There are a variety of treats given to dogs alongside their food. The most popular treats are training treats. They’re for behaviour and routine moulding. There are also distraction treats like bully sticks. Their purpose is to keep dogs busy to keep them from whining, being anxious, and destroying things such as chewing on furniture.
So, what are bully sticks? Interestingly, bully sticks come from bull penises. You better believe it. Their preparation involves draining fluids and then smoking or baking them, so they are natural. They are then made into different shapes and sizes, mostly sticks, to suit the size of the dog.
Besides their use as distraction treats, bully sticks have health benefits. They include:
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Easy To Digest Food
Bully sticks breakdown in the stomach without causing swelling in the gut. They’re 100% digestible because they’re pure beef. They’re healthy for your dog’s bowel movement, too, unlike rawhides that can result in intestinal blockages when swallowed in large chunks.
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Good Dental Health
Bully sticks are a good way to improve your dog’s dental health. To start with, they aid in removing plaque from the teeth. The abrasion caused upon the teeth while chewing removes tartar builds upon the surfaces of the teeth. It, in turn, prevents tooth cavities.
Moreover, prolonged vigorous chewing promotes healthy gums and prevents gum inflammation as well as oral pain. Lastly, bully sticks help in the teething process for puppies, which is the transition between juvenile and adult teeth. Their teeth grow firm and strong.
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Weight Management
Bully sticks are low in fat compared to other natural treats, such as pig ears and rawhides, as they’re primarily full of protein. They’re a good choice for pet owners concerned about their pets’ weight.
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Muscle Development
Because bully sticks are high in protein, they support muscle development and maintenance. Therefore, they are good for puppies as they promote their body growth.
Moreover, for emaciated and undernourished dogs, the high protein content works to help regain muscle structure.
For dogs that have already achieved proper muscle development, bully sticks help maintain their muscles. Additionally, bully sticks can supplement regular food that doesn’t contain protein.
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Safe
Bully sticks are 100% natural. As such, they’re free from additives, chemicals, and preservatives.
Ingestion of toxins from preservatives can cause liver, heart, and kidney complications. These complications start with a simple scattering of bacteria within the dogs’ mouth that eventually affects the whole body. Bully sticks guarantee that no unhealthy substances are entering your dog’s body.
Unlike other chews in the market, bully sticks are not choking hazards. Choking hazards are dangerous even for large adult dogs. Bully sticks are sturdy so as not to break into smaller pieces when chewed.
Besides, bully sticks come in all sizes to suit the size of your dog and his chewing ability. They can also come as braided or extra thick if choking is a real concern. However, remember to replace the smaller sticks with bigger ones once they wear out.
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Amino Acids, Minerals, And Other Nutrients
Even though bully sticks aren’t an essential part of dogs’ diet, they still offer nutritional value. Bully sticks contain amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium. The benefits of these nutrients can be visible in the dog’s soft and shiny skin and the strength of their bones. They also promote healthy eyesight.
Other Benefits of Bully Sticks
Bully sticks take while for dogs to finish. They provide a long period of active oral engagement for the dogs, lowering their anxiety and cheering them up from boredom. It acts as an exercise for the heart, keeping them active while improving their blood flow.
Another benefit is that bully sticks stay fresh for long periods––up to three years, which means you don’t have to worry about spoilage. The benefit is that their long shelf-life reduces the chances of food poisoning.
Most beef treats have a smell that some may find unpleasant. However, bully sticks have an odour-free feature. Dog owners might go for the beef type. Bison bully sticks have a stronger natural odour than beef. However, bison bully sticks are a bit more expensive than beef bully sticks.
Conclusion
Bully sticks could significantly improve your dog’s health. A normal distraction treat can be useful in controlling the weight and muscle development of your dog. Give your dog this treat throughout the week.
It would also help to train your dog by giving him this treat after displaying good behaviour. Rotate treats throughout the week to help balance their calories.
