Best Bully Sticks for Dogs: 8 Safe, Odor-Free & Digestible Choices

Chewing is one of a dog's favorite things to do — it's practically a fact of life. If you've ever raised a puppy, you know the first few months are spent chewing on anything and everything in sight. As dogs grow older, they get more selective about what they gnaw on, but the urge itself never really goes away.

So what's a pet parent to do? Give them something to chew that's actually good for them. Bully sticks for dogs are one of the most popular options on the market — natural, long-lasting, and free of artificial preservatives.

Bully sticks are also known as beef pizzle, pizzle sticks, or bully bones — the more polite terms for a treat made from bull penis. They're a healthier, safer alternative to rawhide chews, which can pose a choking hazard for dogs. And since they're made from 100% beef, they're much less likely to irritate a dog's sensitive stomach.

We researched the market to find the best bully sticks for dogs, so you can make an informed choice for your pup.

 

Best Bully Sticks For Dogs

1. Pawstruck Straight Bully Sticks

Pawstruck Bully Sticks are slow-cooked and oven-baked, sourced from grass-fed, free-range cattle raised without hormones or chemicals. There are no artificial preservatives or additives — just beef pizzle. They're also a solid pick for dental health, helping chip away at tartar and plaque as your dog chews.

These bull pizzle treats average 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 380 reviewers on Chewy, with customers praising their longevity, low odor, and value for money. Compared to typical bully sticks that leave a whole house smelling once unwrapped, these only have a faint scent.

Strong chewers who normally destroy treats in minutes find these much tougher — they can keep dogs occupied for hours or even days.

We also like that Pawstruck sells these by weight rather than by count, so you get a consistent amount per bag regardless of stick size (though it does mean fewer, larger sticks or more, smaller ones). Buying by weight also tends to work out cheaper than paying per piece.

The main drawback: sizing isn't consistent from bag to bag. A few negative reviews also mentioned damaged packaging, likely from shipping, rather than issues with the product itself.

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2. Smokehouse 4″ Pizzle Stix 

Best For Small Breeds: These bully sticks are made right here in the USA. They're 100% all-natural and digestible, slow-roasted to remove any traces of bacteria and keep them safe for your dog to eat.

While the sticks are made for all breed sizes, their small size makes them a better fit for small breed pups — large breed chewers may gulp these down in a heartbeat.

215 customers gave these bull pizzle treats a 4.4 star rating out of 5, and most highly recommend them to fellow pet parents. The bully sticks aren't marketed as odor-free or low-odor, but many reviewers were happy to find they don't smell bad at all.

Dogs love these treats, even finicky ones that usually turn their nose up at snacks. They're a great distraction for pups who get bored easily or chew through things around the house, and it's a plus that the beef is sourced right here in the USA.

Sizing can vary. Some sticks are thin, others hollow, and the price point is a bit of an issue since these don't tend to last very long.

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3. Chewy Made Standard Bully Stick 6″ (FORMERLY BONES & CHEWS)

Bones & Chews (now sold on Chewy as “Chewy Made”) offers standard-sized chews that work well for medium-sized dogs, though the 6″ beef muscle chews are comfortably sized for large or small dogs too.

The bully sticks are labeled chemical-free. They're cleaned with water and vinegar, dried, then irradiated to ensure safety.

Thanks to their standard sizing, these are best suited to medium chewers. It's one of the most-reviewed bully stick products on Chewy, with thousands of ratings averaging around 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviewers report they last about an hour for medium to aggressive chewers, and up to a day for occasional chewers. Price is also frequently mentioned as a strong point, since these cost less than many comparable products.

That said, several reviewers have noted the sticks have gotten thinner over time compared to the thicker size buyers used to receive.

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4. Bully Sticks Braided 12″

Best For Larger Dogs or Aggressive Chewers: These braided bully sticks are highly palatable chews in the longest length available, made for bigger dogs and aggressive chewers.

The braided design gives the sticks a tougher, more complex texture, so they last your pup for hours rather than minutes. They're made from free-range, grass-fed beef sourced from Paraguay, braided and slow-roasted in their own juices to lock in flavor.

Reviewers gave these bully sticks an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 300 ratings, with many noting the treats keep their dogs occupied for a long stretch of time. The sticks are thick, and even strong chewers take a while to finish them: hours for aggressive chewers, and as long as several days for a dog who only chews occasionally.

