Bully sticks are one of the most popular and healthy dog treats, but they can also be quite expensive and complicated to cut. If you want to save money and make your bully sticks last longer, you must know how to cut a bully stick properly. This article will show you how to cut bully sticks quickly and safely using different tools and methods.
Cutting bully sticks is essential for several reasons. First, it can prevent your dog from choking on large chew pieces. Second, it can promote your dog’s dental health by allowing them to chew more effectively and remove plaque and tartar. Third, it can help you control your dog’s calorie intake by giving them smaller portions of the treat. Finally, it can help you stretch your budget by making your bully sticks last longer.
A Labor of Love: Making Bully Sticks at Home
Sarah loves to spoil her dog Baxter with treats, especially bully sticks. She knows bully sticks are natural, healthy, long-lasting chews that can help with Baxter’s dental health, stress relief, and teething. However, she also knows bully sticks can be expensive and hard to find. She decided to make her bully sticks at home, using the following steps:
Bully Sticks For Dogs Made Of
Bully sticks are made from the pizzle or penis of a bull or steer, which is a natural muscle meat. This single-ingredient source is high in protein, an essential nutrient in a dog’s diet. Proteins in bully sticks are made up of amino acids, the fundamental building blocks of your dog’s body.
Make Bully Stick Broth
To make bully stick broth, boil the pizzle in a large pot of water for a few hours until it is soft and tender. This will also clean and sanitize the pizzle, removing dirt and bacteria. You can add some raw apple cider vinegar to the water to help break down the collagen and make the pizzle more digestible. You can also add some herbs and spices to the water to enhance the flavor and aroma of the broth. You can use the broth as a base for soups, stews, or gravy, freeze it in ice cube trays, and use it as a treat or a supplement for your dog.
Add It To Your Dog’s Food
You can add the bully stick broth to your dog’s food to make it more moist and palatable. You can add some pieces of the cooked pizzle to your dog’s food to provide extra protein and chewiness. This will make your dog’s meal more satisfying and nutritious.
Use It To Stuff A Kong Or Other Food Puzzle Toy
You can use the bully stick broth to fill a Kong or other food puzzle toy and freeze it. This will create a frozen treat your dog can lick and enjoy for a long time. You can also insert some pieces of the cooked pizzle into the Kong or toy to add some challenge and variety. This will stimulate your dog’s brain and keep him entertained.
Make It Into A DIY Dog Chew
You can make your bully sticks by cutting the cooked pizzle into 6-inch pieces and drying them in the oven at a low temperature for 24 to 48 hours. This will remove any moisture from the pizzle and make it rugged and durable. You can also shape the pizzle into different forms, such as braids, springs, or rings, to make it more fun and exciting for your dog. You can store the homemade bully sticks in an airtight container or a freezer bag and give them to your dog as a chew treat.
How To Make Bully Sticks Last Longer
Bully Sticks Size Matters
The size of the bully stick you choose for your dog should match your dog’s size and chewing strength. A bully stick that is too small for your dog can be swallowed whole and pose a choking hazard. A bully stick that is too large for your dog can be wasted and lose its appeal. You should look for a bully stick slightly larger than your dog’s mouth, which can last for at least 15 minutes of chewing.
Use a Bully Stick Holder
A bully stick holder is a device that can secure the bully stick in place and prevent your dog from swallowing it or dropping it. A bully stick holder can also make the bully stick more challenging and fun for your dog, as he has to work harder to get to it. A bully stick holder can extend the life of the bully stick by up to 50%.
Limit Your Dog’s Bully Stick Chewing Sessions
You should not let your dog chew on a bully stick for too long, as this can cause dental problems, stomach issues, or boredom. You should limit your dog’s bully stick chewing sessions to 30 minutes per day and monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or distress. You should also remove the bully stick when it becomes too small or soft and store it in a cool and dry place.
Rotate Your Dog Chews
It would help if you did not give your dog the same chew every day, as this can make him lose interest and reduce the benefits of chewing. You should rotate your dog chews and offer him a variety of natural, healthy, and long-lasting chews, such as bully sticks, antlers, tendons, ears, or hooves. This will excite and satisfy your dog, making each chew last longer.
What Can I Do With The End Of A Bully Stick?
The end of a bully stick is the most dangerous part, as it can be easily swallowed and cause choking or intestinal blockage. You should never let your dog have the end of a bully stick and always dispose of it safely. However, you can reuse the end of a bully stick and turn it into a new treat or toy for your dog.
FAQ
How Long Should A Dog Be Allowed To Chew On A Bully Stick?
This question has no definitive answer, as it depends on your dog’s size, chewing strength, and preference. However, a general guideline is to limit your dog’s bully stick chewing sessions to 30 minutes per day and to monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or distress. You should also remove the bully stick when it becomes too small or soft and store it in a cool and dry place.
Will A Bully Stick Dissolve If Swallowed?
Unlike some chews or treats, bully sticks are highly digestible, which means they break down easily in your dog’s stomach. However, this does not mean you should let your dog swallow large pieces of bully stick, as this can still cause choking or intestinal blockage. You should always supervise your dog when they are chewing on a bully stick and take it away when it becomes a hazard.
How Long Does 1 Bully Stick Last?
The longevity of a bully stick depends on several factors, such as the size, thickness, shape, and quality of the bully stick, as well as your dog’s chewing style and frequency. A bully stick can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on these factors. You can extend the life of a bully stick by choosing the right size and thickness for your dog, using a bully stick holder, limiting your dog’s chewing sessions, and rotating your dog’s chews.
Can Bully Sticks Splinter?
No, bully sticks do not splinter like other treats like bones or antlers. This is because bully sticks are made from a single ingredient, beef muscle, which is flexible and durable. However, this does not mean that bully sticks are completely safe, as they can still pose a choking or intestinal risk if swallowed whole or in large pieces. You should always supervise your dog when they are chewing on a bully stick and take it away when it becomes a hazard.
Can You Break Bully Sticks By Hand?
You must refrain from breaking bully sticks by hand, as they are too tough and challenging. You will need a sharp knife or scissors to cut them into smaller pieces if you want to do so. However, you should be careful when cutting bully sticks, as they can be slippery and difficult to handle. It would help if you also made sure that the pieces are manageable and sharp, as they can be dangerous for your dog.
What About Freezing Bully Sticks To Make Them Last Longer?
Freezing bully sticks can be an excellent way to make them last longer, as it can make them more complex and more challenging for your dog. However, you should only freeze bully sticks briefly, as this can make them brittle and prone to cracking. You should also thaw them slightly before giving them to your dog, as frozen bully sticks can be too cold and uncomfortable for your dog’s mouth.
Conclusion
Bully sticks are an excellent treat for dogs, as they offer a variety of health benefits, such as dental care, protein, and digestibility. They are also natural, tasty, and long-lasting, which makes them ideal for keeping dogs occupied and satisfied. However, bully sticks are not without risks, as they can cause bacterial contamination, choking, or intestinal blockage if not used properly. Therefore, you should always choose the right size and quality of bully stick for your dog, supervise your dog when chewing on a bully stick, and limit your dog’s chewing sessions to 30 minutes per day. By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog enjoys bully sticks safely and happily.