Bully sticks are a popular snack option that many pet parents give their dogs. These are single-ingredient treats or dog chews made from high-protein beef muscle, the pizzle of a bull. However, many concerns are associated with bully sticks, which has been worrisome for many and caused their popularity to decline. Pet parents need to understand the dangers of bully sticks and how they can be safely given to one’s pets.

Dangers of bully sticks

1. Bacterial contamination
One of the biggest risks associated with bully sticks comes from bacterial contamination, leading to upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea.  This  can be quite disconcerting for dog parents. This worry has been more prevalent since 2018, when the FDA recalled thousands of bully sticks due to salmonella concerns. Other dangerous bacteria that have also been found on bully sticks include  Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA), and  Escherichia coli .

Let’s  break this down a little. Most bully sticks are minimally processed,  “ all-natural ”  products.  This  means  that harmful  bacteria continue to thrive on them, which can make their way to the  pet’s  insides. Processes such as irradiation, baking, and the use of chemicals generally help get rid of these bacteria. However, the appeal of bully sticks, by and large, is their naturality, which does not leave room for any such processing.

Buying bully sticks from reputable companies with a history of safe manufacturing processes is best to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination for  one’s  dogs. This helps pet parents ensure that the treats have been through safety checks and are fit for consumption. After serving these, one must wash  one’s  hands well and sanitize the area where they were eaten to  get rid of  any lurking bacteria, as they can be detrimental to babies, children, seniors, and other immunocompromised individuals.

2. Choking
Another major issue that many pet parents have raised with bully sticks is the risk of choking. If the chew is swallowed whole and reaches the stomach, it shouldn’t cause too much trouble as it is fully digestible. However, if it gets lodged in the throat, it could potentially put the dog’s life at risk.

Steer clear of any such incidents by looking for an appropriately sized chew for the pet. The right bully stick must be larger than the pet’s muzzle to prevent them from swallowing it whole or in large pieces and alleviate the issue of choking. Additionally, pet parents must always monitor their dogs when giving them such treats to ensure they are consumed safely.

3. Allergies
Since bully sticks are made from beef, they are not considered safe for dogs with beef allergies. A 2016 study by the Biomedical Center for Veterinary Research reported that around 34% of dogs were allergic to beef. This number is astounding, and according to it, bully sticks are unsafe for over one-third of the dog population in the country.

Giving bully sticks to allergic pups could lead to symptoms such as bald patches, chronic ear infections, chronic gas, chronically inflamed feet, coughing, diarrhea, hives, obsessive licking, paw biting, pawing at the face, poor growth, shaking of the head, skin infections, skin rashes, vomiting, and wheezing. It is best to keep them far away from bully sticks and other beef snacks to maintain the pup’s health.

4. High protein content
Bully sticks are also very high in calories and protein, which can make them unsafe for some dogs to consume. If the dog is not used to eating such high-protein foods, bully sticks can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

To give them to the dogs safely and lower the risk of such complications, give them a small piece and monitor their reaction. If they enjoy it, their chewing time can gradually increase. However, limit their intake to no more than one bully stick per day.

Exercise more caution when giving bully sticks to puppies, as their stomachs are more sensitive than adult dogs. At best, limit their bully stick chew time to 5 to 10 minutes a day.

Alternatives to bully sticks
Besides these dangers, bully sticks also have a rather peculiar smell, which can stink up the house. Although many producers claim to make odor-free variants, once chewed, every stick has some degree of smell, which makes many people uncomfortable.

Luckily, several alternatives are available to help people skirt around these issues. Some of these include the following:

1. Deer antlers
Deer antlers help improve a dog’s oral health, give them fun playtime, and reduce anxiety. These aren’t meant to be ingested, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies.

2. Ostrich tendons
For dogs allergic to beef, ostrich tendons are a good consumable alternative. These are also protein-rich and offer the same dental cleaning properties as bully sticks. 

3. Raw meaty bones (RMBs)
RMBs are more efficient at maintaining oral hygiene than bully sticks. However, these bones could pose a risk for intestinal or organ damage, so it’s always advisable to consult with a doctor before giving them to one’s dog.

4. Yakers
These are compressed sticks of smoke-dried yak milk. They are incredibly durable and offer immense oral health benefits, making them a great option for most dogs.