How to Choose the Right Bully Stick Size for Your Dog (And Avoid Safety Risks)

When it comes to giving your dog a bully stick, size isn’t just about preference, it’s about safety. Choosing the wrong size can turn a healthy treat into a choking hazard or a wasted chew that disappears in minutes. Let’s break down how to select the right bully stick for your dog’s breed, weight, and chewing style so you can give them maximum enjoyment with total peace of mind.

Why Size Matters More Than You Think

Bully sticks are designed to be natural, single-ingredient chews made from 100% beef. But not all dogs chew the same way. A 100-pound German Shepherd will destroy a thin 6-inch stick in seconds, while a 10-pound Frenchie might need days to finish it. Choosing the right thickness and length ensures your dog gets the mental stimulation and dental benefits bully sticks are known for, without the risk.

Size Guide by Dog Weight and Chewing Style

Dog Weight	Chewing Style	Recommended Bonez Bully Stick Size
Under 15 lbs	Light or moderate chewer	6-inch thin or standard
15–40 lbs	Moderate chewer	6–8 inch standard or braided
40–80 lbs	Strong chewer	9–12 inch thick or jumbo
80+ lbs	Power chewer	12-inch jumbo or braided heavy-duty

If your dog tends to gulp treats, always go one size up. Larger sticks last longer, promote slower chewing, and reduce the chance of swallowing large pieces.

Thickness vs. Length: Which Is More Important?

While most dog owners focus on the length of a bully stick, thickness is what really determines how long it lasts. Thin sticks are great for smaller breeds or senior dogs with gentler jaws, but aggressive chewers should always go for thick or braided options.

Braided bully sticks, like Bonez’s 9–12” braided pack, offer extra resistance and texture, making them ideal for keeping your dog occupied longer.

Safety First: When to Take the Bully Stick Away

Even with the right size, supervision is crucial. The “one-inch rule” is simple: once your dog’s bully stick gets down to about an inch or two in length, remove it to avoid choking or swallowing hazards.

For extra protection, consider a bully stick holder or safety grip that prevents dogs from swallowing the last bit.

Storage and Hygiene Tips

After each chewing session, rinse the stick with warm water, pat dry, and store it in a cool, dry place. If your dog doesn’t finish it within a few days, replace it with a fresh one, bully sticks are natural and can spoil over time.

Why Bonez Bully Sticks Are the Safer Choice

Every Bonez Bully Stick is made from 100% U.S.-sourced beef, slow-baked to lock in flavor and durability. No preservatives. No chemicals. Just pure, natural protein, crafted to meet the chewing needs of every dog size.

Whether your pup’s a toy breed or a giant power chewer, Bonez has the right thickness and length to keep tails wagging safely.

Final Tip:

Safety isn’t optional, it’s part of responsible pet ownership. Choose the right size, supervise your dog, and trust Bonez Bully Sticks for premium quality, long-lasting enjoyment, and the safest chew experience in the USA.