Whether you're new to the world of natural dog chews or a seasoned pro, choosing the right chew for your pup can feel overwhelming. With so many options—sticks, braids, rings, and more—how do you decide? One common debate is collagen chews vs bully sticks. What’s the difference, and which one is best for your dog? Let’s break it down!
Bully Sticks for Dogs
Bully sticks are made from dried or baked pizzle (yes, it’s exactly what you think) of a bull. They are composed of pure beef muscle, which, when dried, becomes incredibly tough and durable.
The process begins by stretching the pizzle into a long, 36-inch “bully cane,” which is then cut into 6 inch or 12 inch sticks. You’ll also find them shaped into braids, rings, and spirals, available in thicknesses from extra thin, thin, thick to even SUPER jumbo.
Why Do Dogs Love Bully Sticks?
Bully sticks often have a strong natural scent that intensifies as your dog chews. While the smell might seem intense to us, dogs absolutely go wild for the rich, meaty flavor!
Benefits of Bully Sticks
✔ Long-lasting & digestible – A safe, natural alternative to rawhide, tough but fully digestible. ✔ High protein, low fat – A single-ingredient chew that keeps your dog satisfied between meals. ✔ Dental health support – Helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup while stimulating healthy saliva production.
Collagen Chews for Dogs
Collagen is one of the most essential proteins in your dog’s body, responsible for supporting bones, muscles, skin, and fur.
At first glance, collagen sticks may look similar to bully sticks, when they are a reddish-brown color, but they differ in key ways. Instead of beef muscle, collagen chews come from corium, the inner layer of beef skin. Unlike rawhide, collagen is fully digestible and offers additional health benefits beyond chewing satisfaction.
Since collagen starts as a single sheet of corium, it can be formed into various shapes and sizes. You’ll find collagen chews in 6 inch and 12 inch sticks, braids, flats, twists, chips and rolls.
Benefits of Collagen for Dogs:
✔ Supports joint health – Helps maintain cartilage, improve bone density, and reduce inflammation. ✔ Strengthens muscles & tissues – Aids in rebuilding ligaments, tendons, and muscles after daily activities. ✔ Promotes a shiny coat & healthy skin – Hydrates skin from the inside out, keeping your dog’s coat soft and strong.
Collagen vs. Bully Sticks: Which Should You Choose?
Both bully sticks and collagen chews are excellent, all-natural, single-ingredient treats made from 100% beef. Both are fully digestible and packed with protein, making them safe and nutritious options for your dog.
So, how do you choose? It depends on your dog’s needs:
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Looking for a tough, long-lasting chew with a strong flavor? → Go with bully sticks.
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Want additional health benefits for joints, muscles, and coat? → Try collagen chews.
No matter which you choose, your dog will enjoy a satisfying, healthy chewing experience. Why not make every chew count? Collagen chews offer all the chewing satisfaction of a bully stick—with added benefits that support your dog’s health inside and out.
Explore the variety of sizes and shapes available and find the perfect match for your pup!