How to Choose a Bully Stick for Your Dog
By Zamzows Lawn, Garden, & Pet – Zamzows store | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to look for in a bully stick—size, sourcing, and safety—so your dog gets a long-lasting, natural chew that's worth the price.
Quick answer
Choose a bully stick that matches your dog's chewing style and size—look for single-ingredient, naturally sourced sticks like Redbarn Naturals Bully Sticks for a long-lasting, digestible chew.
Size matters more than you think
Bully sticks come in various lengths and thicknesses. A stick that's too short can become a choking hazard once your dog chews it down. A stick that's too thin might be swallowed whole. For most medium to large dogs, a 36-inch stick like the Redbarn Naturals Bully Stick 36 IN offers a safe, long-lasting option that you can cut to size if needed. Smaller dogs or light chewers may prefer shorter, thinner sticks to avoid overwhelming them.
Sourcing and manufacturing transparency
Not all bully sticks are created equal. The best ones come from free-range, grass-fed cattle and are manufactured in facilities that prioritize quality control. Redbarn, for example, owns its own manufacturing plant in Paraguay and sources from reputable South American ranchers. This vertical integration means fewer hands touching the product and a more consistent, safe chew. Sticks from unknown sources may carry a higher risk of contamination or inconsistent texture.
Single ingredient vs. flavored or processed options
A true bully stick is just dried bull pizzle—nothing else. Avoid sticks with added flavors, preservatives, or smoke flavoring, which can upset sensitive stomachs or mask low-quality ingredients. Single-ingredient sticks are also more digestible. If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive gut, stick with plain, natural bully sticks.
Decision rules for picking the right bully stick
- Match stick size to dog size: For large dogs or aggressive chewers, choose a 36-inch stick (like the Redbarn Naturals Bully Stick 36 IN) that can be cut into smaller pieces. For small dogs or puppies, pick a 6-inch or thinner stick to prevent jaw fatigue.
- Check the source and manufacturing: Look for sticks from free-range, grass-fed cattle and a manufacturer that owns its production facility. This reduces the risk of contamination and ensures a consistent texture.
- Prefer single-ingredient sticks: Choose bully sticks with no added flavors, preservatives, or smoke. The ingredient list should say exactly one thing: bull pizzle. This is easier on digestion and safer for dogs with allergies.
- Supervise the first chew session: Even the safest bully stick can pose a choking risk if your dog bites off a large piece. Watch your dog the first few times and remove the stick once it becomes small enough to swallow whole. If your dog is an aggressive gulper, consider using a bully stick holder to prevent swallowing the last inch.
Product facts
- Redbarn Naturals Bully Stick 36 IN: Redbarn is the No.1 Manufacturer of Bully Sticks and sources from free-range, grass-fed cattle in South America, with its own manufacturing plant in Paraguay. This means you get a consistently safe, high-protein chew from a company that controls quality from ranch to bag.
Redbarn Naturals Bully Stick 36 IN
Is a bully stick right for your dog?
Best for
- Dogs that love to chew and need a long-lasting, natural treat
- Owners who want a single-ingredient, digestible chew with no artificial additives
Not ideal for
- Dogs with a history of swallowing large pieces whole (unless supervised or using a holder)
- Puppies under 4 months old whose teeth and jaws are still developing
