Short answer: A bully stick is the dried pizzle of a bull, also known as ochsenziemer or bullepees. It is a tough chew that gives as your dog chews, and according to our labels it is high in protein and low in fat. Choose a length that suits your dog, count the stick in that day's treats and remove the last piece before your dog swallows it.
What exactly is a bully stick?
A bully stick is the pizzle of a bull, cleaned and dried into a firm stick. It is also called bully stick, pizzle or, in German, Ochsenziemer. A bully stick is a single protein source: the label of our sticks states 100 percent beef as the composition, and 100 percent horse for the horse pizzle.
Drying makes the stick hard on the outside, but it stays tough. As your dog chews, it softens and your dog gnaws it away layer by layer. That places the bully stick between soft treats and very hard chews such as antler and horn. In our collection you will also find the Canis Calf Tendon 15CM (from calf) and the Canis Horse Pizzle.
Why do dogs love chewing bully sticks?
- It gives a little: your dog can really bite into it without it feeling rock hard.
- It lasts a while: a thick or long stick in particular keeps a dog busy for some time.
- It smells of meat: for many dogs that is exactly the attraction.
Chewing is natural behaviour for dogs and helps them settle down. A bully stick can therefore be a pleasant moment after a walk or when you cannot give your dog attention for a while, as long as you stay nearby.
Do bully sticks smell?
Bully sticks have a smell of their own, which varies by batch and by drying. Some owners hardly notice it, others find it very noticeable, especially when a half-chewed stick lies in a warm room. So store sticks in a well-sealed bag or jar and put a chewed piece away after the chewing session. Preferably give it in a spot that is easy to clean.
What is in it according to the label?
We compared the labels of our sticks. The values vary from batch to batch, so the label on your pack is what counts.
| Product | Composition | Crude protein | Crude fat | Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canis Bully Stick 15CM and 80CM | 100 percent beef | 82.68 percent | 2.60 percent | 11.31 percent |
| Canis Bully Stick Bites | 100 percent beef | 76.8 percent | 1.0 percent | 17.4 percent |
| Canis Calf Tendon 15CM | 100 percent beef | 73.0 percent | 6.0 percent | 6.3 percent |
| Canis Horse Pizzle | 100 percent horse | 79.80 percent | 2.00 percent | 13.30 percent |
What stands out: a bully stick consists largely of protein and contains little fat. That does not make it a low-calorie treat. A stick is nutritious, and a large stick counts for a lot of what a small dog takes in that day.
How much bully stick can your dog have?
For all treats together, the rule of thumb is about 10 percent of the daily energy. For bully sticks, that means in practice:
- Match the size to your dog: a small dog is fine with a short piece; you can cut a long stick into pieces.
- Count it: if your dog gets a stick, give fewer other treats that day or a little less of the main food.
- Build up gradually: give a small piece the first time and see how your dog responds.
- Watch the weight: if your dog gains weight, give smaller pieces or give them less often.
How to work out the treat budget for your dog is explained in how many treats can a dog have per day.
Which length should you choose?
Start with your dog's size, then look at how they chew. The stick must be large enough that your dog cannot swallow it in one go; if you are unsure between two sizes, take the larger one. A 15 cm stick suits many small and medium-sized dogs. You cut the 80 cm stick to size with sturdy scissors, handy for large dogs or for making your own portions. The Canis Calf Tendon 15CM is a little finer, and the bites are more of a reward than a chewing session. The full range and a comparison by length can be found in the buying guide for bully sticks.
What if your dog cannot have beef?
If your dog reacts to beef, choose a stick from a different animal. According to the label, the Canis Horse Pizzle has 100 percent horse as its composition and a similarly tough texture. You will find more treats with horse as the protein source in the horse collection. Here too, try a small piece first, and if the symptoms persist, consult your vet.
How do you give a bully stick safely?
Stay nearby while your dog chews, especially the first few times, and put out fresh water. Remove the last piece before it is swallowed in one go. While the teeth are changing, roughly from 3 to 4 until 6 to 7 months, do not give firm chews; our sticks are intended for adult dogs. You can read more about safe chewing in which chews are safe for dogs.
Ingrid's tip: Cut a long stick into pieces that suit your dog all at once and keep them in a sealed jar. That way you always have a suitable piece ready and you avoid a half-chewed stick wandering around the house.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bully stick the same as ochsenziemer?
Yes. Ochsenziemer is the German name, and in English it is also called a pizzle. It is the dried pizzle of a bull.
How long does a dog take to finish a bully stick?
That depends on the thickness and length of the stick and on your dog. A calm gnawer takes longer than a dog that eagerly takes big bites.
Are bully sticks fatty?
According to our labels, no: our bully sticks contain about 2.6 percent crude fat. They are nutritious, though, so count them in that day's treats.
Can a puppy have a bully stick?
Our sticks are intended for adult dogs. For puppies, choose soft treats in small pieces, especially while the teeth are changing.
How do you store bully sticks?
Dry, dark and well sealed. Put a chewed piece away after chewing and throw away the last small piece.
Sources
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, Global Nutrition Guidelines (treats as part of the daily energy intake)
- Mueller, Olivry and Prélaud (BMC Veterinary Research), Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats (beef as a frequently mentioned allergen source)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats (storage and hygiene)
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about this article? Email info@canissnacks.com.
