Stick Around: Why Do Bully Sticks Smell So Bad?

Bully sticks are a favored dog chew for pets, but if you’ve ever encountered one you know they don't smell great. In this article we’ll discuss the origins of that notorious smell, understand the ingredients, and discover various factors influencing it. By the end, you’ll know why bully sticks smell so bad, how to manage it and your odor free options.

Why Do Bully Sticks Smell So Bad and What Are They Made Of?

Bully sticks, also commonly referred to as pizzle sticks, are a beef treat derived from bull penis. This distinctive and nutritious product is protein dense and, when dried, serves as a long-lasting chew for dogs. However, the natural properties of the pizzle lend a specific odor to these chews.

The Natural Ingredients Behind the Smell

The main culprits behind the smell are the biological materials themselves— fats, proteins and connective tissues. These organic substances are particularly foul smelling if they aren’t processed cleanly or dried thoroughly.

Additionally, the natural scent of these ingredients is something that dogs find appealing. Dogs love the natural odor of bully sticks, which appeals to their keen sense of smell.

How Processing Affects Odor

The method through which these sticks are processed immensely affects their odor. Improper cleaning, contamination during manufacturing or incomplete drying, can intensify the smell. When not properly handled, bacteria can expand, further contributing to the foul scent. Not all bully sticks are created equal in terms of processing, which significantly impacts their odor.

The Science of Smelly Bully Sticks

Chemical compounds and bacterial action aren't subjects you are typically thinking of when you're buying treats for your best furry friend, but these are the main sources of a bully sticks distinctive odors.

Bacteria on organic materials decompose proteins and fats, creating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are often linked to robust smells. Chemicals such as sulfides, ammonia and amines are some of the main culprits. These compounds emerge as metabolic by-products of bacterial and other decomposing activities happening in a bully stick.

How Moisture and Air Exposure Influence Scent

Air exposure and moisture can aggravate the odor. Bully sticks that remain damp or are exposed to the air for long periods are more likely to hold onto the strong smell. This is due to the continued oxidation processes and action of bacteria. Humidity and temperature significantly influence the odor from bully sticks. Humid conditions support bacterial growth, while high temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of organic material, both contributing to stronger smells.

Differences in Smell Between Natural and Treated Sticks

Natural, untreated bully sticks tend to have a stronger smell compared to those that have undergone certain treatments to reduce odor. Nonetheless, these treatments can often introduce other chemicals that some owners may consider unpleasant. Using bully sticks odor- free can help minimize pet smells in the house.From chemical treatments to smoking, numerous methods are employed to mitigate the strong scent. 

How Different Processing Methods Affect Odor

Drying techniques, such as air drying and oven drying, also impact the final smell. More thorough drying typically results in less odor. Some manufacturers add other chemicals and artificial preservatives to reduce spoilage and odor. While these can be effective, they may also have elements that some dog owners may prefer to avoid.

Lab-testing for bacteria and pathogens in pet treats is crucial to ensure their safety for pets and people.

Impact of Manufacturing on Smell

Recent advancements involve better improved drying processes, cleaning techniques, and the use of neutralizing agents that reduce the inherent smell. Industry trends indicate a move toward more odor-free bully sticks through non-toxic and organic treatments that preserve the natural qualities without the intense smell.

The conditions and cleanliness of the manufacturing environment largely impact the final product. Better facilities and stricter regulations tend to produce less odorous bully sticks as do where the raw materials are sourced from and how they are processed. Regions with stricter regulations, like in the good ol' USA, usually produce higher-quality, less odorous sticks.

Innovations in technology are continually being made to reduce the smell without compromising the chew’s safety or integrity. Our range of odor-free products include these techniques and allow us to offer high quality, low odor bully sticks with minimal scent for maximum enjoyment for both you and your pooch.

Health Implications of Smelly Bully Sticks

Usually, the smell itself is not harmful to dogs since they are less sensitive to these odors than humans. However, a notably strong odor could indicate poor quality or spoilage, which might be harmful. Bacterial contamination could be a health hazard, especially for any pets with weakened immune systems.

The best way to prevent your dog from this type of issue is to ensure that you buy high quality, fresh bully sticks from a reliable source. Also, be on the look out for slimy textures, or any overly intense, rancid scents. Any of these could indicate that the bully stick is rotten and should not be given to your pet.

Practical Tips to Reduce Bully Stick Odor: 

• Washing and Drying: Washing bully sticks using gentle, non-toxic soap and hot water can assist in removing some of the odorous compounds and surface bacteria. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them away.

• Pre-Treatment: Rinsing or soaking bully sticks in an apple cider vinegar solution can also help reduce the natural odors.

• Use Odor-Absorbing Products: Activated charcoal, baking soda or other odor neutralizing agents can be used in the storage area to absorb unpleasant smells. Ensure these are situated near the stored bully sticks.

• Use proper storage: To reduce the odor of your bully sticks, use an air tight container to minimize the product's exposure to air. You can also consider vacuum sealing, refrigerating or freezing them as an alternative option. Also, don't forget to separate them from other pet snacks to prevent cross-contamination of smells.

Choosing The Best Low-Odor Natural Bully Stick Options

If you're after a low odor treat for your puppy or dog, check out these odor free bully stick or smoked bully stick options that will maximize your dogs enjoyment without assaulting your senses!

Need more information on how to pick the right bully stick for your dog? ...check out our Guide for Selecting a Bully Stick for your Dog or Puppy. or reach out to our customer service team if you have any question on bully sticks in general or specific products. 

In the meantime, you can shop our all-natural bully stick treats online and follow along with our team on social media!