10 Best Bully Sticks for Shih Tzus

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With our guide to the best bully sticks for Shih Tzus, you can give your pup a treat that will keep them happy and fulfilled while helping to clean their teeth.

Dogs don’t just love bully sticks for their meaty taste but also because chewing makes them happy! For some dogs, chewing is about more than delicious snacking and playing. Chewing bully sticks offers dogs a way to relieve stress without wreaking destruction on your home. And thanks to all that gnawing, you’ll find your dog’s teeth a little more sparkly and their breath fresher. So, bully sticks are a win for both you and your Shih Tzu.

That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best bully sticks for Shih Tzus that aren’t just a tasty treat. They’re also great for hearty chewing! 

Before we get to the bully sticks that leave pups begging for more, here are the answers to your questions and what factors to consider when choosing the best bully sticks for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bully Sticks for Dogs 

Are bully sticks good for Shih Tzus?

Bully sticks are great for dogs as they provide a healthy treat that lets them chew. They’re an excellent way to keep your Shih Tzu engaged and work as a delicious treat while waiting for their next meal. Bully sticks are made from a single natural ingredient, usually beef penis muscle, which is sometimes listed as beef pizzle. And because they are comprised of muscle, there will be no risk of splintering bone that can harm dogs’ sensitive oral tissues and digestive tracts. 

Is it okay for dogs to swallow bully sticks?

Bully sticks are digestible, so there’s generally no harm if your dog bites off small pieces and swallows them. However, if your dog swallows the whole stick, you may want to consult a vet, as it has the potential to become a choking hazard or cause a gastrointestinal blockage.

Can I give a bully stick to my Shih Tzu every day?

There’s no harm in giving your dog one bully stick a day to help fulfill chewing needs and provide some teeth cleaning. But multiple bully sticks a day isn’t the best idea. Excess of anything can be harmful. 

Why do bully sticks smell?

Bully sticks are made from all-natural ingredients, generally bull penises, and don’t undergo any chemical process. Thus they may carry a distinctive and unpleasant smell. However, this odor does not usually bother dogs; after all, doggies love some stink in their life from time to time! Search for odorless bully sticks if you can’t stand their smell, but don’t expect a stink-free miracle. 

What To Consider When Choosing Bully Sticks for Shih Tzus

Size

Bully sticks come in a variety of sizes, and sometimes size does matter. But because bully stick makers understand that dogs come in all shapes and sizes, they make their sticks in varying lengths. Choose the right bully stick by shopping for your pup’s size. 

Width

Usually, thicker bully sticks are better since they last longer and give a fun chewing experience for your dog. For larger and heavier dogs or dogs with an aggressive chewing style, a 12-inch stick may just be perfect. However, you may want to start with a thinner bully stick for smaller dogs to prevent choking. 

Quality

Quality plays an important role in your pup’s treats and meals. Skip bully sticks that have preservatives or artificial ingredients in them. The point of a bully stick is to give your dog a single-ingredient treat that’s not been pumped full of fake additives. To ensure quality, only buy from trusted companies or take recommendations from your vet.

Shape

Usually, you’ll find bully sticks to be straight, and although an excellent option, you can also try different shapes like braided rings or curled sticks. They’re also fun to chew, and your dog may like them more than the straight ones. Try your dog out on different shapes to see which they like best. 

Now, here’s our list of the best bully sticks for Shih Tzus! Which one will be your furry friend’s favorite?

 The 10 Best Bully Sticks for Shih Tzus 

#1 – Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats

Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats provide entertainment and dental benefits from chewing with a raw, protein-rich snack that’s gluten-free and void of artificial ingredients. Chewing on these 100% natural sticks gently removes plaque and buildup while also delivering a nutritious and delicious snack that’s freeze-dried instead of cooked to preserve nutrients. And while your pup is happy, you can feel good about treating them with one of these best bully sticks as they’re completely USA-made and packaged.

Pros

• Made from raw beef muscle
• Free from gluten and artificial ingredients 
• No rendered by-products
• No synthetic vitamins or minerals
• Suitable for dogs of all sizes
• Promotes oral hygiene in dogs
• 100% USA-made and packaged

Cons

• Reviewers mention unpleasant smell 

#2 – Cadet Bully Sticks Dog Treats

Help fulfill your dog’s daily protein and chewing needs with Cadet Bully Stick Dog Treats, single-ingredient bully sticks made from 100% beef. Full of protein and natural flavor, these slow-roasted bully sticks are good for heavy chewers. They’re easy to digest and contain nothing artificial. And because they measure between 4 – 7 inches, they’re recommended for small and medium dogs of adult age. 

Pros

• Made of 100% beef pizzle 
• Long-lasting and ideal for oral care
• Good for heavy chewers
• High in protein, low in fat
• No artificial colors, flavors, or fillers
• Inspected in the USA, adhering to FDA guidelines

Cons

• Expensive 
• May be small for large dogs

#3 – Nature Gnaws Bully Sticks for Dogs

If your pup is a picky eater, Nature Gnaws Bully Sticks for Dogs provide a chewing solution! These 5 – 6-inch beef bully sticks are made from a single ingredient without the use of any preservatives or artificial flavorings, giving your dog the ultimate pleasure in chewing. And if your dog can gnaw through anything, they’ll find this bully stick for aggressive chewers a match for their chompers. Safe for all life stages, they’re great for teething puppies too. They contain globally sourced ingredients and are packaged in the USA. 

