Start with your dog’s size, but also think about how they chew. Our 6-inch Standard bully sticks are a good starting point for smaller dogs and lighter chewers. If your dog can demolish a regular chew surprisingly fast, try a 12-inch, Braided, or Monster option for a more substantial chewing session. Whichever you choose, the stick should be large enough that your dog can’t easily swallow it whole.

There isn’t one exact time that works for every dog. We recommend starting with a short supervised session, especially if your dog has never had a bully stick before. Watch how quickly they chew and how their stomach responds. 

Bully sticks are treats, so we wouldn’t treat them as an unlimited everyday snack. How often your dog can have one depends on their size, diet, activity level, and how much of the stick they actually eat. If bully sticks are new to your dog, introduce them gradually and keep an eye out for loose stools or an upset stomach.

Bully sticks may be suitable for some puppies, but age, tooth development, chew size, and chewing habits matter. Because young teeth can be more vulnerable to hard chews, we recommend checking with your vet before introducing one and always supervising your puppy while they chew. Start with short sessions and take the stick away before it becomes small enough to swallow.

Bully sticks are made from beef tissue and are digestible, unlike traditional rawhide. That doesn’t mean we want our dogs gulping down large pieces, though. We still recommend supervising every chewing session and removing the final small piece before your dog has the chance to swallow it whole.

They can, particularly if your dog eats too much at once or has a sensitive stomach. If this is your dog’s first bully stick, we suggest starting slowly instead of letting them finish the whole thing. If you notice diarrhea, vomiting, or ongoing digestive upset after chewing, stop giving the treat and speak with your veterinarian.