Bully Stick Basics: What Are Bully Sticks Made From?
Dogs love bully sticks! From their oven-roasted flavor to the long-lasting chewing entertainment they deliver, they’re a great way to keep your Cadet happy and occupied. Find out what bully sticks are made of and discover their many benefits!
What Is a Bully Stick?
A bully stick is the penis of a bull. They may also be called beef pizzles, pizzle sticks, beef sticks, or steer stix, but it all comes down to the same thing. Not only do dogs love them, but they use parts of the bull that may otherwise go to waste—making them a more sustainable dog treat option!
Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know this! A recent survey published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal found that only 62% of veterinarians could correctly identify the main ingredient of bully sticks. Forty-four percent of the general public could do the same.
The best bully stick products are created from high-quality, grass-fed, free-range cattle from either North or South America. These cattle are never raised in feedlots or given antibiotics, and they are never sourced from China.
The idea of your dog chomping down on a bull pizzle may not sound tasty to you, but dogs love their texture and flavor. And if you like giving your dog chews with simple ingredients, Cadet® Bully Sticks are a good choice because they contain just one ingredient!
HOW ARE BULLY STICKS MADE?
We’ve covered what a bully stick is, so now let’s talk about how they’re produced. Frozen bull sticks—pizzle canes—are received at the factory that processes the Cadet Bully Sticks. Once received, the frozen pizzles are thawed, thoroughly washed, and put on hooks for further processing. At this time, any remaining visceral fat or connective tissue is removed.
The pizzles are then hung on carts to be taken to the oven. A weight is placed at the ends of each cane to stretch and straighten them during the heating process. The pizzles are then placed in special convection ovens to cook and dry for approximately 60 hours, although the exact time varies depending on the ambient humidity and temperature. Once dry, the pizzle canes are ready to be cut to size!
As with other types of natural dog treats, expect there to be some differences in thickness, color, or shape among specimens. But the best bully sticks are alike in one respect: They contain no fillers and are grain-, gluten-, and preservative-free.
If your dog likes Bully Sticks, they’ll love our Bully Hide Sticks! These oven-roasted chews feature 100% real bully stick wrapped around select top layer beef hide for an irresistibly delicious flavor combination.
ARE BULLY STICKS SAFE FOR DOGS?
While all dogs should be supervised while munching down on any chew treat, bully sticks are safe for your dog. As an added benefit, they promote healthy teeth and gums when chewed. And after a vigorous session of evening chewing, your dog will probably be relaxed and calm for the rest of the night.
As with all treats, wash your hands after handling them yourself, as you would after handling raw meat. Humans are much more prone to Salmonella than are dogs, so we have to careful dealing with any all-natural dog treat.
RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky?
ARE BULLY STICKS DIGESTIBLE IF SWALLOWED?
Yes! Bully sticks are highly digestible and make a great rawhide alternative. How long a bully stick lasts depends entirely on your pup. Even strong-jawed dogs find the sticks a chewing delight. Bully sticks typically last from several hours to a few days, depending on your dog’s size and determination.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BULLY STICKS?
You and your dog will both love the benefits bully sticks offer! These are some of their most important perks:
☝️ Contain just one ingredient – Each bully stick is made of 100% real beef pizzle and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or fillers. Plus, they’re high in protein and low in fat!
🦷 Promote dental health – Bully sticks help clean teeth as dogs chew, helping your Cadet maintain a healthy smile while they enjoy.
🕗 Offer long-lasting fun – These natural dog chews keep furry friends happy and busy. You can also find extra-thick bully sticks for even longer-lasting chewing satisfaction.
😌 Digest easily – As mentioned, you can rest assured knowing bully sticks are highly digestible. For another easily digestible option, check out Cadet Chewalicious™ chews.
A Simple, Wholesome Chew
Dogs everywhere can agree: Bully sticks are supremely tasty! The next time you want to reward your Cadet, surprise them with one of these naturally delicious chews.
Now that you know what bully sticks are made of, explore some other commonly asked questions:
