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If you’re a dog parent, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about bully sticks. And if you’ve got a dog that loves to chew, a bully stick might be just the solution you’re looking for. But what are they—and why do they smell so bad?
Bully sticks, also known as pizzles sticks, beef sticks, and beef pizzle, are single-ingredient, long-lasting, digestible chew treats for dogs. They’re made from a portion of a bull or steer’s anatomy known as the “pizzle,” or more frankly, the penis.
Bully sticks can be dried, cooked, or even raw, and come in many shapes and sizes. They’re even available braided or shaped like rings. And they almost all have a noticeable strong smell.
To learn more about bully sticks, their smell, and their allure for dogs, we spoke with Dr. Iram Gladan, DVM, Ph.D. researcher and writer for Breed Atlas. With her insight, we delved into the smelly world of bully sticks to learn just why they smell so much, if you should be concerned about the odor, and whether less stinky chews are just as good.
Why Do Bully Sticks Smell So Bad?
The reason bully sticks have such a strong smell is simple: according to Dr. Gladan, bully sticks get their smell from how they’re processed—and then also how your dog eats them.
“During the drying and curing process, the proteins and fats can release odors, mainly when moisture is still present,” she explains. “The smell can also become more overpowering as a dog chews on the bully stick, and the dog’s saliva further breaks down the proteins.”
Does the Smell Mean a Stinky Chew is Bad?
When it comes to bully sticks, no. Whether you like it or not, the smell is a part of the experience. And it’s one of the main reasons your dog may like them.
“The pungent smell of bully sticks is actually an essential factor in a dog’s enjoyment,” says Dr. Gladan. “Dogs have a highly acute sense of smell, and the odor is inviting to a dog, making the treat more exciting and attractive. The scent is a significant part of the chewing experience, offering olfactory satisfaction that complements the physical act of chewing. For dogs, the smell indicates the treat’s natural origins and protein content, which are inherently appealing to their carnivorous instincts.”
Similarly, other dehydrated dog chews and treats will often give off a strong odor due to how they’re processed and the addition of your dog’s saliva as they enjoy the treat.
Mikhail Dmitriev via iStock
Do Odor-Free Dog Chews Exist?
Do odor-free chews exist? Sort of! While no dog chew may be completely free of odor, many options are way less smelly than bully sticks.
Some manufacturers have started making odor-free bully sticks. These admittedly still have an odor, but they’re not as strong. They make these chews by cooking them longer, which helps reduce their moisture content and thus their smell.
Other less smelly chews your dog might enjoy include:
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- rawhide alternatives
- nylon bones
- yak chews
- dental chews
- pig ears
But are less smelly chews just as enjoyable? They certainly can be!
“Less stinky chews can still be enjoyable for dogs, but they might not provide the same level of olfactory stimulation,” says Dr. Gladan. “Dogs love many different chews for a variety of reasons, but for the most part, texture, taste, and smell are the three most important. While less smelly alternatives may not hold the same level of appeal that bully sticks often do, many dogs will still regard them in almost the same way.”
In the end, it really depends on what your dog prefers when it comes to the enjoyment of smelly chews vs. more odor-free ones. “Some dogs may prefer the intense aroma of bully sticks, while others might be just as happy with less smelly alternatives,” Dr. Gladan explains.
The Best Odorless Dog Chews
If you’re looking for less smelly chew options for your dog, these are some of the most popular. Happy chewing!
- Natural Farm Odor-Free Bully Sticks: While they may not be entirely free from smell, these 6-inch chews are high in protein and provide dental support, helping to remove plaque and tartar on teeth.
- Greenies Original Dental Chews: These popular dental chews have an almost indiscernible smell and can even help freshen your pup’s breath.
- Himalayan Pet Supply’s Yak Chews: Yak chews are a popular pick for a long-lasting chew. They’re tough—but they can be soaked or microwaved to soften them up, and they take some of our most powerful chewers days to gnaw through.
- Earth Animal No Hide Chicken Flavored Dog Chews: Light in scent, these rawhide alternative chews come in multiple flavors and sizes for small to large breeds, depending on your dog’s preference.
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Dr. Iram Gladan, a DVM, a current Ph.D. researcher based in the Netherlands, and writer for Breed Atlas. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
