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Neither pig ears nor bully sticks are the better choice for every dog. Pick based on how your dog chews, the calories in the actual product, your dog’s health and tolerance, and whether you can supervise and handle the treat hygienically. There is no established head-to-head evidence showing that one category is universally safer or lasts longer.
How pig ears and bully sticks compare
| What matters | Pig ears | Bully sticks |
|---|---|---|
| Published calorie information | WSAVA lists dried pig ear at 242 kcal per 56 g serving. A whole ear may be a substantial treat for some dogs. | A 2013 study found a mean of 90 kcal for sampled six-inch bully sticks; the products varied in length and width, so this is not a calorie count for every stick. |
| Safety events | A 2019 FDA/CDC investigation linked reported human Salmonella illnesses to exposure to pig-ear treats. This historical outbreak does not establish the risk of all pig ears now. | FDA issued a 2025 recall for specified Nature’s Own Bully Bites lots because of possible Salmonella contamination. The recall notice says the recall was completed and terminated. |
| Choking and swallowing | Risk depends on the dog and the size of the remaining piece. Remove it if your dog may gulp it whole. | A dog may bite off and swallow a large piece. A holder may help some dogs, but does not replace supervision. |
| How long it lasts | Size and processing vary; no reviewed source establishes a standard chew time. | Length, width and chewing behavior vary; no reviewed source establishes that bully sticks last longer for all dogs. |
These calorie figures are not a controlled comparison: they describe different product samples, quantities, sources and dates. Use the package’s calorie information for the item you buy, or ask the manufacturer if it is not listed. Neither chew should be assumed to be completely digestible, to prevent dental disease, or to last a particular amount of time.
How to choose for your dog
Consider chewing style first
Watch how your dog handles a chew. If your dog bites off chunks and gulps them, either option may be unsuitable. Choose a size and texture your dog can manage, stay nearby for the entire session, and take the chew away if it becomes small enough to swallow whole or your dog starts gulping pieces. The American Kennel Club notes that a bully-stick holder may help with some dogs that bite through sticks; it is a tool, not a safety guarantee.
Factor in health and calorie needs
WSAVA’s 2024 guidance recommends keeping treats to no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. That general limit is based on an average healthy adult dog at ideal body condition, not an individual ration; ask your veterinary team about your dog’s calorie needs. WSAVA lists dried pig ear at 242 kcal per 56 g. A 2013 study reported a mean of 90 kcal for sampled six-inch bully sticks, with substantial variation in product dimensions. Those estimates are not interchangeable product guarantees.
#1 Best Overall
- All Natural, 100% Beef: Our single-ingredient dog treats are free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or unhealthy additives making them a natural and nutritious chew that your dogs will love. A great alternative to unhealthy rawhides!
- Perfect for Power Chewers: Our bully sticks 12 inch and 6" bully sticks for medium dogs, large dogs and small breeds are perfect for redirecting chewing from your couch, shoes and socks, to a long lasting, tasty protein rich treat!
- Keeps Your Dog Busy: This boredom busting treat will keep dogs busy during meetings, work or when you leave the house. Its also great at calming hyperactive dogs or nervous pets.
- Lower Odor Than Other Sticks: While our bully sticks are now lower odor they still may have a natural scent. Dogs experience so much of their environment from smell and will go nuts for these pizzle sticks for dogs!
- Family Owned and Operated in USA: At Mighty Paw we are dog people, like you. We are a family owned and operated company based in the USA! We know as a pet parent you won't to settle for anything but the best for your pup… and neither will we
For an overweight dog, a dog on a therapeutic diet, or a dog with dental disease, food sensitivity, a history of obstruction or another relevant condition, ask your veterinarian whether either chew is appropriate. The same advice applies if you are unsure whether your dog can chew without swallowing large pieces.
Check the product and its lot
Read the package for ingredients, sourcing and processing information, and check the lot and date code against current recall notices. FDA’s 2025 notice concerned four specified Nature’s Own Bully Bites lots; it does not establish a category-wide risk for bully sticks. Likewise, pig-ear contamination events have involved particular products or historical investigations, not proof that every pig ear is unsafe. Product and recall information can change, so check the exact item rather than relying on the category name.
Rank #2
- QUALITY & TRANSPARENCY USDA CERTIFIED that starts with fresh from the farm grass-fed beef, delivered to our food-grade facility, cleaned with pure water (only), slow oven-baked to preserve nutrients and packaged in the same location. That’s it! Simple transparency that others can’t claim.
- ALL NATURAL, WE MEANT IT! Unlike others, we make our dog treats and we can guarantee you that absolutely nothing goes into our bully sticks other than the 100% all-natural beef. Our promise to you: Grain free, Hormone free, Chemical free. We care about your four-legged family member health and safety.
- DENTAL CARE: Like rope bones or thick cow ears, bully sticks help stimulate jaw muscles when chewing and help remove harmful plaque buildup for cleaner teeth and fresher breath.
