As a dog owner, you might have found yourself mulling over the best type of treat to give to your pet. It makes sense since you only want to give the finest reward to your fur baby whenever they’re behaving so well.
You might have heard about bully sticks and been intrigued by the different opinions you find on the Internet. If you don’t have an idea of this type of treat, read on to learn more about why it’s so popular.
The Truth Behind Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are natural and long-lasting chew treats made from dried bull penises. If you haven’t heard of this type of dog goodie, you might be familiar with its other names, such as pizzle sticks, bull pizzles, and steer sticks.
They come in various forms, shapes, and sizes. You can choose between dried, raw, or cooked bully sticks, as well as different flavors. They don’t contain any artificial chemicals, additives, and preservatives.
Due to their long-lasting nature, these goodies are better for distracting your fur baby. These might not be as useful when training them since small treats that can be consumed quickly work best when teaching your dog some new tricks. Bully sticks are great for teething pups since these allow them to chew to their hearts’ content instead of gnawing on pieces of furniture.
The manufacturing process of various brands may differ. Nonetheless, bull pizzles are typically drained of fluids first. Then, they’re cooked according to the standards and preferences of the manufacturer. Most of the companies that sell these treats bake or smoke them.
One significant disadvantage of these steer sticks is that they may lead to bacterial infections in dogs, especially the uncooked form. Additionally, chewing keeps these treats moist, which increases the risk of contamination.
However, bully sticks are considered to be better alternatives to chews made from rawhide or animal skin. This is because the latter poses a choking and blockage risk, which is a worse problem than bacterial contamination.
To protect your dog’s digestive system, opt for cooked bully sticks. The heating process kills bacteria, which decreases the likelihood of infections.
This type of treat is highly digestible, so it breaks down easily inside your dog’s tummy. Also, bully sticks don’t splinter, which mitigates the risk of internal injuries from broken pieces being swallowed by your pet.
In addition, bully sticks have high protein content, making them an ideal option for growing puppies. Plus, their chewy nature also helps remove plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth.
Bully Sticks Tips And Tricks
It also doesn’t hurt that dogs of all breeds and ages love them so much. Just remember, however, that you must do your research and find a brand that offers the best ingredients when choosing the right treat for your dog.
Meanwhile, here are some things that you should remember when offering bully sticks to your fur baby:
- Give In Moderation
Bull pizzles are called treats for a reason. Their high protein content makes them a healthy way to reward your furry companion. However, too much of a good thing is always bad.
Remember to offer bully sticks to your dog in moderation. Think of this treat as peanuts, which are excellent healthy snacks for humans, but can lead to increased cholesterol levels when eaten in excessive amounts.
- Master The Timing Of The Reward
As mentioned above, bully sticks can be used as a distraction when your dog is being destructive due to teething. Nonetheless, you have to be mindful when you offer these treats.
This is because your pet might misunderstand the gesture and consider it as a reward for doing destructive actions. For instance, if you give them a steer stick right after chewing on the couch legs, you might be inadvertently recompensing them for that act.
Instead, use the treat to prevent this type of destructive action. This way, you avoid training them to cause damage to your home.
- Find The Best Type For You And Your Pet
Bull pizzles come in various forms, shapes, and sizes. If your dog gets easily bored with pig’s ear treats, you might want to try something that’s braided or curled, or a ringed variation. Meanwhile, pups who like to take things slow might enjoy the traditional straight sticks.
Conclusion
Bully sticks are healthy treats that dogs of all breeds and ages love. They’re chewable and high in protein, making them the perfect reward for good puppies. One major concern, however, is the risk for microbial infection. Nonetheless, you can avoid digestive problems by choosing a brand that uses high-quality ingredients and making sure that you buy cooked ones.
