Looking for variety in your dog's chew routine? While bully sticks remain a top choice for many pet parents, exploring alternatives can help you find the perfect match for your dog's chewing style, dietary needs, and your budget. Whether you have an aggressive chewer who powers through bully sticks in minutes or a senior dog needing gentler options, this guide covers 12 excellent alternatives organized by durability.
Jump to the chew durability that matches your dog:
Maximum Durability Chews
1. Hair-On Hide Rolls Aggressive ChewersJoint Support
Hair-on hide rolls offer a truly natural chewing experience with extreme durability. Sourced from grass-fed, free-range cattle and hand-prepared with the hair left on, these rolls are slowly air-dried to preserve nutrients. Unlike conventional rawhide, they're never bleached, glued, or chemically processed.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptionally long-lasting for the toughest chewers
- Single-ingredient, completely natural chew
- Hair acts like natural dental floss during chewing
- Hair provides digestible fiber for gut health
- High in protein and collagen for joint support
- No chemicals, bleach, or glue
- Available in 6", 9", and 12" sizes
Best For: Dogs whose owners want the most natural, minimally-processed chew available. Perfect for power chewers who need serious entertainment that lasts.
2. Beef Cheek Rolls Aggressive ChewersBudget-Friendly
Beef cheek rolls are rapidly becoming a favorite among aggressive chewers. Made from beef cheek muscle, they're naturally dense and incredibly durable while remaining fully digestible.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptionally long-lasting for power chewers
- High protein, single-ingredient chew
- Won't splinter like bones
- Available in multiple sizes (3-12")
- More affordable than bully sticks
- Fully digestible unlike rawhide
Texture Tip: Beef cheek rolls provide a satisfying, chewy texture that keeps aggressive chewers engaged for extended periods. The natural density makes them ideal for dogs who demolish most chews in minutes.
3. Collagen Sticks Aggressive ChewersJoint Support
Made from the corium (inner layer of beef hide), collagen sticks offer impressive durability without the concerns associated with traditional rawhide. These nutrient-dense chews provide sustained chewing satisfaction for dogs who tear through softer options.
Key Benefits:
- Single-ingredient, grain-free formula
- Rich in collagen for healthy skin and coat
- Natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Highly digestible (unlike rawhide)
- Available in multiple sizes for all breeds
- Long-lasting entertainment for aggressive chewers
Best For: Dogs who finish bully sticks quickly and need more chew time per treat.
Moderate Durability Chews
4. Beef Trachea Senior FriendlyJoint Support
Trachea stands out as one of the best dog chews available. The cartilage-rich composition delivers substantial amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin while maintaining a texture that's satisfying but not exhausting for any jaw strength.
Key Benefits:
- Loaded with natural glucosamine and chondroitin
- Crunchy yet manageable texture
- Low fat, high protein nutrition
- Won't splinter or create choking hazards
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Available in 6" and 12" sizes
Best For: Dogs with arthritis or joint stiffness, seniors who still enjoy chewing, moderate chewers of any age.
5. Pig Snouts Joint SupportBudget-Friendly
Pig snouts offer a unique crunchy texture that many dogs find irresistible. Made primarily from cartilage, they provide satisfying chewing while delivering joint-supporting nutrients.
Key Benefits:
- Cartilage-rich for natural joint support
- Crunchy, satisfying texture
- Single-ingredient chew
- Moderate chew time for most dogs
- Budget-friendly option
- Perfect for dogs who enjoy variety
Best For: Moderate chewers who enjoy crunchy textures and need joint support.
6. Beef Snouts Joint Support
Similar to pig snouts but made from beef, beef snouts provide an excellent alternative for dogs who may be sensitive to pork or whose owners prefer beef-based treats.
Key Benefits:
- High in natural cartilage for joint health
- Crunchy texture dogs love
- Single-ingredient, natural chew
- Suitable for moderate chewers
- Affordable alternative to bully sticks
Texture Note: Both pig and beef snouts offer a satisfying crunch that helps clean teeth while keeping your dog entertained. The cartilage content makes them a smart choice for maintaining healthy joints.
