How often should I give my dogs Bully Sticks?

One of the most common questions I hear from dog parents is: “How often should I give my dogs Bully Sticks?” It’s a great question because while bully sticks are natural, nutritious, and great for dental health, they should still be treated as a supplemental chew — not a daily meal replacement. After 10 years of working with dogs of all sizes, I’ve learned that the best frequency depends on your pup’s size, age, chewing style, and overall health. This guide will break down recommendations and provide practical tips to keep your dog safe and satisfied.

Why Frequency Matters

Calorie & weight concerns

Bully stick caloric density (e.g. 6″ vs 12″ stick)

A 6-inch bully stick can have around 80–100 calories, while a 12-inch stick may contain 150–200 calories. That’s a significant amount, especially for small breeds. When asking how many bully sticks a week is safe for dogs, the answer often comes down to calorie balance.

Treats should remain a small percentage of daily intake (< ~10%)

Veterinarians generally recommend that treats, including bully sticks, make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If your dog needs 500 calories per day, a single 12-inch stick may already be too much in one sitting.

Digestive & safety risks

Choking hazard when the stick becomes small

Dogs can choke if they try to swallow the last inch or two of a bully stick whole. Always supervise chew sessions and remove the stick before it gets too small.

Bacterial contamination concerns (E. coli, MRSA)

Like all natural chews, bully sticks can carry bacteria if not handled properly. Wash your hands after handling, and store sticks in airtight containers to reduce risk.

Dental & enrichment benefits (but moderated)

Chewing helps reduce plaque / tartar

Bully sticks are great for oral health. The act of chewing helps scrape away plaque and reduce tartar buildup, supporting long-term dental care.

Mental stimulation, boredom relief

Chewing also provides mental stimulation. A bored dog is often a destructive dog, so bully sticks can be an excellent way to keep them busy. For more enrichment ideas, check out our dog boredom busters guide.

Common Recommendations for Frequency

Moderate usage: 1–2 times per week

Most experts recommend giving bully sticks 1–2 times per week. This frequency balances health benefits while keeping calories and digestive risks in check.

More generous but cautious use: Up to once daily (for some dogs)

Can you give a bully stick every day? For large, active dogs with high calorie needs, daily use may be fine — as long as portion size is managed and chew sessions are supervised. This is usually safe for healthy adult dogs.

Less frequent use: occasional / special treat

For small breeds, overweight dogs, or those on restricted diets, bully sticks may be better reserved as an occasional reward rather than a regular chew.

Adjustments Based on Dog Factors

Size & breed

Large breeds and strong chewers may benefit from jumbo sticks several times a week, while small breeds may only need thin sticks once weekly.

Activity level & metabolism

Active working dogs burn more calories and can handle chews more often than sedentary house dogs.

Age: puppies, seniors, or dogs with health issues

Puppies can enjoy bully sticks but should only chew for short sessions (5–10 minutes) to avoid jaw fatigue or dental strain. Seniors with sensitive teeth may need thinner sticks or softer chews. How often should puppies get bully sticks? Typically once or twice a week in short, supervised sessions is plenty. How often should senior dogs have bully sticks? Once weekly is usually enough, depending on their dental health.

Overall diet and other treats

If your dog already gets multiple treats daily, you’ll need to cut back on bully sticks to keep calories balanced.

How to Safely Integrate Bully Sticks

Choose appropriate size and shape

Select a stick that matches your dog’s chewing power. For aggressive chewers, thicker braided sticks from our bully stick collection work best.

Supervise during chewing

Always supervise to prevent choking, especially when the stick becomes small.

Remove before it becomes a choking risk

Once your dog has chewed the stick down to about 2 inches, remove it to prevent accidental swallowing.

Rotate chews & offer variety

Mix in other safe chew options so your dog doesn’t get too many bully sticks in one week.

Store and handle hygienically

Keep sticks in airtight containers and wash your hands after handling. Learn more about safe storage practices on our Contact page if you have questions.

Signs You’re Overdoing It

Weight gain / obesity

If your dog is gaining weight despite regular exercise, you may be giving too many bully sticks.

Loose stool or digestive upset

Excessive chew sessions can cause diarrhea or stomach upset. Scale back if you notice this issue.

Refusing regular food

If your dog is filling up on bully sticks and ignoring meals, it’s time to cut back.

Choking episodes / partial obstructions

Frequent choking risks may mean you’re offering bully sticks too often or not removing them in time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I give a bully stick every day?

For large, active dogs, daily use can be safe if calories are balanced. For smaller or less active dogs, daily use may be too much.

Are bully sticks safe for puppies or small dogs?

Yes, but they should have shorter chew sessions with thinner sticks to prevent dental or choking issues.

How long should a chewing session last?

Limit chewing to 10–20 minutes per session for puppies and small dogs. Adults can chew longer but should still be monitored.

What else can I offer instead of bully sticks?

Other safe options include dental chews, rubber toys, or frozen treats. Mixing things up keeps your dog interested.

Summary & Best Practice Guidelines

So, how often should I give my dogs Bully Sticks? For most dogs, 1–2 times per week is ideal. Some large, active dogs may safely enjoy one daily, while smaller or overweight dogs may need them less often. Puppies and seniors benefit from shorter, occasional sessions. The key is moderation, supervision, and considering your dog’s overall diet. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Looking to stock up on safe, high-quality chews? Explore our full bully stick collection and find the right size and shape for your pup. Have more questions? Reach out through our Contact page — we’re happy to help you choose the best frequency for your dog’s needs.

Additional FAQs

How many bully sticks can I safely give per week?

Most dogs do best with 1–2 per week, though large, active dogs may have more.

What factors affect how often I should give bully sticks (size, calories, dog’s health)?

Size, breed, metabolism, age, and calorie needs all affect how often your dog should get them.

Is it okay to give a bully stick every day?

Sometimes, yes — but only if your dog can handle the calories and you supervise chewing.

How do I balance bully stick frequency with my dog’s total treats and calories?

Count bully sticks toward your dog’s 10% daily treat limit. Adjust meals or skip other treats when giving one.

When should I skip giving a bully stick (illness, dental issues, etc.)?

Skip them if your dog has stomach upset, recent dental surgery, or weight management issues.