When discussing dog food, we first think about the braided bully sticks. Every pet parent knows that these bully sticks have multiple health benefits for their furry friend. These are some of the best foods for a pet’s mental health, dental problems, and proper growth. Also, these sticks tend to last longer, keeping the pet engaged for hours.

However, many dog parents aren’t aware of how to add these bully sticks to their dog’s diet. This new addition should be done with utmost care and affection. This blog will guide you on introducing these sticks to your dog’s daily routine and diet. Without further ado, let’s understand how to do this for the best of your pet!

Benefits of Braided Bully Sticks

Before adding these bully sticks to your dog’s diet, it’s important to know their benefits.

1) Mental Health Promotion

These bully sticks have a longer chewing time. This helps the dogs stay engaged for a longer duration and prevents them from becoming bored. The sticks also help them calm their destructive or aggressive behavior.

2) Natural and Safe

The braided bully sticks are all-natural and completely free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and chemicals. Hence, they are the most recommended choice for every dog owner to offer to their dogs.

3) Rich in Protein

These sticks are rich in protein and other nutrients that are essential for a dog’s health. These sticks are known for promoting the dog’s overall health. Also, they are great for maintaining a dog’s muscle mass.

4) Dental Health

These bully sticks are a great option for promoting a dog’s dental health. Chewing on them reduces the plaque and tartar build-up while keeping your dog entertained and engaged.

How to Effectively Introduce Braided Bully Sticks to Your Dog’s Routine?

After knowing the benefits of the bully sticks, it’s time for you to understand how you can introduce these to your dog’s diet.

1) Analyse the Dog’s Chewing Habits

If you are planning to incorporate these bully sticks into your dog’s diet, you must wait a little and analyze his chewing habits. Every dog has a different chewing habit. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, starting with braided bully sticks would be a great choice. However, if he is a calm chewer and loves to swallow the food instead of chewing, you should first offer him normal bully sticks.

Also, if you have a large dog you can easily feed him these bully sticks as they won’t have any problem chewing them. But, for smaller dogs, normal bully sticks would be better. You can also break the sticks into smaller pieces so that they are easier to chew.

2) Choosing the Right Size of Bully Sticks

These bully sticks come in varied sizes, ranging from small to large. Also, they come in different thicknesses, from thin to thick. Hence, it’s important to choose the right size bully sticks for your dog. Depending on the dog’s size, a large bully stick might be difficult for him to manage while a smaller stick might be consumed easily.

So, how do you choose the right-sized bully stick for your dog? The best way to choose the bully sticks is to consider the dog’s size. If you have a small dog, go for small and thin sticks. However, if you have a big dog, longer and thicker, these bully sticks will be the best for him.

3) Supervise the Process

After the initial introduction of feeding these bully sticks to your dog, you should always keep an eye on the process. Monitor the chewing process of your dog. No matter how safe these bully sticks are, you should always watch your dog. You should check if eating bully sticks is easy and safe for him and if they don’t get choked in his throat.

Always try feeding the braided bully sticks to your dog when he’s calm and composed. Also, watch them chew the sticks for some initial days. Offering him a bully stick when he’s calm will enhance his overall chewing experience and he will enjoy eating it regularly.

4) Initiate Short Sessions

You need to be patient with your dog, as it might take time to get used to braided bully sticks. When offering these bully sticks to your pet for the first time, ensure that you begin with short sessions. For instance, you can feed him with the bully stick for 10 to 15 minutes. Eventually, you can increase the duration of the chewing session.

Also, you don’t need to offer the sticks daily, you can introduce them in their diet once or twice a week. It will help him to adjust to the chew. It is possible that your pet doesn’t get used to this new chew or doesn’t like to feed on it. In this case, you should stop offering him the sticks immediately and visit the vet.

5) Store the Sticks Properly

To keep the bully sticks fresh, and hygienic for a long duration, it is essential to store them in a clean and dry place. Also, don’t keep the sticks in extreme conditions, like in direct sunlight or humid temperatures. Keep them in a cool place. If possible, store the sticks in a dry and airtight container. All this will prevent the bully sticks from being destroyed or spoiled.

If you are buying the sticks in a large quantity, it is recommended to store them in the freezer until you offer them to your dog. It will help to preserve their freshness and nutrients. Regularly check the condition of the sticks to ensure they remain in good quality.

6) Keep Your Pet Hydrated

Chewing on these bully sticks might be a dehydrating activity for your furry friend as it involves a lot of chewing. Hence, ensure that your dog has a good quantity of water and liquid intake to remain hydrated. Also, keep enough water with the dog when he’s feeding on the sticks. Always monitor your dog’s chewing habits to prevent any choking hazards.

If your dog becomes excessively thirsty after chewing bully sticks, provide plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Additionally, it’s a good idea to observe his overall eating and drinking habits to ensure he’s maintaining a healthy balance.

Conclusion

Introducing braided bully sticks into your pet’s routine can offer them a delightful and worthwhile treat. To ensure a smooth transition and keep your dog safe and satisfied, follow the tips we have shared. Start slowly, observe your dog’s reactions, and be patient as they get used to this new and rewarding chew. With the right approach, make the chewing sessions fun for your dog!