Light Durability Chews
7. Chicken Necks Joint SupportBudget-Friendly
Chicken necks are a crunchy yet consumable chew that provides excellent natural glucosamine and chondroitin. The bones are soft enough to safely consume when chewed properly, making them a popular choice among raw feeders and those seeking natural joint support at a gentle durability level.
Key Benefits:
- Extremely high in natural glucosamine for joint health
- Crunchy texture that's still consumable
- Digestible soft bones when chewed properly
- Very affordable and economical
- Single-ingredient, natural chew
- Helps clean teeth naturally
Important Safety Note: Always supervise dogs with chicken necks. The bones are meant to be chewed and consumed, not swallowed whole. Best for dogs who chew thoroughly rather than gulp. Not recommended for very small dogs or aggressive gulpers.
Best For: Light to moderate chewers who need joint support, dogs who enjoy crunchy textures but don't need maximum durability, owners seeking budget-friendly options with high nutritional value.
8. Gullet Strips Senior FriendlyPuppy SafeJoint Support
Beef gullet strips provide a chewy texture rich in glucosamine and chondroitin - making them ideal for dogs with joint concerns. The gentle texture is perfect for aging teeth and puppies learning to chew, while still providing satisfying chewing.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptionally high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin
- Single-ingredient, grain-free option
- Gentle texture for sensitive mouths and young teeth
- Highly digestible for all ages
- Available in flat strips or braided sticks
- Natural collagen source
Texture Options:
- Flat gullet strips: Softer, easier for seniors with dental issues and puppies
- Braided gullet sticks: Slightly more challenging, still gentle enough for most
Best For: Senior dogs needing joint support, puppies learning to chew, or any dog wanting joint benefits in a gentle chew.
9. Cow Tails Senior Friendly
Cow tails offer a combination of crunchy and chewy textures that's gentle enough for seniors and light chewers. Available in multiple sizes (5-6", 10-12"), most dogs can finish one in a single session.
Key Benefits:
- Single ingredient (beef)
- Highly digestible formula
- Multiple size options for different breeds
- Helps maintain dental health
- Gentle enough for seniors and light chewers
- Completable in one session
Best For: Dogs who get frustrated leaving chews unfinished, seniors who want gentle chew time, light chewers.
10. Pig Ears Budget-Friendly
Pig ears are one of the most economical and palatable chew options available. Made primarily from cartilage, they're naturally soft and ideal for light chewers.
Key Benefits:
- Extremely palatable for picky eaters
- Affordable option for budget-conscious owners
- Single-ingredient, natural chew
- Gentle texture for light chewers
- High in protein
Important Note: Pig ears are higher in fat content compared to other options. Feed in moderation and consider them as occasional treats rather than daily chews, especially for dogs who need to watch their weight.
11. Cow Ears Senior FriendlyPuppy SafeBudget-Friendly
Cow ears excel for senior dogs, puppies, and gentle chewers due to their low fat content and manageable texture. They provide satisfying chew time without overtaxing aging jaw muscles, sensitive teeth, or young puppy teeth.
Key Benefits:
- Naturally low calorie for less-active seniors and growing puppies
- Easy on sensitive stomachs and teeth
- Soft enough for dogs with dental issues and puppies
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives
- Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Affordable for regular use
Best For: Senior dogs with dental sensitivity, puppies learning to chew, small breeds, budget-conscious owners seeking daily chews.
12. Tripe Twists Senior FriendlyBudget-Friendly
Beef tripe provides an economical option with an irresistible aroma. The crunchy texture effectively cleans teeth while remaining gentle enough for senior mouths. Available in 5" and 10" sizes.
Key Benefits:
- Naturally appealing smell attracts even picky seniors
- Easy to chew without excessive jaw effort
- More affordable than many alternatives
- Free from chemicals and additives
- Light, digestible texture
Best For: Picky eaters, senior dogs, owners on a budget.
3 Alternatives We Don't Recommend
While many natural chews make excellent bully stick alternatives, not all popular options are safe or advisable. Here are three common alternatives we don't recommend and why:
⚠️ Important Safety Information
The following products are commonly marketed as dog chews but pose significant safety risks. We prioritize your dog's safety and only recommend products that are digestible, safe, and beneficial for your pet.
