#being extremely tired while doing anything with them is straight up a health hazard

[mudalchemy]

just a random rant ramblings. most likely incoherent it’s both tragic and amusing how when i passed the last semester of uni my mind started instantaneously brimming with new ideas for things to do during the next one. literally like: maybe i should go sailing? it’s been a few years. or i have saved enough to finally go to this fencing course. but when was the last time i was on a horseback? or been axe throwing? i probably could get certificated in spanish if i spend some time polishing my grammar. or get another level in german… Also i might start regularly dming in the local community center. or there was this project requiring volunteer work to save this rare bird species. but it would be so cool to additionally go to some kind of a weekend post-secondary school just for fun of getting to also know some kind of a trade. oh, i lack the feel of having some humanities in my life. how about starting something related to them as a parallel degree? but there's this place that i could start to work in. oh, how about joining these additional classes and uni clubs? and there are all these conferences in which I could be a speaker. and my old clubs have so many things and field works that i should participate in… and so on. so on. and then i get my plan for the new semester and i’m like. well. uh. no. cancel the plans. if i somehow manage to get at least five hours of sleep every night then that’s going to be a win :(

[centralparkpawsblog]

Bully Sticks vs Rawhide Chews

https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/41NcLcvfPoL.jpg Today I was at my local pet supply store stocking up on treats and chewies for my dogs.

While I was debating on which items to get, a fellow customer asked my opinion on which was better: the bully stick or the rawhide? She saw I had both in my cart.

Maybe it’s just me, but I love chatting with fellow dog lovers, so I was happy to help.

She had a young Bull Mastiff with her, so she said she was looking for something that would keep him occupied but was also safe to give him.

I had no doubt that the big guy was an aggressive chewer! 

I have very diligent and focused chewers but nothing like the jaws on this guy.

There was a large variety of bully sticks and rawhides to choose from, so we were able to find a few things that would likely work for her boy. 

As for my household, we keep both.

How I Use Bully Sticks and Rawhides

I use rawhides more as more of a short-term distraction.

Click any image for more info on the product pictured

An example of this is:

When we have company over, we give the dogs a rawhide bone to occupy them, so friends and family can come in without being bowled over.

The reason I say short term distraction is because once everyone is settled we take the bones away. 

Because rawhide chews are not a high value treat in our house, it is an easy one to get back from the dogs.

Though I buy rawhides for my dogs, I am particular as to how long they can be chewed on, since I know they can be choking hazards or cause intestinal obstructions.

We use the bully sticks for longer distractions or just as fun treats for the dogs.

They all love them, and I know my dogs can’t bite pieces off, so I worry less about them being choking hazards.

I purchase the larger ones since I take them away as soon as the sticks are small enough for the dog to fit the whole bully stick in their mouth.

What are Bully Sticks?

Bully sticks are also known as pizzle sticks.

These are made up of beef muscle.

Specifically the penis[1]!

They are a single protein dog chew that is known to be easily digestible.

Plus, dogs go crazy for them!

We reviewed Raw Paws’ Bully Sticks, which you can find here!

What is Rawhide?

Rawhide is the inner layer of the skin from an animal.

Rawhides come in a variety of proteins, shapes, and sizes.

How to Pick the Right Bully Stick or Rawhide Chew

At first glance, this might seem to be an odd question.

But the reality is there’s a ton of options to choose from.

Both bully sticks and rawhides come in various animal proteins, lengths, widths, and even shapes.

Also, some have added ingredients.

Factors to Consider:

Dog’s chewing style – Aggressive, light, or somewhere in between.

Dental health

Age: Older and younger dogs may not need an extremely durable chew

Food allergies or sensitivities

Dog’s size

Country of origin – Not all countries have the same standards when it comes to pet products.

Protein type

GI health

Ingredients – Bully sticks and rawhides should only have one ingredient listed

Look for chews that are in sealed packaging and not just sitting in the open[2]

Which is Better?

Ingredients

  Winner: Bully Sticks   

I almost chose rawhide as the winner because it has a higher number of protein options.

Rawhide comes in a variety of proteins, making it more available to dogs who have food allergies or sensitivities.

However, rawhide chews are made from a heavily-processed leather by-product while bully sticks are less processed.

While rawhides win in variety of sources, bully sticks win in quality.

Bully Sticks

The two bully stick proteins available are:

Beef

Buffalo

However, there are grass-fed beef bully sticks available too.

Rawhide

There are four proteins available for rawhide:

Bison

Elk

Beef

Wild boar

Price

  Winner: Rawhide   

Rawhide chews are far cheaper than bully sticks.

The price difference is due to the available supply (There’s a lot more hide per animal!).

Bully Sticks

The average price per 6″ bully stick is about a dollar fifty.

Rawhide

The average price per chip is under a dollar, chip being the square rawhide chews.

Durability, Size, and Shape

  Winner: Rawhide   

Bull “pizzles” don’t come in as large a variety!

Rawhide wins because of the greater variety of shapes and sizes.

Bully Sticks

There is a wide variety of bully sticks.

They range in length from 3 inches to 3 feet.

