Bully Sticks: The Good, The Bad And The Gross On Your Dog's Favorite Treat

Bully sticks don't look all that different from any other dog treat. They come in all kinds of varieties: Long and straight, short and fat, curlicued and braided. Dogs all seem to love 'em, but a lot of owners don't necessarily know what it is they're feeding Fido…

Well, we're here to tell you: It's a bull or steer's "pizzle." What's "pizzle," you ask? It's another, perhaps more appealing-to-humans word for penis. Yes, you read that right: The bully sticks your dog likely loves are the private parts of another animal. In other words, the pup has a taste for bull penis.

There's some dissent as to whether or not these high-calorie treats are a good option as an occasional indulgence (to supplement a dog's normal healthy diet). A study from Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine notes that owners are often unaware of just how caloric bully sticks can be, and allowing a dog to consume too large a portion of them can result in an overweight or obese pup. The study also noted that at least some of the bully sticks they tested were contaminated by bacteria (although no strains had been shown to infect humans, and owners were urged to wash their hands after touching the treats as they would after touching uncooked meat).

Bully stick manufacturers, however, say they are 100 percent natural, single-ingredient treats that are easily digestible. Pawstruck, a popular producer of bully sticks, points out that as with any treat, dogs should be supervised during consumption.

Essentially, whether it's a deer antler, pig ear or bull penis, one constant remains: Opt for a quality product, handle with care, don't overindulge the pooch and keep an eye on digestion. And when in doubt, always consult your dog's veterinarian.

First Photo Credit: Owen Byrne via Flickr