Inside the treat jar: What is a bully stick?

The quick version

• A bully stick is a natural dog chew made from beef pizzle — and yes, that's exactly what it sounds like.

• They're fully digestible, long-lasting, and suitable for most dogs, including puppies who've started teething.

• Unlike rawhide, bully sticks are made from a single ingredient with no chemical processing.

• Chewing them may help reduce plaque and tartar build-up as part of a regular dental care routine.

• Choose the right size for your dog's breed and chewing style. When in doubt, size up.

• Always supervise chew sessions and remove the end piece before it gets small enough to swallow whole.

Ever stood in the pet treat aisle holding a packet of bully sticks, wondering what on earth you're actually looking at?

Bully sticks are one of the most popular natural dog chews around. Long-lasting, single-ingredient, loved by pups of all shapes and sizes. Yet despite being a staple in treat cupboards, they still raise plenty of questions.

What is a bully stick? Are they actually healthy? Are they safe? Can puppies have them?

And this is more than fair to think. When every packet on the shelf claims to be natural and the best thing since sliced bread, a little scepticism is earned. Here's everything you need to know.

What exactly is a bully stick?

A bully stick is a natural dog chew made from beef pizzle.

Bull penis, to be exact.

First reaction from us humans: raised eyebrow. First reaction from our furry friends: immediate and enthusiastic interest in whatever's in your hand.

The pizzle is cleaned and slowly air-dried, creating a tough, chewy dog treat that takes real time to work through. That drying process locks in natural flavour without needing anything added. This is most of the reason your dog will trot off proudly the moment one is offered to them.

There are no preservatives. No additives. No lengthy ingredient list to decode at the back of the packet. Just dried bull.

Why do dogs go mad for bully sticks?

Dogs love to chew. Always have. It's how they explore, de-stress, and burn off energy they've apparently been saving since 6 am. Even though they’ve had two walks that day.

As they grow, chewing becomes a way to manage boredom and stay mentally engaged. Trying to stop it entirely is a losing battle.

That's one of the reasons bully sticks are such a hit.

They're chewy, flavourful, and take real time to work through. Instead of disappearing in a few bites, it gives dogs something satisfying to focus on and return to. Not a quick reward. It becomes like a task your dog actually wants to be assigned.

If you've ever given your pooch a bully stick, you'll know the look. The chew has been claimed, and they're not planning on sharing.

And if it saves your coffee table from becoming the next art project, that's not a bad bonus.

Are bully sticks healthy for dogs?

For most healthy dogs, yes. Because they're fully digestible, they get the benefit of the chew without the risk that comes with something that could get stuck on the way through.

Compare that to some harder synthetic chews or rawhide, where digestibility is a genuine concern.

Like any treat, bully sticks should make up a small part of a balanced diet. They're not a meal replacement. But as an occasional enrichment chew, they're a simple, natural option most can handle well.

Can bully sticks help clean teeth?

Chewing has a cleaning effect. That's just mechanics.

As your dog works away, the chewing action may help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth over time. It's not a substitute for brushing or professional cleans, though, but as part of an overall dental care routine, it's a useful addition to the mix.

How many bully sticks can my dog have?

Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake.

A standard 15cm bully stick contains roughly 70–90 calories, depending on thickness. For a smaller dog, that's a meaningful portion of their daily allowance. For a large one, it's more modest.

Most dog owners find that once or twice a week works well as a regular chew session. (Some fur children would strongly disagree with that, but here we are.)

Are bully sticks safe for dogs?

For most healthy dogs, yes — when offered appropriately. A bit of common sense goes a long way.

Choose the right size

A Chihuahua and a Great Dane aren't tackling the same chew, and the same goes for gentle nibblers versus enthusiastic power chewers.

A bully stick that's too small may be swallowed more easily, while a larger chew encourages slower, more controlled chewing. If your dog tends to demolish treats at record speed, the 30cm option will make chew time last longer too. When in doubt, size up.

Always supervise chew sessions

Keep an eye on your dog while they're enjoying a bully stick. Dogs can sometimes break off larger pieces or get a little overexcited near the end. Supervision means you can step in if needed.

Think of it as good practice for any long-lasting chew, not just bully sticks.

Remove the end piece

As your dog works through a bully stick, it will eventually become small enough to fit entirely in their mouth. This is the point to take it away — yes, even if they give you the look.

Swallowing a larger end piece whole carries a choking risk. Some owners use a bully stick holder to help manage the end as it gets smaller.

Every dog chews differently

Some dogs make a bully stick last for days. Others could have it gone before you've sat back down. (You know the type.)

A collagen or braided option gives the speed demons more to work through and naturally slows them down. And make sure fresh water is always within reach — chewing is thirsty work.

Can puppies have bully sticks?

In many cases, yes. And if you've been wondering what a bully stick is good for when it comes to younger dogs, teething is the short answer.

If you've ever lived with a puppy, you'll know they can find just about anything worth chewing. Shoes, chair legs, phone chargers, the corner of the rug you specifically didn't want them touching. For a few months there, they're tiny land sharks.

The teething stage

Teething leaves puppies looking for something — anything — to sink their tiny teeth into. A bully stick gives them something appropriate to focus on. Good news for your puppy, even better news for your furniture.

Once your puppy hits the six-month mark, bully sticks are generally suitable. If you're looking for something to pair with them, Moo Tubes are a softer option that's easy to manage and great for keeping teething pups occupied.

The more often they're rewarded with things they're allowed to chew, the easier it becomes to redirect them away from the things they're not.