Also, you can find braided bully sticks, creating a longer-lasting chew

Other styles of bully sticks include extra-thick, ring-shaped, spiral, and straight.

Rawhide

Like bully sticks, rawhides come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Some of the different forms you can choose from are rolls, chips, twist sticks, bones (these are the ones with knots on the ends), pressed, and braids.

Rawhides can be as small as 2.5 inches or as long as 2 feet.

Availability

  Winner: Rawhide   

You can also get huge boxes of rawhides!

Rawhide treats are available at more retail locations.

Bully sticks are available in pet supply stores, hardware and farm supply stores, and online.

Shop Bully Sticks at Amazon

Shop Bully Sticks at Chewy

Rawhides can be seen in pet supply stores, hardware and farm supply stores, and online, as well as in grocery stores and other non-specialty shops.

Shop Rawhides at Amazon

Shop Rawhides at Chewy

Health Benefits

  Winner: Bully Sticks   

Dogs can’t make healthy choices themselves so it’s up to you to do it for them

Bully sticks win because they are rich in amino acids.

Bully Sticks Benefits

Easily digestible

Rich in amino acids

High in protein

Aids in keeping teeth clean

Helps to reduce anxiety

Rawhide Benefits

Aids in keeping teeth clean

Helps to reduce stress

Safety/Dangers

  Winner: Bully Sticks   

Dog treats are safer when you pick the right size for your dog

Bully Sticks are the safer of the two treats as they are more digestible.

Bully Stick Safety

Bully sticks are easily digested

Don’t splinter or break easily

Can be a choking hazard

High in calories

Potential bacterial contamination[3]

Rawhide Safety

Not easily digested

Can cause intestinal blockages

Can be a choking hazard

GI upset

High in calories (100 calories per palm sized piece)

Potential chemical contamination

Potential bacterial contamination

Taste

  Winner: Bully Sticks   

Bully sticks taste better, per my dogs’ opinions.

I’ve never tried either!

Bully Sticks

Although they stink to high heaven, these are my dog’s favorite.

As soon as they come out of the cabinet, my four are dancing around my feet.

Rawhide

My dogs like these, but tire quickly of them.

Also, two of my dogs refuse to start them, meaning they wait for one of the other dogs to soften them up first.

Side Effects

  Winner: Rawhide   

“Bad smell? What are you talking about?”

I chose rawhide because they don’t smell as bad as bully sticks.

This was a close one since there isn’t a lot of side effects to these treats.

Bully Stick Side Effects

Bloody gums

Smell

Gooey residue left on carpet or dog bed

Rawhide Side Effects

Bloody gums

Gooey residue left on carpet or dog bed

Overall

  Winner: Bully Sticks   

Although rawhides won in more categories, bully sticks are safer and provide more health benefits.

Those categories are more important than variety or a small difference in price.

Also, bully sticks are preferred by my dogs over rawhide chews.

I’m guessing it’s because of the smell and protein content.

Recommended Brands

Here are some of my favorite bully stick and rawhide chew brands:

Bully Sticks

Nature Gnaws Braided and Spirals

Best Bully Sticks

Rawhides

Pet Magasin Rawhide Bones

Cowboy Chews Retriever Roll

Alternatives

Knowing that both rawhides and bully sticks carry some health risks, if you are uncomfortable using them then consider an alternative treat.

There are several options available as healthy alternatives, but keep in mind all things carry a risk.

Fish Skins

Recommended: The Honest Kitchen Beams Ocean Chews

The thing I like most about these treats is that they are made from human-grade fish.

Also, the fish I recommend are wild-caught from the ocean.

Beams come in two sizes, large and small, so you can pick a size to match your dog. 

Note: Be sure to check where the fish are sourced from as some fish skins can contain contaminants from the water.

Sweet Potato Treats

Recommended: Sam’s Yams

These are a great dog treat that is easily digestible.

These sweet potato treats are a single ingredient treat option.

Plus, sweet potatoes are a superfood full of antioxidants.

Dental Chews

Recommended: Zuke’s Z-Bone

My dogs love these!

They come in a variety of sizes and flavors.

Additionally, Zuke’s bones work well for dogs with food allergies as they are free of animal proteins, grains, and soy.

Himalayan Dog Chews

Recommended: EcoKind

Himalayan chews are made from yak’s milk and are lactose-free, reducing the chances of GI upset.

They are pretty durable, but aggressive chewers can break chunks off, which can pose a choking hazard.

Final Thoughts

Dogs need things to chew on, and the truth is all treats and chews carry some form of risk.

If you give your dog a long-lasting treat, it is crucial to keep an eye on them to help avoid potential health hazards.

Dog chews are very useful in our house as distractions and aiding in dental wellness.

I always weigh the pros and cons of anything I give my dog to chew on or eat.

Though both bully sticks and rawhide chews carry a risk, I offer them sparingly and only when I have the time to watch them.

References

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bull-penis-dog-chews_n_6879620

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/choosing-the-right-edible-chew-for-your-dog/

https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/11/dangers-of-bully-sticks-popular-treat-can-carry-bacteria-and-add-calories/

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