How Often Should You Give Your Dog a Bully Stick? The Complete Guide

How Often Should You Give Your Dog a Bully Stick? The Complete Guide

Every dog owner knows that look — the one your pup gives when they spot their favorite chew. But how often should you actually give your dog a bully stick? Once a day? Once a week? The answer depends on your dog’s size, diet, and chewing habits.

This guide breaks down how to safely incorporate bully sticks into your dog’s routine while getting the most health and behavioral benefits from every chew.

The Right Amount of Bully Sticks per Week

Bully sticks are nutritious, but they’re still a treat — not a meal. Because they’re high in protein and calories, moderation is key.

Dog Size
Recommended Frequency
Portion Size
Under 20 lbs
2–3 times per week
½ stick or thin 6”
20–50 lbs
3–4 times per week
1 standard 6–8”
50–90 lbs
4–5 times per week
1 thick or braided 9–12”
90+ lbs or power chewer
Up to daily
1 jumbo 12”

👉 Pro Tip: Always monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust frequency if they start gaining weight.

How Long Should a Chewing Session Last?

Chewing should be enjoyable — not exhausting. Over-chewing can cause gum irritation or jaw fatigue, especially in smaller breeds.

  • Puppies (under 6 months): 5–10 minutes per session

  • Adult dogs: 15–30 minutes per session

  • Power chewers: Up to 45 minutes, supervised

When your dog gets down to the last inch or two, remove the stick to prevent choking — or use a bully stick holder for safety.

Signs You’re Giving Too Many Bully Sticks

Even natural treats can be overdone. Watch for these signs:

  • Soft or loose stools

  • Reduced appetite at mealtime

  • Weight gain

  • Excessive chewing fatigue

If any of these occur, scale back frequency and ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water.

How Bully Sticks Fit into a Balanced Diet

Bully sticks are naturally high in protein (60–80%) and low in fat. For most dogs, one stick provides about 70–90 calories per inch.

They’re ideal as:

  • A post-meal reward

  • A training reinforcement for long-duration commands

  • A stress reliever during travel or crate time

Just remember to count the calories toward your dog’s total daily intake — especially for small breeds.

Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity

Two bully sticks a week made from premium U.S. beef are far better than daily low-quality imports. Poorly sourced sticks can contain bleach, bacteria, or preservatives that cause digestive upset.

Bonez Bully Sticks are:

  • Made and sourced in the USA from 100% beef

  • Single-ingredient and fully digestible

  • Naturally odor-reduced and slow-baked for nutrition retention

  • Available in consistent sizes, so dosing is predictable and safe

When the product is clean, consistent, and traceable, you don’t have to worry about frequency — just moderation.

How to Build a Healthy Chewing Routine

  1. Rotate chews: Offer bully sticks a few times a week and mix in softer chews (like beef trachea or collagen) for variety.

  2. Set a schedule: Give chews at the same time daily — like after dinner — to reinforce calm behavior.

  3. Supervise every session: Especially for puppies or power chewers.

  4. Pair with hydration: Protein-rich chews increase thirst. Always keep fresh water nearby.

This routine builds a rhythm your dog understands — chew time becomes relaxation time.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for bully sticks, but the principle is simple: moderation, supervision, and quality.

Give your dog a safe, satisfying chew they can enjoy guilt-free — one made from pure U.S. beef, crafted for taste, toughness, and trust.

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