9 Best Bully Sticks for Shih Tzus

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With our guide to the best bully sticks for Shih Tzus, you can give your pup a treat that will keep them happy and fulfilled while helping to clean their teeth.

Dogs don’t just love bully sticks for their meaty taste but also because chewing makes them happy! For some dogs, chewing is about more than delicious snacking and playing. Chewing bully sticks offers dogs a way to relieve stress without wreaking destruction on your home. And thanks to all that gnawing, you’ll find your dog’s teeth a little more sparkly and their breath fresher. So, bully sticks are a win for both you and your Shih Tzu.

That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best bully sticks for Shih Tzus that aren’t just a tasty treat. They’re also great for hearty chewing!

Best bully sticks for Shih Tzus

Healthy and Safe Bully Sticks for Shih Tzu

The Best Bully Sticks for Shih Tzus

#1 – Cadet Bully Sticks Dog Treats

Help fulfill your dog’s daily protein and chewing needs with Cadet Bully Stick Dog Treats, single-ingredient bully sticks made from 100% beef. Full of protein and natural flavor, these slow-roasted bully sticks are good for heavy chewers. They’re easy to digest and contain nothing artificial. And because they measure between 4 – 7 inches, they’re recommended for small and medium dogs of adult age.

Pros

Made of 100% beef pizzle
Long-lasting and ideal for oral care
Good for heavy chewers
High in protein, low in fat
No artificial colors, flavors, or fillers
Inspected in the USA, adhering to FDA guidelines

Cons

Expensive
It may be small for large dogs

#2 – Nature Gnaws Bully Sticks for Dogs

If your pup is a picky eater, Nature Gnaws Bully Sticks for Dogs provide a chewing solution! These 5 – 6-inch beef bully sticks are made from a single ingredient without the use of any preservatives or artificial flavorings, giving your dog the ultimate pleasure in chewing. And if your dog can gnaw through anything, they’ll find this bully stick for aggressive chewers a match for their chompers. Safe for all life stages, they’re great for teething puppies too. They contain globally sourced ingredients and are packaged in the USA.

Pros

Single-ingredient and 100% natural
Ideal for strong chewers
Great for stress relief
Perfect for teething puppies
Rawhide free
Small business, family-owned brand
Available in three package sizes: 8-ounce, 1-pound, and 2-pound

Cons

The reviews report inconsistency in size

#3 – I and love and you Free Ranger No Stink! Bully Stix

Can’t stand the nasty smell of bully sticks? I love you, Free Ranger, No Stink! Natural Bully Stix promises less odor but great taste and a satisfying chew made from free-range Brazilian cattle that are grass-fed and raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones. Free from all harmful ingredients and rich in protein, these sticks are highly beneficial for your dog’s dental hygiene and perfect for heavy chewers.

Pros

Single-ingredient beef pizzle from Brazilian cattle
No stinky odors!
Free of fillers, grains, and artificial ingredients
Makes teeth clean and healthy
Suitable for dogs of all sizes
100% recyclable packaging

Cons

Not as odorless as they say, but still less stinky

#4 – Nature Gnaws Braided Bully Sticks for Dogs

Nature Gnaws makes our list of the best bully sticks for dogs again with their Braided Bully Sticks for Dogs. The braided design offers a different chew experience while still delivering a quality single-ingredient bully stick your dog will love. And because Nature Gnaws adheres to a 5-step safety process that includes fresh raw material sourcing, irradiation, food-grade lab testing, hand packaging in the USA, and UV disinfection of their facility, you can expect a safe and quality product in every bag. Available in 12-inch and 6-inch options, these braided bully sticks are good for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Pros

Braided design for something different
Made with premium quality, all-natural beef
Available in 6-inch and 12-inch sizes
Delicious and lasting flavor
Great alternative to chemically made rawhide
Safe for all life stages

Cons

May not stand up to strong chewers

#5 – GigaBite 6-Inch Slim Odor-Free Bully Sticks

Best Pet’s GigaBite 6 Inch Beef Gullet Jerky Sticks are bully sticks made from free-range Brazilian beef esophagus for a chewing stick with less odor. A single-ingredient flat jerky chew, they’re high in protein, low in fat, and contain no hormones, preservatives, or chemicals. Serve these bully chews as a whole stick or break-off pieces as a training aid. Plus, they’re easily digestible and help reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Available in 20-count or 40-count packages.

