For most medium dogs, a single beef bully stick lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Small dogs take longer, big dogs and power chewers take less — and a few things you control can stretch that time out. Here is what we see at Honey's, and what to watch for while your dog works on one.
The short answer, by dog size
Chew time depends on your dog's size and chewing style. Small dogs under 20 lbs typically take 45 to 90 minutes to work through a single stick. Most medium dogs take 30 to 60 minutes. Large dogs over 50 lbs, or aggressive chewers of any size, may finish in 15 to 30 minutes. Those numbers are for our Beef Pizzle, which is sized for medium to large dogs. Smaller dogs can enjoy them too with supervision — they just take their time, which for a small dog is part of the fun.
Why the same stick lasts longer for one dog than another
A bully stick is beef pizzle, slow-dehydrated with nothing added. How fast it goes depends mostly on how your dog chews: a dog that gnaws from the end will be at it far longer than a dog that clamps down and grinds. The stick itself matters too. Our bags are 7 oz, and the quantity varies by stick size, so a thicker, longer stick will naturally outlast a thinner one. If you have a dog that finishes chews quickly, pick the thickest stick in the bag for the days you need the longest break.
Two ways to make a bully stick last
First, pick the thickest stick in the bag on the days you need the longest break. Second, you don't have to let your dog finish in one sitting — put the stick away after a good session and bring it back out tomorrow. Store it in a cool, dry place; that keeps the smell minimal and the stick ready for round two. Remember the daily limit, though. Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, and for most medium dogs that works out to one or two chews a day. A bully stick that comes out for three short sessions still counts as one chew.
When to take it away
This is the part that matters more than the clock. Always supervise, and remove the chew when it gets small enough to swallow whole. That last stub is the piece that causes trouble, not the stick itself — so the rule at our house is simple: when it's down to a nub, it's done. Puppies over 12 weeks with adult teeth coming in can enjoy pizzle chews with supervision. Avoid giving them to very young puppies whose teeth are still developing.
If a bully stick disappears too fast
Some dogs are just built for speed. If your dog turns a bully stick into a 15-minute snack, you have a couple of options on our shelf. Our Collagen Sticks ($15 for a 5-pack) are a softer chew that suits seniors and dogs who are easier on their teeth. Our Lamb Pizzle ($18 for an 8-pack) is the pick for beef-sensitive dogs. And for the true power chewers, the Power Chewer Heavy Duty Bundle ($65) pairs Beef Pizzle, Cold Smoked Pizzle and Collagen Sticks so you can rotate. The chewing itself does good work along the way — the mechanical action of chewing helps scrape plaque and tartar from teeth, especially along the gumline, so a longer chew is a cleaner mouth as well as a quieter afternoon.
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By Stefan Walter, founder. Always ask your vet about your own dog.
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