Chews wisely: Beef tendons vs bully sticks compared

Choosing the right chew for your furry mate isn’t just about flavour or price. It’s about what suits your dog’s chewing style, health needs, and your values as a conscious dog parent.
Both Beef Tendons and Bully Sticks are superstars in the world of natural dog chews, each bringing their own benefits and chew style to the table.
So let’s chew it over, shall we?
Why long-lasting dog chews matter
Whether you’re trying to save your sneakers from a chew-happy pup or just want to keep your doggo busy and happy while you work, long-lasting treats are an absolute game-changer.
Chews like Bully Sticks and Beef Tendons offer more than just entertainment. They can:
- Support dental health by reducing plaque and tartar
- Relieve boredom and anxiety (especially for solo dogs)
- Provide a safe, satisfying outlet for natural chewing instincts
- Help with teething for puppies or jaw strength for older dogs
But not all chews are created equal, and not all dogs chew the same way.
What are bully sticks?
Let’s start with a crowd favourite. Bully Sticks are made from 100% beef muscle – specifically the pizzle (yep, we said it). They’re dried slowly to lock in nutrients and that irresistible meaty taste.
Why dogs love them:
- Chewy, tough and tasty
- Rich in protein
- Fully digestible (unlike rawhide, which can be risky)
- Provide hours of chewing fun
Why owners love them:
- Great for dental hygiene (yay for healthy teeth and gums!)
- Easy to digest
- Single-ingredient (no nasties or weird additives)
- Available in different sizes for different chewers
- Odour-free options available (your nose will thank you)
At WAG, our Bully Sticks are air-dried, ethically sourced and 100% natural – just the way nature intended.

What are beef tendons?
Beef Tendons are the sinewy connective tissues from a cow’s leg – and trust us, dogs go bonkers for them. When air-dried, they become hard, chewy and delightfully stringy.
Why dogs love them:
- Super chewy and satisfying
- Breaks down into fibrous, shreddable texture
- Different chew experience than sticks (and much tastier too!)
Why owners love them:
- High in collagen for joint support
- Natural dental scrubber
- Lower odour than some chews
- Great for smaller or older dogs who don’t need a mega chew
Our Large Beef Tendons at WAG are the ultimate combo of chew challenge and collagen goodness – with no additives or fillers in sight.

The big showdown: beef tendons vs bully sticks
Let’s crunch the facts. Here’s how they stack up:
Feature | Beef Tendons | Bully Sticks |
---|---|---|
Chew time | Moderate | Long-lasting |
Texture | Fibrous, stringy | Dense, solid |
Best for | Older dogs, puppies, moderate chewers | Strong chewers, big dogs |
Odour | Low | Low to medium (depending on type) |
Health perks | Collagen for joints, low-fat | Protein-rich, supports dental health |
Digestibility | Fully digestible | Fully digestible |
Mess factor | Minimal | Low |
Price | Slightly more affordable | Mid-range premium |
Are natural chews better than processed ones?
Short answer: absolutely.
Long answer: Dogs are descendants of wild carnivores. Their bodies are built for meat, not the cocktail of artificial colours, preservatives, and fillers you’ll find in many mass-produced treats.
Natural, single-ingredient chews like our Bully Sticks and Beef Tendons offer a safe, nutritious, and species-appropriate treat that’s good for your dog’s body and mind.
Here’s what you won’t find in WAG treats:
- Artificial flavours
- Chemical preservatives
- Glycerin or fillers
- Dodgy mystery meats
And here’s what you will get:
- Aussie-sourced meats
- Air-dried for nutrition
- 100% traceable, natural ingredients
- Treats made for modern dog parents who care

Which chew is best for your dog?
Here’s how to choose the best chew based on your dog’s personality:
-
The power chewer: Go for Bully Sticks. The tougher texture keeps strong jaws busy.
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The gentle nibbler: Try Beef Tendons. The fibrous texture is easier to shred but still satisfying.
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The puppy: Tendons are softer on developing teeth but always supervise.
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The golden oldie: Tendons again – they’re easier on older jaws and come with added collagen goodness.
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The mess-averse human: Both are great, but odour-free Bully Sticks win for cleaner chewing.
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The ethical shopper: Either! WAG treats are all ethically sourced and Aussie-made.
Size matters (when it comes to chews)
Not all doggos chew alike – that’s why our Bully Sticks come in two chew-tastic sizes: 15cm and 30cm.
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15cm Bully Sticks are our standard size, perfect for small to medium-sized pups who love a good gnaw without going overboard.
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30cm Bully Sticks are made for the big units and heavy-duty chewers – think Labradors, Staffies, or any dog who treats chew time like a sport.
No matter the size, always keep an eye on your pup when introducing a new chew. And make sure there’s plenty of fresh water on hand to wash it all down.

Tips for safe chewing
A quick chew safety PSA, because we care:
- Always supervise your dog during chew time
- Choose the right size – bigger is better for aggressive chewers, keep it smaller for
- gentle nibblers
- Keep fresh water nearby

Time to sink their teeth into something better?
If you’re weighing up Beef Tendons vs Bully Sticks, the truth is… You can’t go wrong with either, but consider our advice outlined above. It’s all about matching the chew to your doggo’s needs, age and stage, chewing style and preferences.
You can feel good knowing what goes in your dog’s bowl (or between their teeth). And they’ll love you for it – guaranteed tail wags incoming.
Whether it’s beefy collagen for those joints or a mighty Bully Stick for power-chewing pups, natural chews like Bully Sticks and Beef Tendons do more than keep jaws busy. They support your dog’s health, happiness, and natural instincts.
Ready to level up chew time?
Shop Beef Tendons or Shop Bully Sticks now.
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