1. Cooked Bones High Risk
Cooked bones are extremely dangerous and should never be given to dogs under any circumstances. The cooking process fundamentally changes the bone structure, making them brittle and prone to splintering.
Why Cooked Bones Are Dangerous:
- Splintering Risk: Cooked bones splinter into sharp fragments that can puncture the digestive tract
- Tooth Fractures: Hard cooked bones frequently cause broken teeth requiring expensive dental surgery
- Choking Hazard: Pieces can lodge in the throat or airway
- Intestinal Blockage: Bone fragments can cause life-threatening blockages requiring emergency surgery
- Mouth Injuries: Sharp splinters can cut gums and the inside of the mouth
What About Raw Bones? Raw recreational bones (not weight-bearing bones) can be okay for some dogs under close supervision. Raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter than cooked bones. However, they still carry risks including tooth fractures from chewing too hard, bacterial contamination, and choking. If you choose to give raw bones, consult your veterinarian first, never leave your dog unsupervised, and choose appropriately-sized bones.
Safer Alternative: Choose beef cheek rolls or hair-on hide rolls instead. They provide long-lasting chewing satisfaction without the risk of splintering or breaking teeth.
2. Yak Chews (Himalayan Chews) Too Hard
While made from natural ingredients, yak chews are extremely hard and can cause dental damage.
Why We Don't Recommend Yak Chews:
- Tooth Fractures: The rock-hard texture frequently leads to cracked or broken teeth
- Excessive Jaw Strain: The extreme hardness can strain jaw muscles and joints
- Choking Risk: When small pieces break off, they can become choking hazards
- Digestive Concerns: The dense composition may be difficult for some dogs to digest properly
- Lactose Content: May cause digestive upset in lactose-sensitive dogs
Safer Alternative: Try collagen sticks or beef cheek rolls for similar long-lasting satisfaction without the dental risks. These alternatives are tough enough for aggressive chewers but won't damage teeth.
3. Antlers (Deer, Elk, Moose) Extremely Hard
Antlers are marketed as natural, long-lasting chews, but veterinarians frequently see the dental damage they cause.
Why We Don't Recommend Antlers:
- Highest Tooth Fracture Risk: Antlers are harder than teeth, making fractures almost inevitable for aggressive chewers
- No Give or Flexibility: Unlike natural chews that soften slightly with saliva, antlers remain rock-hard
- Sharp Edges: As they wear down, antlers can develop sharp points that cut gums
- Not Digestible: Swallowed pieces cannot be digested and may cause blockages
- Expensive Dental Repairs: The cost of fixing fractured teeth far exceeds any savings from long-lasting chews
Safer Alternative: Hair-on hide rolls or collagen sticks provide the long-lasting durability aggressive chewers need without risking thousands of dollars in dental bills.
The Bottom Line on Safety
As a rule of thumb, if a chew is harder than your dog's teeth, it's too hard. You should be able to make an indent in any chew with your thumbnail. If you can't, it poses a tooth fracture risk. Stick with digestible, softer alternatives that satisfy chewing needs while protecting your dog's dental health.
Finding Your Dog's Perfect Match
With alternatives organized by durability and clearly marked for different needs, finding the perfect bully stick alternative has never been easier. Start with your dog's chewing power (maximum, moderate, or light), then look for products that match their specific needs - whether that's joint support, senior-friendly texture, puppy safety, or budget considerations.
Remember that natural, single-ingredient chews without artificial additives provide the safest and most nutritious options. Equally important: avoid dangerous alternatives like cooked bones, yak chews, and antlers that can damage teeth or cause injuries. Whether you choose hair-on hide rolls for your power chewer, gullet strips for your senior or puppy, or cow ears for your budget, you're giving your dog the gift of safe, satisfying, healthy chewing.
Don't forget to rotate between several favorites to keep chew time exciting and provide diverse nutritional benefits. Your dog will thank you for the variety, and you'll enjoy watching them safely enjoy their new favorite chews!
