Why Are Bully Sticks So Expensive?

Bully sticks are a natural chew treat that come from livestock and are highly popular amongst mature dogs as well as puppies.

However, if you’re a dog parent, you might be curious to know: Why are bully sticks so expensive?

In this article, I will cover some key information about bully sticks, including why bully sticks are so expensive, and the benefits of feeding them to your dog.

Keep reading to find out more. 

What Are Bully Sticks Made Of?

Bully sticks are an easily-digestible chew treat made from a single-ingredient: bull’s penis.

Bully sticks owe their name to the fact that they are made from the “pizzle” of a bull and are then stretched and baked into a stick for dogs to chew.

Bully sticks come in a variety of different sizes and shapes to satiate dogs and puppies of all sizes.

As they are suitable for so many dogs, they are not only considered universal, but their all-natural ingredients means that they are also considered as one of the healthiest dog chews available.

They are often associated with promoting good dental health, as their hard exterior is great for dogs to chew on and helps to keep any plaque build up and tooth decay at bay.

Why Are Bully Sticks So Expensive?

There are a variety of factors that affect the price of bully sticks.

While you might not understand why bully sticks are as expensive as they are, we’re here to give you a better overview of what goes into determining the price of these dog treats. 

First up is the demand! Bully sticks are considered one of the most popular healthy dog chews on the market today.

Unlike numerous treats and chews that are widely available to purchase, bully sticks don’t splinter, making them suitable for mature dogs as well as puppies.

The higher demand for them therefore affects their premium price.

Bully sticks are made out of natural ingredients. Typically speaking, higher quality foods tend to be better for you meaning that they cost more money, and bully sticks are no exception.

These treats are made from high quality, grass-fed and free-range beef.

As the ingredients are higher quality when compared to other dog treats that are packed full of artificial ingredients and flavors, this also has an effect on the price of the bully stick.

The supply is also something that is important to consider. It makes sense for the raw material cost to determine the price of bully sticks.

It’s also important to consider the fact that the bottom line is, a bull only has one penis. Bearing the limited availability in mind, it is clear why the price of the bully stick is driven up.

Lastly, you will also need to take the manufacturing of bully sticks into account. Dog chews often have an unpleasant, pungent smell.

In order to produce a bully stick that is odor-free, the pizzle must be dried for a long period of time, subsequently reducing the production as space is limited.

The labor costs and time it takes to produce bully sticks, then, also affect the price of these dog chews.

How Are Bully Sticks Prepared?

There are many manufacturers of bully sticks, and not everyone has the same method. That being said, as bully sticks are raw-based dog chews, they need to be dried similarly to beef jerky.

To prepare bully sticks, many manufacturer’s dehydrate and sun-dry their bully sticks in warm regions.

Both sun drying and irradiation are methods to decrease contamination of the product.

That being said, sun drying the pizzles provides the bacteria a greater chance of surviving the drying process, so some manufacturer’s take the extra step of using irradiation to make their bully sticks safe for consumption.

Irradiation is commonly used to eradicate bacteria and microorganisms.

While they can be prepared in a number of different ways, bully sticks are most commonly smoked or baked, giving them a flavor that is simply irresistible to dogs.

Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Bully Sticks 

Easily Digestible

Bully sticks don’t contain any hidden nasties, meaning that they are easy for your dog to digest, making them a great treat for dogs with even the most sensitive stomachs.

This minimizes the risk of your dog having any stomach upsets.

Healthy Treat

As chews go, bully sticks are one of the healthiest dog treats you can provide to your dog as they’re all natural!

Lots of dog chews and treats can be full of filler ingredients that have little to no nutritional value, whereas bully sticks are packed full of protein.

One Of The Safest Chews Available On The Market

Bully sticks are one of the safest chews for dogs of all sizes, including all puppies.

This comes down to the fact that unlike other chews, they don’t splinter, which is what many new puppy owners worry about. This makes them a reliable and safe treat you can give to your dog of any age without worry.

Good For Dental Maintenance

Bully sticks are an excellent option for maintaining your dog’s dental health.

When your dog rubs their teeth against the bully stick, it promotes healthy gums and is also good for scraping any plaque and tartar build up off of their teeth. It’s a win-win!

Entertains Your Dog For Hours

Chewable treats are the perfect option to give your dog to entertain them for hours and prevent them from munching on your valuables. Bully sticks help to keep your dog’s chewing to a minimum.

In Summary 

So, there you have it! There are a variety of different factors that affect the price of bully sticks, such as demand and quality.

That being said, as bully sticks are a healthy and safe chew to provide to dogs of all ages, it’s easy to see why they are so popular.

Hopefully after reading this article you have a better understanding of bully sticks and why they cost as much as they do.