Best bully sticks for dogs 2026: Top 5 in the test
Best bull pizzle overall in 2026: The 20 cm bully stick from Masterfeed is suitable for medium to large dogs. Best bully sticks for small dogs and puppies: Bull pizzle 10 cm. Best for sensitive stomachs: Ox pizzle dry raw food. Best alternative for beef allergy: Horse pizzle 20 cm. Best long-lasting chew item for strong chewers: Beef scalp skin sticks 20 cm.
- The 20 cm bull pizzle from Masterfeed is the best bull pizzle for medium-sized dogs in 2026.
- A 10 cm bully stick is best suited for small dogs and for puppies starting out.
- For those with a beef allergy, a 20 cm horse pizzle is the best alternative with a similar chewing time.
- Oxen pizzle dry BARF is suitable for sensitive stomachs and as a portionable training snack.
- Beef scalp sticks (20 cm) last the longest for strong, persistent chewers.
Why this is important
Bull pizzles are among the most popular natural chew treats for dogs because they are low in fat, high in protein, and provide long-lasting entertainment. The market is large, but not every bull pizzle is suitable for every dog size or stomach. Bull pizzle 20 cm Masterfeed shows what matters: purity, length and gentle processing determine whether a chew lasts for weeks in the bowl or disappears immediately.
This ranking compares five variants based on dog size, compatibility and chewing duration, so you can find the perfect bully stick for your dog.
What makes the best bully stick?
- Purity: 100% bull pizzles without grains, flavorings or preservatives
- Gentle drying: preserves collagen and structure instead of making the product brittle.
- Length in relation to dog size: 10 cm for small dogs and puppies, 20 cm for medium to large dogs
- Fat and protein content: Low in fat, high in protein for muscle maintenance instead of a calorie bomb
- Tolerance in case of allergies: Horse meat alternatives for beef intolerance
- Chew consistency: robust structure that won't break in seconds
Bull pizzles compared: At a glance
| product | Best for | Special feature | restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye diameter 20 cm | Medium to large dogs | Long-lasting chewing fun, low in fat | Too big for small dogs |
| Eye diameter 10 cm | Small dogs and puppies | Compact size, same purity | Large dogs can chew them up quickly. |
| Bull pizzle dry raw | Sensitive stomachs, training | Freeze-dried, easily portionable | Shorter chewing time |
| Horse pizzle 20 cm | Beef allergy | Alternative Proteinquelle | The taste differs from beef. |
| Beef scalp sticks 20 cm | Strong persistent chewers | Very viscous, long-lasting consistency | Tougher, not suitable for every dog |
The ranking in detail
1. Bull pizzle 20 cm: best bull pizzle for medium to large dogs
The 20cm bully stick is made from 100% bully sticks, gently dried, and provides a high protein content with little fat. For medium-sized dogs and larger, its length is sufficient to last for several chewing sessions instead of being devoured in one. Masterfeed produces these bully sticks without grains or artificial additives, making them one of the purest chew options available in 2026.
Bull pizzle 20 cm Advantages:
- Long-lasting chewing fun for strong chewers
- Natural collagen supports skin and joints.
- Low in fat and high in protein
- No artificial additives or grains
Bull pizzle 20 cm Disadvantages:
- Too big for small dogs and puppies
- The inherent scent is intense for sensitive noses.
Best for: Medium to large dogs with a strong chewing instinct. Verdict: Buy it.
2. Bull pizzle 10 cm: best bull pizzle for small dogs and puppies starting out
The 10 cm version is of the same purity as the larger version, but tailored to fit small breeds. The shorter chewing time means that small dogs are not overwhelmed and the piece is consumed in a reasonable amount of time.
Bull pizzle 10 cm Advantages:
- Suitable size for small breeds
- Same purity as the 20 cm bull pizzle
- Shorter chewing time prevents overstimulation
- Good first contact with natural chew treats
Bull pizzle 10 cm Disadvantages:
- Large dogs can chew it up in minutes.
- Not every puppy age is equally suitable
Best for: small dogs and puppies transitioning to solid chew toys. Verdict: Buy it. If you are unsure at what age a bully stick is suitable for your puppy, it is worth taking a look at the appropriate age recommendations beforehand.
3. Ox pizzle dry BARF: best ox pizzle for sensitive stomachs and training
The freeze-dried version is lighter, less odorous, and can be broken into smaller pieces. This makes it a good training snack at home, where a classic bully stick would be too strong-smelling or take too long.
