Call the Vet

Although bully sticks are safe for puppies, it’s important to know the signs of digestive issues or other adverse reactions. According to Natural Cravings USA, pet parents should watch for signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. Excessive drooling, restlessness, and lethargy can also be signs that your puppy is having trouble digesting a bully stick.

If your puppy has swallowed a large piece of a bully stick or is showing signs of an intestinal blockage, Natural Cravings USA recommends that you take your puppy to the vet immediately. Puppies with allergies or other digestive issues may not be able to tolerate bully sticks. If you’re worried about how your puppy is reacting to bully sticks, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet to make sure that your puppy is safe and healthy.

Conclusion: How to Decide If Bully Sticks Are Right for Your Puppy

If used carefully, bully sticks can be a safe and healthy chew option for puppies. However, it's important to take into account your puppy's needs, habits, and any potential risks or concerns.

Make sure to follow the best practices for introducing, supervising, and storing bully sticks to ensure your puppy's safety. Also, be mindful of the potential risks, including bacterial contamination, choking hazards, and digestive issues. If you're unsure or worried, talk to your vet and look into other options.