- A COMPANY WHO CARES: Through outreach to non-profit organizations, shelter support, and donating a portion of our proceeds to help pets in need, we try to make a difference in the world around us and we thank you for making this possible.
- COMPLETE PET-FRIENDLY PACK: This bag comes with 12 total Odor-Free Bully Sticks that can be used for behavior training, positive rewards, or keeping dogs calm, focused and stimulated at home or while traveling for hours.
Safety and hygiene while your dog chews
Animal-derived chews can carry pathogens. FDA and CDC investigated 154 human Salmonella cases across multiple states in the 2019 pig-ear outbreak. The FDA page says that some treats were traced to Argentina, Brazil and Colombia. On October 30, 2019, the agencies changed their advice as new illness reports slowed and no longer recommended avoiding pig-ear treats entirely; they advised caution and good hygiene. This is a historical event, not a current estimate of risk for every product.
FDA has also described later, product-specific events: its September 24, 2025 warning letter reported that Salmonella enterica was detected in a particular Supercan Pig Ear Slivers lot, while the October 3, 2025 Nature’s Own Bully Bites notice covered specified lots. These examples show why checking lot-specific information matters, but they do not establish comparative or category-wide contamination rates. The available evidence does not provide a head-to-head contamination rate for pig ears and bully sticks.
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- 100% Natural: Sourced from grass-fed, free-range beef, our bully sticks for puppies and adult dogs don’t contain any added flavors or artificial preservatives! That makes them fully digestible, protein-rich, gluten-free & preservative-free!
- Perfect for Power Chewers: Our bully sticks 12 inch and 6" bully sticks for medium dogs, large dogs and small breeds are perfect for redirecting chewing from your couch, shoes and socks, to a long lasting, tasty protein rich treat!
- Keeps Your Dog Busy: This boredom busting treat will keep dogs busy during meetings, work or when you leave the house. Its also great at calming hyperactive dogs or nervous pets.
- Lower Odor Than Other Sticks: While our bully sticks are now lower odor they still may have a natural scent. Dogs experience so much of their environment from smell and will go nuts for these pizzle sticks for dogs!
- Family Owned and Operated in USA: At Mighty Paw we are dog people, like you. We are a family owned and operated company based in the USA! We know as a pet parent you won't to settle for anything but the best for your pup… and neither will we
For pig-ear treats, FDA’s October 30, 2019 advice is to monitor your pet, pick up the chew when the dog is done, keep treats away from small children, clean surfaces the chew contacted, wash your hands, and prevent your pet from licking people or household surfaces after contact. FDA also notes that pets can carry and shed Salmonella without appearing ill. These precautions are especially important around young children and people who are older or immunocompromised. Supervise and handle bully sticks carefully as well.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Made with 100% Real Bully: Canine Naturals Beef & Bully Sticks are made from carefully sourced grass-fed, free-range cattle, making them collagen rich and a healthy chew for your dog.
- Single Protein Source: With only one protein source and made with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, these chews are the healthy, safe and great tasting way to keep your dog occupied through chewing.
- Durable & Long Lasting: Beef & Bully Sticks are a healthy, durable chew best suited for heavy chewers and supports your dog's dental health by helping remove plaque and tartar through chewing.
- Odor-Free: Our Beef & Bully Sticks are odor-free, while maintaining great taste your dog will love.
- Size Options: Available in Medium and Large lengths, perfect for almost any dog!
Rank #4
- 100% Natural: Sourced from grass-fed, free-range beef, our bully sticks for puppies and adult dogs don’t contain any added flavors or artificial preservatives! That makes them fully digestible, protein-rich, gluten-free & preservative-free!
- Single Ingredient, No Fillers: Our bully sticks are made with only one natural ingredient: beef pizzle. That means they’re a healthier, boredom busting snack for your. Great for for dogs with chicken, lamb, pork, fish and grain allergies.
- Helps Keep Your Dog Busy and Mentally Stimulated: Chewing is a natural dog behavior and offers relief for nervouse or bored dogs. Our bully sticks for medium dogs, small dogs and large pets are great long lasting dog chews for aggressive chewers.
- Great for Teeth and Dental Health: Chewing helps scrape away tartar and plaque from your dogs teeth. Our bully stick 12" and 6" chews help promote dental health and support healthy breathe for your pup. Say goodbye to bad breath!
- Packed with Love in the USA: Mighty Paw is a small family owned and operated business in upstate New York. Its here where we test, inspected and hand package all of our bully sticks with love to give your dog the best treats and chews we can!
Sources and guidance
- FDA: Pig-ear pet treats and the 2019 Salmonella investigation
- WSAVA Nutrition Committee: Feeding treats to your dog (2024)
- Freeman, Janecko and Weese (2013): calorie content of bully sticks
- FDA warning letter: Supercan Pig Ear Slivers (September 24, 2025)
- FDA recall notice: specified Nature’s Own Bully Bites lots (October 3, 2025)
- Texas A&M veterinary guidance on choosing dog chews
- American Kennel Club guidance on edible chews
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
