What Are Bully Sticks Actually Made Of?

If you buy chews for your dog, you’ve probably come across bully sticks. They come in different sizes and shapes, often with a single ingredient listed on the label: beef pizzle.

Here’s what that ingredient actually is, why some sticks smell more than others, and what to know about calories, size and safety before choosing one for your dog.

What bully sticks are made of

Bully sticks are made from the dried penis of a bull or steer. “Pizzle” is another word for penis, so a label listing “beef pizzle” is telling you exactly what is inside.

The tissue is cleaned and dried to produce the chewy brown stick sold in pet stores. Processing varies by manufacturer, with methods including air-drying and oven-drying. Straight sticks, rings and braids can all start with the same ingredient.

A traditional bully stick contains a single ingredient, but check the actual label: flavored or combined products may contain extras. Rawhide is a different product, made from animal hide.

Why some bully sticks smell so strong

Bully sticks can have a strong smell, which may become more noticeable as your dog chews.

The animal tissue has a distinctive smell, and processing affects how noticeable it is. Best Bully Sticks, for example, says it uses baking and drying to reduce the odor in its odor-free range. The company also notes that moisture from chewing can bring out more of the natural scent.

An odor-free label describes the smell; it does not establish that a chew is free of bacteria. Follow the maker’s storage instructions and wash your hands after handling it.

The calories are easy to overlook

Bully sticks contribute to your dog’s daily calories, even when they take several sessions to finish.

In a small study published in 2013, the five bully sticks tested for calorie content contained 45 to 133 calories each. Their dimensions varied, and those results are a useful reminder to check the product you buy rather than assume every stick contains the same amount.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends keeping treats and other extras to no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

Look for calories per stick or per gram. If the packet does not provide them, ask the manufacturer.

Watch how they chew

Are bully sticks safe for dogs?

Bully sticks are edible and digestible, but a dog can still choke on a large piece or develop an intestinal blockage after swallowing one. Pay particular attention as the chew gets shorter.

Hardness matters, too. VCA Animal Hospitals advises avoiding bully sticks because of concerns including broken teeth and bacterial contamination. Preventive Vet considers them an option for some dogs with precautions. They are not a universally suitable chew.

If your dog has damaged teeth, a beef allergy, recurring digestive trouble or a prescribed diet, discuss an appropriate alternative with your veterinarian.

What to check before buying

Choose a size and thickness that suit your dog’s size and chewing habits. Look at the product alongside your dog’s size, chewing habits and diet.

Length alone tells you little about the total serving. Two six-inch sticks can differ substantially in thickness and weight. A braided version bundles several pieces together, so check its calorie information separately.

Do bully sticks help clean teeth?

Chewing can contribute to oral care, but a bully stick should not replace toothbrushing. The Veterinary Oral Health Council identifies brushing as the gold standard and awards its seal to specific products with evidence that they help control plaque or tartar.

If dental care is your main reason for buying a chew, consult the VOHC accepted-products list and ask your vet which options suit your dog’s teeth and diet.