Are bully sticks unhealthy for Puppies?

[Roy]

Good morning!

Nickie is officially 12 weeks old! I'm trying to decide on what toys to get her. She's not too fond of rubber toys like Kongs and such. She tends to prefer bully sticks. It takes her a few days to go through a 10 inch stick. I figure it wouldn't be too bad to let her munch on one for an hour each day but I'm not too sure about how good they are for Puppies. Are bully sticks unhealthy for Puppies? Any alternatives?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Roy, is it to satisfy the chew instinct?

Since she is young, and she will loose those teeth, why not consider an Antler.   

Expensive, but they last f o r e v e r!  In the long run, you will spend a lot less on an antler than those expensive, short lasting, Bully Sticks.

One caution,  a few of the heavy chewers, when they are older, have broken a molar on the antlers. So, if it is just for a puppy with those sharp teeth I would get my puppy one for sure

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

http://antlerpantry.com/

[Roy]

Hi Joanne,

I took your advice and bought one earlier today. She loves it! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Antlers are the best. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh, I bet she is thrilled!   And, one good thing, she wont get an upset tummy like many pups do from too many bully sticks

I'm so glad you are both happy.  

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Would you still recommend them for heavy chewers? Loki goes through bully stick so quickly it's not cost effective. I've heard great things about antlers but also that dogs can break teeth. Just curious as to what your thoughts or experiences are.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It depends on your dog. JD went through bully sticks and every other kind of edible chew in minutes if not seconds. I know some dogs have broken a tooth on the marrow bones and antlers, but JD doesn't actually try to break or bite the antlers; he gnaws at them, it's more like scraping then biting, and he has never damaged a tooth. I monitor him closely, more with my ears than my eyes. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Make sure that the bully sticks are sourced in North America. Not just "Made in USA", sourced in the USA. This means you don't buy them at Target, Walmart, Costco, the grocery store, etc. and even at pet supply stores, you must check sourcing.

Even then, you want to limit the amount she gets. I wouldn't consider a bully stick a "toy", it's a chew, and it does contain calories and fat. if it's really toys you're looking for, there are all kinds of alternatives to rubber, lol. We have a Good Toys group here on DK with lots of good recommendations for toys that other dogs have loved. The Food Group also has recommendations for all kinds of other chews: antlers, beef tendons, beef tracheas, marrow bones, etc.

[Roy]

Thank you for the advice, Karen. Definitely important info on buying bully sticks.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

If you go the bully stick route, a good source that I learned on here is bestbullysticks.com.  I opt for the odor free ones, makes a huge difference! I give them to my two for no more than an hour, usually before bedtime. Don't leave them laying around,  pick them up when done. Once they are chewed down to a short piece, throw them out to avoid choking.  Your puppy is adorable btw!

[Roy]

Thank you! I'll check the website out!

[Christine & Shelby]

This is where I order bully sticks from as well. My Shelby loves them... The company is great and service is quick!