Okay, so I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about bully sticks lately, and honestly, I was pretty clueless. My furry buddy, Max, he’s a golden retriever, and the guy loves to chew. I mean, loves it. I used to give him rawhide bones, but I read some scary stuff online about them, so I started looking for alternatives. That’s when I stumbled upon these things called “bully sticks.”
First things first, I did a little digging. Turns out, bully sticks are basically dried bull penises. Yeah, you heard that right. Sounds kinda gross, but hey, dogs seem to dig ’em. They’re supposed to be all-natural and easily digestible, which is a huge plus compared to rawhide. Plus, they’re packed with protein, which is great for Max’s muscles and that shiny coat of his.
So, I decided to take the plunge and bought a pack. When I opened it, there was a bit of a smell, not gonna lie. Not terrible, but definitely noticeable. I gave one to Max, and oh boy, the tail wags were in full force. He went to town on that thing! It kept him occupied for a good while, which was a nice break for me. I was initially worried that they would be too many calories, I don’t want to make my dog fat.
- He loved it: No doubt about it, Max was a big fan.
- Long-lasting: It took him a while to get through it, which is great for a heavy chewer like him.
- Digestible: No tummy troubles, which was a relief.
- A bit smelly: Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of.
- Calories: I have to be careful not to give him too many, because the calories can add up.
My observations:
Now, here’s the thing. I did see some folks online saying that bully sticks can still be a choking hazard, especially if your dog tends to gulp things down. So, I made sure to supervise Max while he was enjoying his treat. I also heard that some dogs might get an upset stomach if they eat too much, so I’ve been limiting him to about 1.5 ounces (two sticks) per day. He’s a big boy, so I figured that was a safe amount. But better safe than sorry, right?
All in all, I’d say bully sticks have been a pretty good addition to Max’s routine. He gets a tasty treat that keeps him busy, and I get some peace of mind knowing it’s a more natural and digestible option than rawhide. Of course, every dog is different, so it’s always a good idea to chat with your vet before introducing anything new to your pup’s diet. But for Max and me, bully sticks get two paws up!