Pros

100% natural product that’s rich in protein
Made from grass-fed Brazilian cattle
No additives, hormones, or chemicals
Prevents the buildup of plaque
Dog-approved taste
Affordable pricing
Safe for puppies and adult dogs

Cons

Pungent smell
Stick sizes may vary

#6 – Raw Paws Thin Bully Sticks

If you’re introducing bully sticks to your dog for the first time or have a small dog, you need a pack of Raw Paws Thin Bully Sticks. They’re six-inch sticks of thin width that are great for small mouths, whether they belong to puppies or small-breed adults. A safer option than rawhide and artificial treats, Raw Paws bully sticks are made of single-ingredient, all-natural beef pizzle with no added hormones, preservatives, or steroids. These beef sticks are rich in protein and offer a taste dogs crave. They’re easy to chew and great for your dog’s teeth and gums. Moreover, they kill boredom and help relieve stress in your dog while keeping them occupied.

Pros

100% all-natural, grass-fed, free-range beef sticks
Best for puppies and small dogs
Great for teething
Free from artificial ingredients, corn, and soy
Highly digestible compared to rawhide
Sourced only from sustainable and ethical farms
Sold in half-pound value packs

Cons

May not be suitable for large dogs
Not for strong chewers

#7 – Chomp’ems Naturally Delicious Bully Sticks

If your dog gets bored easily and no toy can keep them interested, Chomp’ems Naturally Delicious Bully Sticks are just the solution you need for your pup. Containing one single and all-natural ingredient, these beef muscle sticks don’t contain any grains, gluten, or preservatives. They’re among the best bully sticks for strong chewers, offering a long-lasting and highly digestible alternative to rawhide. And Chomp’ems ensures quality and safety with USA lab testing.

Pros

Single-ingredient beef muscle
Great for aggressive chewers
High in protein, low in fat
Suitable for all life stages
No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons

On the costly side

#8 – SmartBones SmartSticks

SmartBones SmartSticks are different than traditional bully sticks as they offer a chew stick made with real beef, chicken, and veggies, and enriched with vitamins and minerals. They’re made with a yummy vegetable-beef outside layer with chicken on the inside. That’s layers of flavor without any artificial preservatives!

Pros

Enriched with vitamins and minerals
Easily digestible; no rawhide
Picky eater approved
Help clean teeth
Variety of flavor options

Cons

Not a traditional single-ingredient bully stick
For adult dogs only

#9 – Pet Factory Beefhide 7″ Braided Sticks

Super chewers, get ready because you’ve met your match with Pet Factory 100% Beefhide 7″ Braided Sticks! They’re proudly American-made and 100% natural rawhide sourced from American-raised, corn-fed cattle. And you’ll find they have less odor than beef muscle chew sticks. These hand-braided beef hide sticks have no fillers, grains, sugar, or preservatives. To mix up the taste for your dog, try the Peanut Butter flavor!

Pros

Perfect for dogs who love to chew
Encourage healthy gums and teeth
All natural ingredients
No mess, no smell

Cons

Not suitable for small dogs
May stain fabrics

Think of bully sticks as a dog’s candy, only healthier! With that idea in mind, coupled with the information above, we bet you’ve already got a choice or maybe two in mind for your dog. Make their chewing dreams come true and buy some of these best bully sticks for your Shih Tzu now!

What To Consider When Choosing Bully Sticks for Shih Tzu

Size

Bully sticks come in a variety of sizes, and sometimes size does matter. But because bully stick makers understand that dogs come in all shapes and sizes, they make their sticks in varying lengths. Choose the right bully stick by shopping for your pup’s size.