Bull pizzle dry BARF advantages:
- Gentle freeze-drying preserves nutritional value
- Lower inherent odor for indoor use
- Easily portioned for training
- Long shelf life unopened
Bull pizzle dry raw disadvantages:
- Shorter chewing time than the classic bully stick
- Not a full substitute as the sole long-term chew item
Best for: Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or as a training snack indoors. Verdict: Conditionally recommended – good as a supplement, not as the only chewing option.
4. Horse pizzle 20 cm: best alternative for beef allergy
Dogs with a known beef intolerance need an alternative with similar chewing properties. Horse pizzle 20 cm It provides a comparable chewing duration and consistency to the bull pizzle, but based on horse meat.
Horse pizzle 20 cm Advantages:
- Suitable for people with beef intolerance
- Similar chewing duration to the bull pizzle
- Low in fat and without additives
- Natural product without grains
Horse pizzle 20 cm Disadvantages:
- The taste differs from beef; some dogs prefer bully sticks.
- Less common than classic beef products
Best for: Dogs with beef allergy or known food intolerance. Verdict: Buy – the right choice for those with a history of allergies.
5. Beef scalp sticks 20 cm: best long-term chew item for strong chewers
If you have a dog that can chew through a bully stick in just a few minutes, you need a tougher alternative. Beef scalp sticks are made of a harder material that lasts significantly longer and also mechanically cleans the teeth while chewing.
Advantages of beef scalp sticks:
- Extremely long chewing time
- Robust consistency for strong chewers
- Natural by-product without additives
- Mechanical tooth cleaning through friction
Disadvantages of beef scalp sticks:
- A harder consistency is not suitable for every dog.
- Different taste and texture than the classic bully stick
Best for: Strong chewers who need a tougher, longer-lasting chew toy. Verdict: Buy – especially for dogs that destroy soft chew toys too quickly.
This is how we rated it
The 2026 ranking is based on the six criteria above: purity, drying, length relative to dog size, fat and protein content, allergy tolerance, and chew consistency. Each product occupies its own niche instead of competing against others in the same segment – thus, the list becomes a decision tree based on dog size and needs, not simply a ranking of the best.
Which bully stick should you choose?
For most medium to large dogs, the Bull pizzle 20 cm from Masterfeed The right standard choice for 2026: low in fat, high in protein, without additives. Small dogs and puppies transitioning to chew toys are better off with this. Bull pizzle 10 cmIf you have a beef allergy, choose... Horse pizzle 20 cm, for sensitive stomachs or for indoor use Bull pizzle dry raw, and in the case of dogs that can tear everything apart in minutes, to the Beef scalp sticks 20 cm.
FAQ
What is the best bully stick for large dogs?
The 20 cm bully stick is best suited for large dogs because it is long enough for prolonged chewing. For very strong chewers, 20 cm beef scalp sticks are a tougher alternative.
How long can dogs chew on a bully stick?
Bull pizzles can be chewed under supervision until the piece is reduced to a swallowable size. Afterwards, the remaining piece should be removed to avoid the risk of choking.
Are bull pizzles suitable for puppies?
The 10 cm bully stick is a better size for puppies than the 20 cm version. Its suitability also depends on the puppy's age and whether it's teething.
Bull pizzle or horse pizzle – which is better?
Both have similar chewing properties and protein content. Horse pizzles are the better choice for those with a known beef allergy; otherwise, classic bull pizzles are the standard recommendation.
How often can my dog have a bully stick?
How often a bully stick can be given depends on the size and tolerance of the dog. As a guideline, it serves as an occasional supplement to the main meal, not as a daily meal.
Are bull pizzles safe or is there a risk of choking?
Bull pizzles are safe under supervision, but the last small piece poses a choking hazard. Choose a length appropriate for the dog's size to reduce this risk.
How can I recognize a high-quality bully stick?
A high-quality bull pizzle consists of 100% bull pizzle without any additives, flavorings, or preservatives. Gentle drying preserves the structure and collagen, rather than making the product brittle.
One more note
Dried bully sticks expand slightly when they come into contact with moisture. Therefore, don't place the chew directly next to the water bowl, but observe how much your dog drinks at the same time – this way the consistency remains manageable and the chewing fun lasts longer.
