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Bully Stick Alternative

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Why do you need one? I know some dogs swallow them whole, and if your dog is one of those it would possibly change any suggestions members may have.
 

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Some people find "bully sticks" icky because of the source...bull penis, but, depending on the provider, they can either be highly sanitized or somewhat - what's the word - "fragrant." I've bought both, but, truthfully, Bailey likes the stinky ones.

I don't buy pigs ears (lots of salmonella issues), and gullets are gone in a flash as are tracheas. I haven't tried duck/geese feet, though some say they are great. I did buy Bailey some Salmon rolls, which she hid in my bed so visiting dogs couldn't get them, but, she's not interested in eating them., and now they just lie in the corner gathering dust.

If the dog just needs something to chew to release tension, maybe Nyla Bones. I generally stay away from real bones, though other members may want to make suggestions.

As for horns or antlers...well, many people state that tooth damage can result when dogs use them. I still have a couple of antler butts that are hanging around gathering dust...dogs just aren't interested unless the other one has one, so....I wouldn't waste my money.

As always a classic like a Kong, we have the Kong Bone, too, both of which can be filled with peanut butter for a long lasting happy lick and chew.;)
 

Sheila Braund

Well-Known Member
I've used for puppies teething stuffed with cotton sock.....under supervision. Also turkey necks, lamb bones and antlers. Again all under supervision. My dogs never went for the nylon bones..... kongs with peanut butter is still a big hit.
 

CeeCee

Well-Known Member
Excellent timing on this post! Knox has never had a problem with bully sticks, but this weekend he puked up 8 inches of the 12 inch bully stick I gave him. :eek:

We'll be sticking with frozen kongs, marrow bones, and antlers.
 

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
You could always hold on to one end of bully stick just to make sure he doesn't gulp it. My girl is almost 7 and she's really good with them, but, she swallowed a couple of big pieces at Christmastime...one she puked up...the other, grrr, finally came out the other side "painfully." So, we're going to go slow with them for a while, I don't need a trip to the emergency vet.:confused:
 

Nik

Well-Known Member
We don't do bully sticks because our dogs try to swallow everything. We only do those giant real bones and only with supervision and for limited time.
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
We get raw bones from our butchers, we freeze them, they love them
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I only use nylabones or raw bones. I've heard too many stories from when my daughter worked the emergency clinic about broken teeth from cooked bones/antlers, blockages from bully sticks, etc. I do like the root chews. They last forever and I've never had a problem with them splintering dangerously or breaking off in chunks.
 

Sheila Braund

Well-Known Member
I only use nylabones or raw bones. I've heard too many stories from when my daughter worked the emergency clinic about broken teeth from cooked bones/antlers, blockages from bully sticks, etc. I do like the root chews. They last forever and I've never had a problem with them splintering dangerously or breaking off in chunks.
Hey Boxergirl I've never heard of root chews...what are they?