Bully Sticks- Yay or Nay?

BoxerBella · #1 17th November 2009, 09:54 PM

Does anyone give their dogs bully sticks? I have to admit... the thought of what they are kind of nauseates me a little *gag*. But I've been looking for chews for Bella and I can't seem to find anything suitable because I don't like rawhide or bones, or artificial junky things.

So, if I can get over my weak stomach and actually bring myself to purchase one of these, is it worth it? Or should I just leave well enough alone and pretend I never heard about the darn things?

cami · #2 17th November 2009, 11:33 PM

Couldn't resist!! My girl loves bully sticks. I buy 25 at a time (Merricks brand online). 12 inches in length. Each one lasts for DAYS. We have no less than 10 laying around the house at any one time. In my experience this brand lasts far longer than some others I have bought which have have disappeared in under 10 minutes. This is what happens after chewing on one for an hour or so. She wears herself out! LOL

Justine · #3 17th November 2009, 11:58 PM

Ok the pic is super cute.... finding out what a bully stick really is on the other hand not so cute!!! LOL Just think of it being similar to mountain oysters for peope!! LOL :D

Nicole · #4 18th November 2009, 12:49 AM

I would say it just depends on what kind of chewer you have on your hands :) There is no savoring with Meatball...anything like that is bit in half and swallowed so I can't give it to him. Simon and Dudley, on the other hand, will make things last for days and days. Shelby can go either way, just depends on what it is.

No harm in buying one and seeing how it goes. If you can't get over the whole penis thing, nothing wrong with a Kong :) If you fill it with PB or banana or yogurt and then freeze it, they last quite a while :)

BoxerBella · #5 18th November 2009, 07:44 PM

Cami, that's a great pic. If I were guaranteed to get those results, I'd be sold! LOL. So I'm thinking next time I need to go stock up on food I may have another look at these sticks of grossness and maaaaybe purchase one to try, if I can bring myself to it. LOL

So these things come in different sizes, do they? Any particular size I should give Bella? (She's almost 9 months and was 58.8 lbs last week)

I'm still a little grossed out. haha

Nicole · #6 18th November 2009, 07:56 PM

The longer the better! teeheehee!!! Seriously...they're sort of thin so I'd go with one of the larger sizes to prevent possible choking problems. Especially until you know how aggressive she's going to get with one.

Holy gravy...this is going in a whole other direction! lol

cami · #7 18th November 2009, 08:03 PM

In this instance SIZE does matter!
I take them away when they get between 3-4 inches in length. Better to be safe than sorry. Not all dogs will try to swallow that size but it's best not to take any chances. Of course easier to choke on when smaller too.
I have seen them in 2 ft lengths at one particular pet store and bought one just to see what Cami would do. She never did chew on it at that length but carried it around and bumped into everything with it. Eventually it lost its appeal and I had hubby cut it into more sensible sizes.
I was a tad freaked out when I first found out what they were and vowed never to buy one. Adding to that list was pig ears and cow hooves. I did break down with the bullies but still won't do the other mentioned items.
If you do take the plunge try to find somewhere that has the Merrick's brand. They for sure far outlast their competitors. Much thicker and "beefier" (for lack of a better term).

BoxerBella · #8 18th November 2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole

The longer the better! teeheehee!!! Seriously...they're sort of thin so I'd go with one of the larger sizes to prevent possible choking problems. Especially until you know how aggressive she's going to get with one.

Holy gravy...this is going in a whole other direction! lol

ROFL

Thanks for the, um, interesting sounding advice, guys :)

bumpynappy · #9 21st November 2009, 07:07 PM

I have a Bella too and she looks just like that after a bully stick event. I take them away from the dogs when they get too small so they don't chock on them, plus they smell pretty bad too.

BoxerBella · #10 28th November 2009, 08:08 PM

Ok- so I did it! I bravely purchased one of these nasties tonight, and Bella loved it! The one I got is just called "Original Beef Chew" or something like that, from these guys http://www.aronpetfood.com/

Bella wasn't too sure about it at first but once she started chewing she really liked it! I took it away once it got wet and smelly and peely... it nauseated me a little at that point, haha. (What? It's gonna take me some time to get over it, ok? lol) She whimpered and wanted it back after I took it. I told her she can have it back tomorrow but she's still sulking right now.

It actually surprised me how calm she was when she chewed on it. She's a bundle of energy most of the time so it was kind of nice to see her settle down and chew instead of stomping around the living room and tossing it about. Yay!