A beef pizzle is a popular dog treat made from an interesting body part of a bull. While it may sound unappetizing at first beef pizzles provide many benefits for dogs. This article will explain exactly what a beef pizzle is the advantages and disadvantages of giving them to your dog, and how to select a high-quality pizzle stick.
What Part of the Bull is the Pizzle?
The pizzle is the penis of a bull. After slaughter, the pizzle is removed and prepared into a chew stick for dogs. Pizzle sticks are also sometimes called bully sticks, pizzle sticks, or bull sticks.
Beef pizzles are harvested as part of the beef industry so that no part of the bull goes to waste While humans do not eat pizzles, dogs love them! The natural shape and texture make them perfect for chewing.
Why Do Dogs Love Beef Pizzle Sticks?
There are several reasons dogs go crazy for pizzle sticks
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Taste – Beef pizzles have a strong meaty flavor that dogs love. The taste and texture closely mimic what dogs would eat in the wild.
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Chewing – The cylindrical shape and texture make beef pizzles perfect for chewing. Dogs will gnaw on them for hours.
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Single Ingredient – Pizzle sticks are just one ingredient – beef. There are no artificial ingredients added.
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High in Protein – Beef pizzles are over 80% protein. The protein helps build strong muscles and keeps dogs satisfied.
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Natural Source – Dogs instinctively crave organ meats like pizzles. It is similar to their ancestral, carnivorous diet.
What Are the Benefits of Pizzle Sticks for Dogs?
Beef pizzles offer several benefits:
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Dental Health – The tough texture scrapes tartar off teeth and reduces plaque. This helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
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Mental Stimulation – Dogs get mental enrichment from chewing for long periods. This releases endorphins and reduces anxiety.
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Low Fat – Since pizzles are almost all protein, they are low in fat. This makes them a healthy option.
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Digestible – Beef pizzles are highly digestible compared to other chews like rawhide. There is less risk of stomach upsets.
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Long-Lasting – A pizzle stick can keep even an aggressive chewer occupied for hours. They give great value for the cost.
Are There Any Risks of Pizzle Sticks?
While beef pizzles make an excellent dog treat, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
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Bacteria – As with any natural product, pizzles can harbor bacteria like salmonella. Look for treats processed to kill bacteria.
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Calories – Pizzle sticks are very high in calories, so limit to one per day. Adjust normal food accordingly.
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Choking Hazard – Supervise dogs so they do not bite off large chunks. Take away small pieces to prevent choking.
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Allergies – Dogs with beef allergies should avoid pizzle sticks since they are beef products.
As long as you supervise your dog and buy from reputable brands, pizzle sticks are a healthy and fun chew!
Tips for Selecting a Quality Pizzle Stick
With so many pizzle sticks on the market, how do you pick a safe, high-quality option? Here are tips for choosing the best pizzle for your dog:
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Odor Control – Select brands that use gentle processing methods to reduce the natural odor.
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Single Ingredient – Make sure pizzle sticks contain just one ingredient – beef pizzle. Avoid sticks with preservatives or flavorings.
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Thick Size – Choose thicker pizzles since they last longer. Steer pizzles are thicker than bull pizzles.
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USA or South America – Research where sticks are sourced from. These areas have better regulation for quality.
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Trusted Brands – Stick to reputable brands like Redbarn that focus on dog health and safety.
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Digestibility – Pick highly digestible pizzle over rawhide or artificial chews. Check company standards.
While the thought of giving your dog a bull penis to chew on may seem strange at first, beef pizzles offer huge benefits for your dog’s health and happiness. Their tough texture provides long-lasting entertainment and cleans teeth and gums. Plus, dogs go wild for the all-natural meaty flavor. As long as you supervise your dog and buy high-quality pizzles, they make an excellent treat!
ARE BULLY STICKS DIGESTIBLE IF SWALLOWED?
Yes! Bully sticks are highly digestible and make a great rawhide alternative. How long a bully stick lasts depends entirely on your pup. Even strong-jawed dogs find the sticks a chewing delight. Bully sticks typically last from several hours to a few days, depending on your dog’s size and determination.
ARE BULLY STICKS SAFE FOR DOGS?
While all dogs should be supervised while munching down on any chew treat, bully sticks are safe for your dog. As an added benefit, they promote healthy teeth and gums when chewed. And after a vigorous session of evening chewing, your dog will probably be relaxed and calm for the rest of the night.
As with all treats, wash your hands after handling them yourself, as you would after handling raw meat. Humans are much more prone to Salmonella than are dogs, so we have to careful dealing with any all-natural dog treat.
What is beef pizzle made of?
FAQ
Is beef pizzle good for dogs?
What part of the cow is beef pizzle?
A bully stick is the penis of a bull. They may also be called beef pizzles, pizzle sticks, beef sticks, or steer stix, but it all comes down to the same thing.
Are bulls killed to make bully sticks?
Yes, bully sticks are made of beef pizzle (bull penis), which is removed, stretched, sometimes twisted, and dried. It is very tough, so it makes a fairly long lasting protien-filled treat for your doggo! If you dont focus on the fact that its penis, really all it is is a big piece of really hard jerky.
Why is bull pizzle so expensive?
Labor-Intensive Preparation: The process of making bully sticks is labor-intensive, involving cleaning, stretching, and slow drying the beef. Safety Standards: Adhering to high safety standards during preparation also adds to the cost.