Treats and chews
Are bully sticks safe for dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Bully sticks are generally considered a lower risk chew compared to bones or antlers, since they soften as the dog chews and rarely fracture teeth, but they still carry choking risk once worn down to a small piece and are calorie dense, so portion and supervision still matter. Sourcing from a reputable supplier also matters, since quality and bacterial testing vary between brands.
Why bully sticks sit lower on the hardness risk scale
Made from dried muscle rather than bone or antler, bully sticks soften gradually as a dog chews and produces saliva, giving them meaningfully more flex than a rigid chew, which is the main reason they carry much lower tooth fracture risk than antlers or weight bearing bones.
The risk that remains despite the softer material
As a bully stick wears down to its final few centimeters, it becomes small enough for an eager dog to swallow whole, so the same size based choking risk that applies to other chews still applies here, meaning supervision and timely removal remain necessary even with a softer chew.
Quality and sourcing considerations
Some bully sticks have tested positive for bacteria like salmonella in independent studies, so choosing a brand that publishes testing results or sourcing information, and washing your hands after handling any bully stick, reduces the hygiene related risk alongside the physical chewing risk.
Key takeaways
- Bully sticks soften as dogs chew, giving them much lower tooth fracture risk than rigid chews.
- A worn down bully stick can still become a choking hazard once small enough to swallow.
- Independent testing has found bacteria like salmonella in some bully stick products.
- Choose a brand that publishes testing information and wash hands after handling.