are pizzles safe for puppies?

Are Pizzles Safe for Puppies?

If you’re a new puppy parent, you’ve probably spent a lot of time researching the best toys, treats, and chews to help your growing pup stay happy and healthy. Among the many options, one natural chew often comes up: the pizzle—more commonly known as a bully stick. But are pizzles safe for puppies?

Short answer: Yes, with a few important things to keep in mind.

Let’s explore what makes pizzles a good choice, how to choose the right one, and how to ensure your puppy enjoys it safely.

Table of Contents

What Is a Pizzle?

A “pizzle” is a chew made from the dried penis of a bull or steer. While that might sound unusual, pizzles are 100% natural, single-ingredient chews rich in protein and free from artificial additives or preservatives. That’s why they’re a popular and healthier alternative to rawhide and synthetic treats.

They’re also digestible—unlike many synthetic chews such as rawhide (booo!) —and can help support dental health by reducing plaque and tartar through natural gnawing.

Are They Safe for Puppies?

Yes, pizzles are generally safe for puppies as long as:

  • They’re the appropriate size and thickness
  • They’re introduced gradually
  • Your puppy is supervised while chewing

Pizzles are tough enough to provide satisfying chewing for teething puppies, but not so hard that they risk damaging developing teeth. In fact, they can be a great way to soothe teething discomfort and redirect chewing behavior away from shoes and furniture!

pizzles for puppies

Choosing the Right Pizzle

When selecting a pizzle for a puppy, size really matters. A thick or oversized bully stick may be too much for small mouths, while something too small could pose a choking hazard.

That’s why we offer Skinny Pizzles, specially designed for puppies and toy breeds. These are lighter, thinner, and easier for little jaws to handle. Perfect for teething puppies! We also include Skinny Pizzles in our Puppy Chew Pack for your pup to try them out.

Quick guide:

  • Under 5kg / Toy Breeds: Choose Skinny Pizzles
  • Teething Stage (8–16 weeks): Start with shorter and softer sticks
  • Always supervise: Remove the stick when it becomes small enough to swallow

How Often Can Puppies Have Pizzles?

While pizzles are natural and digestible, they are also rich in protein and can be high in calories. As a general rule, limit your puppy to one pizzle a day or every other day, depending on their age, size, and diet.

Always provide plenty of fresh water, and remember to feed bully sticks as a treat, not a meal replacement.

Benefits of Pizzles for Puppies

  • Helps with teething discomfort
  • Promotes healthy chewing habits
  • Supports dental hygiene
  • All-natural and easily digestible
  • Mentally stimulating and long-lasting

Things to Watch Out For

  • Choking hazard: Always supervise and remove small leftover pieces
  • Digestive sensitivity: Introduce slowly to avoid tummy issues
  • Calories: Use in moderation to avoid excess weight gain

So, are pizzles safe for puppies? Yes! When chosen correctly and given with care, pizzles (aka bully sticks) can be a fantastic addition to your puppy’s chew routine. They’re natural, nutritious, and super satisfying for teething pups—and they just might save your favourite trainers from destruction.

Looking for the perfect first pizzle? Check out our Skinny Pizzles—specially sized for puppies and toy breeds, and graded by weight to ensure they’re safe, long-lasting, and just the right amount of chew.

For any further help and advice please contact us on 01484 246420 and why not join our social media channels and online community on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

With Wags and Woofs,

Laura, Dolly & Reggie

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