Width

Usually, thicker bully sticks are better since they last longer and give a fun chewing experience for your dog. For larger and heavier dogs or dogs with an aggressive chewing style, a 12-inch stick may just be perfect. However, you may want to start with a thinner bully stick for smaller dogs to prevent choking.

Quality

Quality plays an important role in your pup’s treats and meals. Skip bully sticks that have preservatives or artificial ingredients in them. The point of a bully stick is to give your dog a single-ingredient treat that’s not been pumped full of fake additives. To ensure quality, only buy from trusted companies or take recommendations from your vet.

Shape

Usually, you’ll find bully sticks to be straight, and although an excellent option, you can also try different shapes like braided rings or curled sticks. They’re also fun to chew, and your dog may like them more than the straight ones. Try your dog out on different shapes to see which they like best.

Now, here’s our list of the best bully sticks for Shih Tzu! Which one will be your furry friend’s favorite?

Frequently Asked Questions About Bully Sticks for Dogs

1. Are bully sticks safe for Shih Tzus?

Yes, bully sticks are generally safe for Shih Tzus when given in moderation. Choose high-quality, single-ingredient sticks and supervise your dog while chewing to prevent choking or swallowing large pieces.

2. How often can I give my Shih Tzu a bully stick?

Most vets recommend offering bully sticks 2–3 times a week. Adjust based on your dog’s chewing habits, calorie needs, and dental health.

3. What size bully stick is best for a Shih Tzu?

A 4–6 inch bully stick is ideal for small breeds like Shih Tzus. It’s small enough to handle comfortably but long enough to keep them engaged.

4. Can bully sticks help clean my Shih Tzu’s teeth?

Yes. Chewing on bully sticks helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, promoting better oral hygiene and fresher breath.

5. Are there odor-free bully sticks for Shih Tzus?

Absolutely! Many brands offer low-odor or odor-free bully sticks made through special drying processes. Look for “odorless” or “low-odor” on the label.

6. Are bully sticks good for Shih Tzu puppies?

Yes, but only once they’ve started teething and can safely chew. Always choose thinner, softer sticks and supervise closely.

7. How long should a bully stick last for a Shih Tzu?

Depending on the stick’s thickness and your dog’s chewing strength, it can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours.

8. Can bully sticks cause digestive problems?

Overeating or swallowing large chunks can lead to stomach upset or blockages. Always monitor your Shih Tzu and discard small end pieces.

9. What are bully sticks made of?

They are made from 100% beef muscle, typically the pizzle (bull penis). It’s a single-ingredient, high-protein chew that’s easily digestible.

10. Are bully sticks high in calories?

Yes. A typical 6-inch bully stick contains around 60–90 calories. Factor this into your dog’s daily diet to prevent weight gain.

11. Can I give my Shih Tzu bully sticks daily?

It’s not recommended daily, as excessive chewing can lead to calorie overload or dental wear. Limit to a few times per week.

12. What’s the best way to store bully sticks?

Keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. You can refrigerate or freeze them to extend shelf life and reduce odor.

13. How do I know if a bully stick is high-quality?

Choose sticks labeled as:

100% natural or grass-fed beef
Free from additives, chemicals, and preservatives
Ethically sourced and produced in the USA

14. Can bully sticks replace regular dog treats?

No, they’re better as occasional chews. While nutritious, they’re higher in calories and not meant for daily rewards or training.

15. What’s a good alternative if my Shih Tzu doesn’t like bully sticks?

Try dental chews, yak milk sticks, or natural treats like sweet potato chews. Always pick options safe for small breeds.

Smart Choices for Strong Chewers

Choosing the right bully sticks for your Shih Tzu isn’t just a treat; it’s an investment in their happiness and health. Big-chewer breeds like this need tough, digestible chews that satisfy their instincts while cleaning teeth and preventing destructive behavior. Opting for high-quality, single-ingredient sticks shows your pup they’re loved and supports peace of mind in your home. With the right choice, every chewy moment becomes a win: for your dog’s joy, your sanity, and a life full of tail wags.