Bully sticks have become extremely popular dog biscuits and chew toys in the last few years. It is these dried and unmistakable chews from bull penises that give dogs a chewable and safe option that lasts for a long time and satisfies their natural urge of chewing. Nevertheless, how frequently can you feed your dog each one of these yummy snacks?
The Short Answer
As most experts would tell you, bully sticks should be given to your pooch as a reward now and then, not all the time and to keep it movable. Although bully sticks are perfectly digestible, they are rich sources of protein and calories as well. Overfeeding your dog can problematize gastric diseases and/or cause obesity.
A Good Guideline
Generally, you should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake with bully sticks. For a 30 lb dog burning as much as 600 calories per day, the bully stick should not offer more than 60 calories.
An average 6-inch-long bully stick has around 90 calories. Therefore, that 30lb dog might be having a whole bully stick every 3 to 4 days of the week or you can just break them into smaller portions for more frequent treats and chewing sessions.
Factors
Size
Typically, larger dogs can be treated with bully sticks more frequently than smaller dogs as the greater caloric demand of larger dogs permits more intake of calories from treats.
Weight
You will, certainly, keep a closer eye on the bully stick intake for overweight or obese dogs, as their calories should be lower on the treats.
Activity Level
For example, the highly energetic dogs might eat bully sticks a bit more often because they burn more calories.
Age
Puppies should be provided with bully sticks less often since their nutritional requirements are different from those of adults. Finally, senior dogs will often require a little bit less because they have lower calorie needs.
Chewing Behavior Vigorous and severe chewers may go through bully sticks faster, necessitating giving them their next bully stick after some time has lapsed in order not to let them overfeed.
Other
The 10% rule concerns all treats that are combined. Dogs may not need a bully stick as often if they receive other kinds of chew, bones or treats.
Signs of Overindulgence
Diarrhea or loose stools
Vomiting
The main symptom is the inability to eat properly during meals.
Weight gain
In any such situation, reduce the frequency of this treatment until your metabolic system recovers. Just staying below 10% is a good goal.
Safe Chewing Tips
- Supervise the kids to prevent choking, especially with the extension of chews.
- The moment it can take it into its mouth completely is the time to take it away.
- Try to stick with the right thickness that suits your dog’s chewing strength.
- Wash hands after touching in order not to transfer bacteria.
- Keep bully sticks away from a warm and moist environment.
Bully Sticks certainly make a great occasional chew for your dog, to satisfy their chewing desire. Yet similar to any treatment, they should be given in moderation. After the 10% rule and being conscious of your dog’s special requirements, it will be easier for you to decide how frequently bully sticks should be offered. As you monitor for over-indulgence that entire time, your dog can safely have this tasty chew quite regularly.