Your coffee table will thank you. And maybe your wallet from that vet bill.

Start small

Growing puppies need complete and balanced puppy food to support healthy development, with treats and chews alongside their regular meals. Not instead of them.

Like any new treat, introduce bully sticks gradually and see how your puppy responds.

Bully sticks vs rawhide

If you've been shopping for long-lasting dog chews, you've probably come across rawhide, too.

Both are designed to give dogs something satisfying to chew on, but they're quite different once you look closer.

How to choose the right bully stick

Now you know what a bully stick is. The next question is which one?

Not all bully sticks are the same — size, thickness, and format all make a difference depending on your dog. Get it right, and the chew lasts. Get it wrong, and it's gone in four seconds, then your dog looks at you expectantly.

For smaller dogs

Smaller dogs will often find thinner bully sticks easier to manage, while still getting all the satisfaction of a good chew session. Once again, bully bites are also worth considering — same single ingredient, shorter format, easier to manage.

For larger dogs and enthusiastic chewers

If your pooch treats every chew like a personal challenge, the 30cm bully stick is usually the better fit. It takes longer to work through and provides more of a challenge for determined chewers.

Braided bully sticks

Braided bully sticks are made from 100% beef bladder, twisted together to create a denser, longer-lasting chew.

Many dogs enjoy the extra challenge. The different textures can also make the experience more engaging for pooches who lose interest in simpler formats.

When you're not sure where to start, trial and error is completely normal. Your dog's favourite bully stick may not be the one you'd expect.

How to store bully sticks

Keep bully sticks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store them sealed (a resealable bag or airtight container works well) to maintain freshness between sessions.

Check the best-before date on the packaging. Most bully sticks have a shelf life of up to 18 months unopened. Once your dog has been chewing on one, try to use it within a few days.

If a bully stick looks or smells noticeably off, replace it rather than risk offering a spoiled treat.

Why are bully sticks expensive?

If you've ever added bully sticks to your cart and done a double-take at the price, that’s okay.

But, before you pop it back on the ‘shelf’, think about what you're actually getting: enrichment, dental benefit, extended chewing satisfaction, peace and serenity. Not a two-second treat. Something your dog can genuinely settle in with.

Once you see it that way, the price makes a lot more sense.

Size plays a role, too. Larger and thicker sticks require more material and take longer to process and dry. Premium sourcing also adds to the cost. WAG's bully sticks are sourced from Brazil — but it means you know exactly what you're getting.

Frequently asked questions

Why are bully sticks called bully sticks?

If you've just found yourself Googling ‘what is a bully stick?’ at 11 pm after noticing the name on the packet in your bin, you're not alone.

'Bully stick' is simply the common name for this type of chew. 'Bully' refers to the bull, and the name has stuck with pet retailers and dog owners worldwide. You'll also see them called pizzle sticks, which is a more direct nod to the ingredient.

Either way, your pooch will be far more interested in the chew itself than what it's called.

How often can dogs have bully sticks?

Bully sticks are treats, not meal replacements.

How often your dog can enjoy one depends on their size, diet, activity level and overall health. For some dogs, they’re an occasional enrichment treat. For others, they may be part of a regular chew routine.

Your vet can help you work out what suits your dog best.

Do bully sticks smell?

Some do. Let's be honest about that.

Bully sticks can have a mild natural odour, which is actually part of what makes them so appealing to dogs. Some people barely notice it; others are more sensitive to it. WAG's bully sticks are carefully cleaned and slowly air-dried, and while they may still carry a natural scent, that's just the product doing its job.

How long do bully sticks last?

Entirely depends on the dog.

A gentle chewer might spread one across multiple sessions over several days and look very pleased with themselves the whole time. A determined power chewer might finish the same stick in 20–30 minutes and immediately start lobbying for another.

The 30cm and braided bully sticks generally last longer, which is why they're usually the better call for dogs who treat every chew like a personal challenge.

Can bully sticks upset a dog's stomach?

They can, especially if your dog is new to them or has a sensitive tummy.

Start slowly. Shorter chew sessions are a good way to see how your pooch responds before giving longer access. If you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, or anything unusual after introducing a new treat, check in with your vet.

Are bully sticks suitable for aggressive chewers?

Often, yes — but choose carefully.

Often, yes. Go for the 30cm option or a braided bully stick — both give serious chewers more to work through and help the treat last longer. As always, supervise and remove the end piece once it gets small enough to swallow.

Do bully sticks expire?

Yes. Check the best-before date on the packaging.

Kept sealed in a cool, dry place, most have a shelf life of up to 18 months. Once opened and chewed on, use within a few days.

Are bulls harmed to make bully sticks?

No.

Bully sticks are made from a by-product of beef production. They come from parts of the animal that wouldn't otherwise be used for human consumption, and the bulls aren't raised or killed specifically for bully sticks.

Using the whole animal rather than discarding parts is actually the more responsible approach, and it's a big part of why WAG sources only from quality beef producers we can properly account for.

The chew on this

Some dogs love chasing balls. Some love swimming. Some are professional snack negotiators.

And some take treat time very seriously.

So, what is a bully stick? It's the kind of chew many dogs will proudly carry off before settling in like they've got very important business to attend to.

Simple for you. Exciting for your pooch.

Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Explore our range of natural bully sticks and find your dog's new favourite chew.

Every dog is different. If you're unsure whether bully sticks are suitable for your dog's age, size, or individual needs, it's always worth chatting with your vet for tailored advice.