These aren't odor-free, and the scent is noticeably strong. Dogs love them, but plenty of pet parents strongly dislike the smell, describing it as “horrible.” The other common complaint is price: a pack with only two chews can feel expensive.

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5. Barkworthies Odor-Free American Bully Sticks 6″

These sticks are 6″ treats that are baked and virtually odor-free, with a standard shape and texture that helps promote healthy teeth and fresher breath.

The beef is sourced from free-range cattle in Brazil, but the sticks themselves are baked in the US using a special process (low temperature, longer bake time) that keeps them odor-free without any chemicals. They're not irradiated either — baking alone is what removes the bacteria. These are best suited to small and medium dogs.

123 customers gave these bully sticks a combined rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. There's a slight smell if you're right next to your dog while they chew, but it's mostly odor-free, especially compared to other bully sticks — a big plus for owners who don't want to deal with stinky carpets or bedding afterward.

These also help enormously with teething puppies looking for relief. The main drawback is sizing inconsistency: some sticks come out noticeably smaller than others, and a few customers found they don't last very long.

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6. Fantastic Dog Chews Mini Bully Sticks 

Best For Seniors: These mini bully sticks are made from 100% grass-fed, free-range beef. At 6″ long but thinner and softer than standard bully sticks, they're ideal for smaller toy breeds, dogs with sensitive mouths, and dogs with missing teeth.

The brand sources its beef from Brazil, and the free-range cattle are raised without hormones, antibiotics, or steroids.

These treats hold a 4.3 out of 5 star rating from 72 reviewers on Chewy, with 71% giving them 5 stars. Because they're smaller and softer, they're a good fit for senior dogs, small breeds, and puppies. Reviewers note that size can vary somewhat between sticks, so results may differ depending on your dog's chewing strength.

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7. Pupford Thick Bully Sticks

These are premium dog chews, all-natural and crafted from grass-fed beef, geared toward adult dogs that are power or aggressive chewers.

Pupford sources the beef from grass-fed cattle in the US and processes the sticks at their own US facility — no chemicals are used in cleaning, just a thorough wash before hanging and baking. That's a genuine point in their favor compared to bully sticks sourced or processed overseas.

These bully sticks have over 700 reviews on Chewy with an average score of 4.5 out of 5, and 86% of reviewers rated them 4 or 5 stars. Compared to other bully sticks, these run low-odor and won't stink up the house, and they tend to last a good while longer than sticks that get gobbled up in minutes.

The main inconsistency reviewers flag is thickness: some batches include noticeably thinner sticks alongside thicker ones, so your dog's chew time can vary bag to bag.

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8. Top Dog Chews Beef Bully Bites

These treats are the perfect combination of taste, nutrition, and dental health support for your dog.

Made from 100% natural beef pizzle sourced from grass-fed, free-range cattle, these bite-sized chews are a safe, healthy alternative to rawhide. They're packed with lean, easily digestible protein that supports muscle development without upsetting your dog's stomach, while naturally scraping away tartar and plaque as your dog chews.

They're low in fat and completely free of hormones, preservatives, steroids, antibiotics, and other chemicals. Each treat is hand-inspected, making them a solid option for dogs of any size, whether used as a training reward or a quick chew session.

These bites hold a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Chewy from reviewers, with the vast majority rating them 5 stars. The main drawback: they don't last long, since they're quite small and better suited to snack-sized giving than a long chew session. A few reviewers also noted sizing isn't perfectly uniform from bite to bite.

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Why Do Dogs Like To Chew?

We’ve established that dogs like gnawing on things, but is it okay for them to do so? Chewing is considered normal for pups.

Puppies go through a teething period where they need to gnaw on stuff to relieve pain because the process of growing teeth can be quite intense for them.

Between puppyhood and adulthood (about seven to 12 months of age), dogs go through another phase where they get an uncontrollable urge to chew.

Called the adolescent phase, dogs this age like to explore things and chewing things is one of those things that happen to be fun. And even when they’re past puppyhood and adolescence, most dogs will keep that natural chewing instinct. 

