As a devoted dog parent, you’re always on the lookout for the best chews and treats to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. But with so many options available, it can be tough to know which is the safest and most nutritious choice.

If you've found yourself in a ‘Bully Sticks vs. rawhide’ dilemma, you've come to the right place! Today, we’re going to explain why Bully Sticks are the much higher quality, healthier alternative to rawhide. Once you go Bully, you won’t go back!

What the heck are Bully Sticks?

Bully treats for dogs are the natural, wholesome chews your dog has been dreaming of! Made from 100% beef pizzle (yes, it's as natural as it gets), Bully Sticks are single-ingredient, high-protein snacks that satisfy your dog’s need to chew while supporting their overall health. What makes them so great? For starters, they’re fully digestible, meaning they break down easily in your dog’s stomach—no nasty surprises or blockages here!

Not only are Bully Sticks super gentle on your pup's tummy, but they’re also totally free of any nasty chemicals, additives, or preservatives. That means every chew is as safe as it is scrumptious! Plus, with Bully Sticks available in all shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, there’s a perfect match for every doggo—from tiny tail-waggers to mighty chewers.

What is rawhide?

Rawhide might seem like an old favourite, but there’s a lot you may not know about this seemingly harmless chew. Rawhide is made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides, which are treated with a range of chemicals during processing.

To remove hair and fat from the hides, they’re often soaked in lime solutions, and sometimes bleached to make them look more appealing to humans (though your dog couldn’t care less about that!). Some rawhide chews may even contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde—yikes!

The worst part? Rawhide chews are not fully digestible. They break down slowly in your dog’s stomach, creating the risk of choking or causing blockages. Large pieces of rawhide can get stuck in your dog’s throat or digestive tract, leading to emergency vet visits and even life-threatening situations.

What are the health risks of rawhide?

Rawhide has been a popular dog chew for years, as it is generally cheap and accessible. But its risks are becoming increasingly more well known. Here’s why rawhide could be dangerous for your dog:

Choking hazards
Rawhide can splinter into large, sharp pieces that pose a choking hazard, especially for aggressive chewers. If swallowed, these pieces can get lodged in your dog's throat or intestines.
Digestive blockages
Since rawhide isn’t fully digestible, it can lead to blockages in your dog’s digestive system. This can cause severe discomfort, and in some cases, it requires surgical intervention to remove.
Chemical exposure
Rawhide is often treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process. These chemicals can be harmful to your dog, potentially leading to digestive issues, allergic reactions, or long-term health problems.
Bacterial contamination
Because rawhide is made from animal hides, there’s a risk of bacterial contamination, including Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can make both your dog and your family sick.

Why Bully Sticks are the better option for your doggo

Now that we’ve covered the not-so-great side of rawhide, let’s talk about why Bully Sticks are the superior choice for your dog’s chewing needs.

Here’s why Bully Sticks outshine rawhide in every way:

100% digestible
Bully Sticks are made from natural beef protein, which is fully digestible. That means they break down easily in your dog’s stomach, reducing the risk of choking or digestive blockages.
Rich in protein
Bully Sticks are packed with protein, which is essential for maintaining your dog’s muscles, coat, and overall health. They’re also low in fat, making them a lean treat option.
No harmful chemicals
Unlike rawhide, Bully Sticks aren’t treated with chemicals, bleaches, or preservatives. When you give your dog a Bully Stick, you know exactly what’s in it—just pure, natural beef.
Satisfies chewing needs
Dogs have a natural instinct to chew, and Bully Sticks offer the perfect way to satisfy that urge in a healthy way. They’re long-lasting and durable, giving your dog hours of chewing enjoyment while also promoting dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. So your dog can chomp down on a Bully Stick instead of your brand new sofa!
Safe and delicious
Because Bully Sticks are an all-natural, single ingredient treat they’re a much safer option than rawhide. Plus, dogs love the taste of beef, so they’re sure to enjoy every bite!

WAG’s Bully Sticks

At WAG, we believe in providing only the best for your dog. That’s why our Bully Sticks are made from high-quality, grass-fed beef pizzle, ensuring that your pup gets a natural, wholesome chew that’s as safe as it is delicious.

We're all about serving up premium, all-natural dog treats that are completely free from chemicals, additives, and preservatives—because your furry friend deserves the best! With WAG, you can feel pawsitively confident that every WAG treat you toss their way is packed with nothing but wholesome goodness.

WAG offers a wide range of Bully Sticks to suit dogs of all sizes and chewing preferences. From standard Bully Sticks to bites and braided options, there’s something for every doggo to enjoy.

And since our Bully Sticks are long-lasting chews, they’re perfect for keeping your dog occupied and satisfied for hours on end. Whether your dog is a gentle chewer or a relentless chomper, WAG has the ideal Bully Stick to keep them happy, healthy, and entertained.

How to choose the right Bully Stick for your dog

When selecting a Bully Stick for your dog, it’s important to consider their size, age, and chewing style.

At WAG, we offer a variety of Bully Stick types to cater for every type of chomper! Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect match for your pooch:

Size: Choose a Bully Stick that’s appropriately sized for your dog. Smaller dogs may prefer thinner sticks or smaller bites like our Bully Bites, while larger dogs or aggressive chewers will benefit from thicker, longer sticks that can withstand their chomping power.
Age: Puppies and senior dogs might have more sensitive teeth, so opting for a softer or thinner Bully Stick can help them enjoy their chewing experience without causing discomfort.
Chewing Style: If your dog is a power chewer, look for extra-durable options like our Braided Bully Sticks or Collagen Sticks that can handle their strong jaws. For gentler chewers, standard Bully Sticks should do the trick.

The bottom line: Bully Sticks win, paws down!

When it comes to choosing between Bully Sticks and rawhide, it’s a no-brainer—Bully Sticks are the safe, healthy, and totally natural choice your dog will drool over! No sneaky chemicals, highly digestible, and packed with tail-wagging benefits, Bully Sticks are the ultimate win-win for both you and your furry bestie.

So next time you’re shopping for chews, skip the rawhide and reach for a WAG Bully Stick instead. Your dog will thank you with happy wags and satisfied chomps!