What is a bully stick? Does your dog like to chew or eat? When people find out what is a bully stick, they feel so gross. Yes, the bully stick is bull penis, dogs love to chew beef pizzle because of their appealing taste and flavor. Apart from being an ancestral diet and a good chewable substance, it also packs a lot of health benefits for dogs.
So, if your pooch is running off with your valuables like shoes or nibbling your important items. Then, your pizzle treats are the perfect alternative to give your dog to prevent him from munching on your valuables.
The process of making Bully Sticks
Firstly the fat is trimmed off and a cut is made down the center to remove waste. Secondly, the cuts are washed in clean water for few hours. Finally, after giving shape to the cuts, they are cooked at a temperature between 165 – 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The previous step is a dehydration process which makes the stick hard. Usually, the sticks will be cut into sizes of 6 or 12 inches.
In some cases, chemicals are used to clean the sticks which will kill all the harmful bacteria in the sticks.
Bully Stick are healthy chewable treats
Bully stick are a safe treat for dogs, offer a variety of health benefits and give your dog something to chew. Unlike other chews, they are easy to digest for dogs. For instance, rawhide can be difficult to digest for some dogs. When it comes to bully sticks, on the other hand, a dog’s stomach can break it down easily making it easier to digest. The safest thing is that beef hide doesn’t splinter like other treats, like the sticks for example. So you don’t have to worry about breaking off pieces that cause internal injuries.
Bully stick is loved by dogs because they are a tasty, single-ingredient treat! As learned earlier, they are made of beef muscle that contains high-protein, which makes it the right choice for dogs to chew. Beef is rich in amino acids, which support your dog’s muscles, brain, skin, and coat. For dogs that are allergic to artificial chemicals, additives, and preservatives bully stick is once again a great chew option, as they are free from chemicals.
Bully stick help to keep a dog’s shinier smile, you can always use bully stick as a way to keep clean teeth. While it is always necessary to maintain a teeth-brushing routine with your pup to avoid inflammation of the gums. Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases in dogs, tough chews are an important part of keeping your dog healthy. Chews like bully stick, support healthy teeth and gums. Because of the chewing and gnawing to get through the treat scrape away plaque and buildup before it has the chance to stick.
Mental health benefits – chewing and licking of Bully Stick stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain which reduces anxiety and provides loads of mental stimulation. As result, bully stick can comfort a dog especially, if your dog has issues with phobias or separation anxiety.
Is there anything to worry about Bully Stick?
There are a few things you need to care about before feeding your pup with a Bully Stick.
If your dog is obese try to avoid bully stick, as they are very high in calories. Check the nutritional facts before buying a bully stick or consult a vet before feeding your pup.
Choking is a common concern with the bully stick when it becomes small enough to swallow whole. Care to take the smaller bit away from your pet to avoid lodging in the throat. However, if it reaches the stomach, it shouldn’t cause too many problems, as they are digestible.
Beef allergies, so if your dog suffers from beef allergies. If you notice such side effects, immediately consult your vet to avoid serious adverse effects.
Pet owners should be careful about bacterial contamination on bully sticks. Dog’s stomach can fight bacterial contamination, but in some cases, it upsets the dog’s stomach. In case affected, watch out for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. To avoid the risk of bacterial contamination buy a bully sticks from reputed brands that process and produce dog treats in a safe and hygienic environment.
Note: Always wash and sanitize your hands after feeding the bully stick to your pet.
Do you know?
In 2013, A study conducted by NCBI revealed 3 out of 26 sticks were contaminated. Each of the three sticks was contaminated with different types of bacteria. Namely, Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli, which are dangerous pathogens.
In 2018, the FDA recalled thousands of bully sticks with contamination of Salmonella. However, Salmonella is not only found in bully sticks, it is also found in other products too.
Bully Sticks are good for dogs?
Dogs of any breed, age, or size enjoy chewing bully sticks. Also, they are perfect for puppies, especially for teething puppies. A bully stick is healthy for dogs, provides high protein and dental health benefits for puppies as much as they do for adult dogs.
There are a variety of sticks of different shapes and forms, you find one of your preferences that cater to your dog. Your dog is an aggressive or intense chewer? Try a braided bully stick, though sticks are softer than bones they can last long as time. Do they take a long time to chew? Straight sticks are a great choice. Challenge your dog with a shaped bully, like bully rings, provide a puzzle for your dog as he chews.
The bully stick that dogs love can last long and they also stay fresh for up to three years even while your dog is chewing them.
