The NaturalEX Extra-Small Bully Stick worked well as a long-lasting chew during my small puppy’s teething stage. It kept him interested longer than softer treats and gave him an appropriate place to direct his strong urge to chew. However, its firm texture, calories, and small final piece require careful supervision.
Quick Verdict
This bully stick may suit a small teething puppy that chews steadily without trying to swallow large pieces. The extra-small format was manageable for Louie, my Yorkshire Terrier, when he began eating bully sticks at around 3 months old.
I continued using bully sticks during his teething period because he actively looked for firm objects to chew. After teething ended, I gradually moved him to softer turkey chews. I stopped offering bully sticks about three months after his teething stage because I wanted to be more cautious about long-term tooth wear and possible fractures from hard chews.
What Is a NaturalEX Bully Stick?
A traditional bully stick is made from dried beef pizzle. It is a single-animal-protein chew rather than a compressed rawhide sheet or a treat made from several mixed ingredients.
Processing methods can affect the smell, color, and firmness. The NaturalEX stick Louie used had the dense texture expected from this type of chew. The extra-small size was easier for his small mouth to position and hold than a thick, full-size bully stick.
A simple ingredient list can make food tracking easier, but it does not make the chew appropriate for every dog. Dogs that react poorly to beef should not use a beef bully stick.
How We Used It During Puppy Teething
Louie started bully sticks at approximately 3 months old. At that age, he frequently searched for hard objects and appeared more satisfied by firm chews than by soft treats.
I offered the bully stick only while I could watch him. I also secured it in a snack holder. The holder helped keep the chew stable and reduced the chance that he could swallow the short remaining end.
I did not measure an exact number of minutes for each stick. The useful comparison was that it occupied him longer than the softer chews we used later. Actual chew time will depend on the dog’s jaw strength, chewing style, and the thickness of the individual stick.
What I Liked
- Appropriate size for a small puppy: The extra-small format was easier for Louie to manage than a large or thick chew.
- Longer chewing activity: It lasted longer than softer treats and helped occupy him during an intense chewing stage.
- Simple animal-protein ingredient: It was easier to evaluate than a chew containing several proteins, starches, flavors, and additives.
- Easy to secure in a holder: The straight shape worked well with the snack holder we used.
- No sharp splintering during our use: Louie softened the end as he chewed rather than breaking off sharp bone-like pieces.
What Owners Should Check First
Firmness and Tooth Safety
A bully stick should not be treated as risk-free simply because it is edible. A hard chew can damage a tooth if a dog bites down forcefully. This matters especially after the adult teeth have fully emerged or when a dog tries to crush chews instead of gradually softening them.
I considered the firm texture useful during Louie’s teething stage, but I did not see a reason to continue using the same hardness indefinitely. Owners should check for chipped teeth, bleeding gums, sudden chewing reluctance, or sensitivity around the mouth.
Calories
Bully sticks can contribute a meaningful number of calories relative to a small dog’s daily food intake. Their calorie content varies by weight and size, so a short stick should not automatically be considered a low-calorie treat. Treat calories should be included when adjusting meals, particularly for a toy-sized dog. Research on bully sticks has also found substantial calorie variation among individual products. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The Final Piece
The remaining stub is one of the most important risks. Remove the chew when it becomes too short for your dog to hold safely or when it can slip out of the holder. A bully stick holder can help, but it does not replace supervision. Veterinary safety guidance also recommends watching dogs closely and preventing them from swallowing the final piece whole. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Odor and Storage
Bully sticks naturally have a beef odor, and the intensity can vary. Store opened pieces in a clean, dry place according to the package directions. Wash your hands after handling the chew, and clean the holder because saliva and food residue can collect around it.
Who May Like This Bully Stick?
| May Be a Good Match | May Not Be a Good Match |
|---|---|
| A small teething puppy that chews gradually | A dog that tries to swallow chews whole |
| A dog that needs a longer activity than a soft treat | A dog with damaged, painful, or fragile teeth |
| An owner who can supervise every session | A dog with a known beef sensitivity |
| A household using a secure bully stick holder | A dog requiring strict calorie control |
Final Assessment
The NaturalEX Extra-Small Bully Stick was a useful teething-stage chew for Louie. Its size fit his small mouth, the firm texture matched his chewing needs, and it occupied him longer than softer alternatives.
Its best use was limited and supervised rather than routine and unlimited. Choose a size your dog cannot swallow, secure it when possible, count it as part of the day’s treat calories, and remove the final piece. For Louie, it was a good puppy-stage option, but a softer chew became the better choice after teething ended.