Pros

• Single-ingredient and 100% natural
• Ideal for strong chewers
• Great for stress relief
• Perfect for teething puppies
• Rawhide free
• Small business, family-owned brand
• Available in three package sizes: 8-ounce, 1-pound, and 2-pound

Cons

• Reviews report inconsistency in size 

#4 – I and love and you Free Ranger No Stink! Bully Stix

Can’t stand the nasty smell of bully sticks? I and love and you Free Ranger No Stink! Natural Bully Stix promises less odor but great taste and a satisfying chew made from free-range Brazilian cattle that are grass-fed and raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones. Free from all harmful ingredients and rich in protein, these sticks are highly beneficial for your dog’s dental hygiene and perfect for heavy chewers.

Pros

• Single-ingredient beef pizzle from Brazilian cattle
• No stinky odors! 
• Free of fillers, grains, and artificial ingredients
• Makes teeth clean and healthy
• Suitable for dogs of all sizes
• 100% recyclable packaging

Cons

• Not as odorless as they say, but still less stinky

#5 – Nature Gnaws Braided Bully Sticks for Dogs

Nature Gnaws makes our list of the best bully sticks for dogs again with their Braided Bully Sticks for Dogs. The braded design offers a different chew experience while still delivering a quality single-ingredient bully stick your dog will love. And because Nature Gnaws adheres to a 5-step safety process that includes fresh raw material sourcing, irradiation, food-grade lab testing, hand packaging in the USA, and UV disinfection of their facility, you can expect a safe and quality product in every bag. Available in 12-inch and 6-inch options, these braided bully sticks are good for dogs of all ages and sizes.  

Pros

• Braided design for something different
• Made with premium quality, all-natural beef
• Available in 6-inch and 12-inch sizes
• Delicious and lasting flavor
• Great alternative to chemically made rawhide
• Safe for all life stages 

Cons

• May not stand up to strong chewers 

#6 – GigaBite 6-Inch Slim Odor-Free Bully Sticks

Best Pet’s GigaBite 6 Inch Beef Gullet Jerky Sticks are bully sticks made from free-range Brazilian beef esophagus for a chewing stick with less odor. A single-ingredient flat jerky chew, they’re high in protein, low in fat, and contain no hormones, preservatives, or chemicals. Serve these bully chews as a whole stick or break-off pieces as a training aid. Plus, they’re easily digestible and help reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Available in 20-count or 40-count packages. 

Pros

• 100% natural product that’s rich in protein 
• Made from grass-fed Brazilian cattle
• No additives, hormones, or chemicals
• Prevents the buildup of plaque
• Dog-approved taste 
• Affordable pricing
• Safe for puppies and adult dogs

Cons

• Pungent smell 
• Stick sizes may vary

#7 – Raw Paws Thin Bully Sticks

If you’re introducing bully sticks to your dog for the first time or have a small dog, you need a pack of Raw Paws Thin Bully Sticks. They’re six-inch sticks of thin width that are great for small mouths whether they belong to puppies or small breed adults. A safer option than rawhide and artificial treats, Raw Paws bully sticks are made of single-ingredient, all-natural beef pizzle with no added hormones, preservatives, or steroids. These beef sticks are rich in protein and offer a taste dogs crave. They’re easy to chew and great for your dog’s teeth and gums. Moreover, they kill boredom and help relieve stress in your dog while keeping them occupied.

Pros

• 100% all-natural, grass-fed, free-range beef sticks
• Best for puppies and small dogs
• Great for teething
• Free from artificial ingredients, corn, and soy 
• Highly digestible compared to rawhide 
• Sourced only from sustainable and ethical farms
• Sold in half-pound value packs

Cons

• May not be suitable for large dogs
• Not for strong chewers

#8 – Chomp’ems Naturally Delicious Bully Sticks

 

If your dog gets bored easily and no toy can keep them interested, Chomp’ems Naturally Delicious Bully Sticks are just the solution you need for your pup. Containing one single and all-natural ingredient, these beef muscle sticks don’t contain any grains, gluten, or preservatives. They’re among the best bully sticks for strong chewers, offering a long-lasting and highly digestible alternative to rawhide. And Chomp’ems ensures quality and safety with USA lab testing. 

Pros

• Single-ingredient beef muscle
• Great for aggressive chewers
• High in protein, low in fat
• Suitable for all life stages
• No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons

• On the costly side

#9 – SmartBones SmartSticks

 

SmartBones SmartSticks are different than traditional bully sticks as they offer a chew stick made with real beef, chicken, and veggies and enriched with vitamins and minerals. They’re made with a yummy vegetable-beef outside layer with chicken on the inside. That’s layers of flavor without any artificial preservatives!

Pros

• Enriched with vitamins and minerals
• Easily digestible; no rawhide 
• Picky eater approved 
• Help clean teeth
• Variety of flavor options

Cons

• Not a traditional single-ingredient bully stick 
• For adult dogs only

#10 – Pet Factory Beefhide 7″ Braided Sticks

Super chewers, get ready because you’ve met your match with Pet Factory 100% Beefhide 7″ Braided Sticks! They’re proudly American-made and 100% natural rawhide sourced from American-raised, corn-fed cattle. And you’ll find they have less odor than beef muscle chew sticks. These hand-braided beef hide sticks have no fillers, grains, sugar, or preservatives. To mix up the taste for your dog, try the Peanut Butter flavor!  

Pros

• Perfect for dogs who love to chew
• Encourage healthy gums and teeth
• All natural ingredients
• No mess, no smell

Cons

• Not suitable for small dogs
• May stain fabrics

Think of bully sticks as a dog’s candy, only healthier! With that idea in mind, coupled with the information above, we bet you’ve already got a choice or maybe two in mind for your dog. Make their chewing dreams come true and buy some of these best bully sticks for your Shih Tzu now!

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