I've bought the real thing many times, from premium companies, and it takes my dog about a minute and a half to devour a $15 two foot long bully stick. The beef tendons last slightly longer.
We buy the "bully sticks" from a privately owned holistic pet store nearby. They are the "real thing". If I give thomas doodle a 12 inch bully stick from there it is gone in about 6 minutes. I don't give him bones of any kind anymore after I read Karen's post about the pork bone she gave Jack. Our vet sells these large chew things that are totally digestable and they are dipped in an enzyme that contributes to their dental hygene. The dood loves them...no bones for my doodle...I am too afraid of splinters!
We buy them at the pet store and they are frozen and raw. I just give them to them that way and we have never had an issue. If they can't get the marrow out then I just get a spoon and push it thru. They love them.