Other reasons for chewing include:

• Boredom – your dog is not getting enough physical stimulation 
• Attention-seeking – your pet may have found out that the easiest way to get your attention is to chew on something forbidden, like a phone or remote control.
• Unbalanced diet – A few pups may try to compensate for a lack of minerals in their diet by trying to chew stones or plaster.
• Anxiety – Some dogs don’t handle being left alone for long periods well. Chewing becomes a destructive behavior for them.

*If you see any or both of the last two listed behaviors in your pup, consult a vet for the best way to deal with your dog. 

How Do You Choose A Bully Stick?

With many options available in the market, how do you go about finding which are the best bully sticks for dogs? Here are some guidelines to help you:

1. Length

Bully sticks generally come in 4”, 6”, and 12” lengths, but there are many more length sizes you can find. If you have a big dog or a strong chewer, the longer lengths may be more suited to him. If you have a small pooch or a pup who only occasionally chews, smaller pizzle sticks may be more ideal.

Generally, thicker and longer sticks last longer than thin or short ones — so match both length and width to your dog's size and chewing strength, not length alone.

2. Width

There are standard-sized bully sticks that most dogs will be able to chew easily. But there are also different sized options if you want something geared specifically for your pup. For example, there are thin sticks that a little pooch can easily gnaw, but larger breeds may find thicker dog chews more satisfying.

3. Shape

The standard bully stick is a straight shape but recently, other bully sticks shaped into braids, loops, and curls have come out. The shapes do serve a purpose.

Curled bully sticks scrape plaque better from a dog’s mouth, while braided bully sticks add a level of texture and complexity to chewing so your pup will take his time in going through one.

When it comes to selecting a bully stick, remember this general rule: the wider, longer, and more complex the shape, the longer the stick will last your pup. 

Better Than Rawhide?

Bully sticks are a healthy alternative to rawhide chews. Unlike rawhide, which can be difficult to digest for dogs, bully sticks will easily break down in your pet’s tummy. They also don’t splinter off, so you don’t have to worry about sharp edges causing internal injuries to your pup. 

You do have to watch out for the little pieces. Once your dog has whittled his bully stick down to a smaller piece that is a little bigger than his mouth, there is a risk of choking if he decides to swallow that piece in one gulp. 

Aside from being better than rawhide in some aspects, bully sticks offer lots of health benefits to your dog. While nothing beats a routine brushing of the teeth, bully sticks promote dental health. Tough dog chews help scrape off plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth. 

And if your dog has a sensitive stomach, bully sticks are the perfect treats because they’re all natural and usually made of a single ingredient only.

A few brands add a natural flavor like honey, but that’s about it. There are no artificial ingredients nor any preservative. The drying or cooking process generally kills off any bacteria in the food.

Lastly, pizzle sticks are high in protein so these offer lots of support when it comes to muscle development and maintenance, whatever age your dog might be.

 

Things To Consider When Giving Your Pup A Bully Stick

1. Give bully sticks sparingly. 

Like all treats, bully sticks shouldn't make up a large part of your dog’s diet. In fact, a bully stick shouldn’t make up over 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

2. Go slow with puppies when giving a bully stick.

While bully sticks are generally safe, little dogs have more sensitive stomachs than adults and might have an adverse reaction to the treats.

3. Monitor your dog closely.

Bull pizzle does not splinter, but it can pose a choking risk if your pup tries to gulp a piece that’s bigger than he can handle. Make sure that you watch your dog closely as his bully stick gets small enough to swallow. 

4. They’re not for pups with sensitive teeth.

Bully sticks may not be as hard as hooves or antler chews, but they can still be pretty tough on sensitive gums and older teeth. Dogs with dental problems should not be given a bully stick as a treat.

5. Most bully sticks smell.

Yup, even the best bully stick will have a natural odor. That “horrible” smell, though, will be attractive to your dog even when it’s the complete opposite to you. If this is a problem, look for odor free bully sticks instead. 

Final Say

Since dogs love to chew, bully sticks can provide a more satisfying way for them to fulfill that urge. Snacks like biscuits or kibbles will be gone in one gulp, unlike dog bully sticks that will keep your pet happily chewing for hours. 

Just remember that bully sticks are treats, and giving your pup these chews too frequently will supply him with too many calories, which might lead to obesity. Give bully sticks sparingly and with caution.