Treat Clincher black and red. Pointer chewing on a bully stick.

Bully Stick Holder: What is it and how to choose a good one

Bully sticks are long-lasting treats that dogs love to chew. They are considered steak bones for dogs since these treats are made of beef, rich in protein, and highly digestible. Bully sticks are nutritious and great for cleaning their teeth. But they may also pose harm when your dog tries to swallow the last bit and chokes. This is where bully stick holders come in. This article will discuss a few things pet owners need to know about bully stick holders.

Choking on a bully stick is a serious hazard. Many dogs try to consume bully sticks aggressively. The last inch or two of a stick is often swallowed resulting in getting stuck in the esophagus. And if they ingest a large piece it may cause a gastrointestinal emergency.

That being said. The solution is not to take away the stick but to find a safe way to have your dog consume these long-lasting treats.

What is a Bully Stick Holder

A bully stick holder is a device that can be used to contain a bully stick or other hard treat while allowing your dog to enjoy his treat without choking hazards. There are several types of bully stick holders available on the market today. They vary in material, shape, size, and design. Pet owners can choose the one that is most appropriate for their dog.

Choosing a Bully Stick Holder for your Dog

When choosing a bully stick holder for your dog, it is essential to find one that is easy to use and safe for your pet. Here are the factors you need to consider in choosing a bully stick holder for your dog:

Basic minimum requirements for any bully stick holder:

  1. Hold a bully stick so firmly that it cannot be removed by the dog.
  2. Constructed of a material that cannot be destroyed by the dog.
  3. Designed to hold a stick off the ground and out of the dirt.

#1 Material

There are many different materials used in manufacturing bully stick holders, but the most common ones are plastic, rubber, and metal. Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages. For example, metal bully stick holders are durable and can withstand the test of time. They are also non-toxic, and easy to clean and maintain.

On the other hand, plastic bully stick holders are lightweight and inexpensive. If choosing plastic, be cautious of parts that can be broken or chewed off and ingested by the dog. Many plastic manufacturers will often refer to their material as nylon, which is another name for plastic. They also refer to some products as reinforced nylon which usually uses glass as the reinforcement.

Another common material used is rubber. Natural rubber is a terrific material for dog products. However, as bully stick holders they are not always good at securing different sizes of sticks. They do not offer a mechanism to clamp the stick firmly in place.

Regarding material: Metal yes. Plastic no. Rubber sometimes.

#2 Shape

The shape of bully stick holders is less important than the functionality. They currently come in all different shapes and sizes. Some will pinch the stick in the center. Others will have you push the stick into a rubber hole. One even has you drill a hole in the bully stick to attach it to a pin in the holder.

Regarding shape: Whatever works best.

#3 Size

Some bully stick holders come in multiple sizes leaving you to guess which is the right size for your dog. You may need to buy several if you have a growing puppy or multiple dogs. Some breeds eat faster, and pull harder than others. It’s best to always opt for a holder substantial in strength/size to withstand aggressive eating. Some bully stick holders are more universal and will accommodate different sizes of bully sticks.

Regarding size: One size for all dogs is best.

#4 Design

The design of the bully stick holder is also an important factor to consider. A well-designed bully stick holder should be easy to use. Look for a sturdy and durable design that will withstand wear and tear from your dog’s constant chewing. Most of the bully stick holders we tried didn’t pass the test when it came to holding the stick firmly. Dogs were able to remove the stick without much trouble. 

Also consider those designed to hold other treats, such as pig ears, bones, and yak cheese sticks so you can feed your pet a wide variety of snacks without having to buy multiple holders.

The dog should be able to consume most of the stick or other treat yet not be able to remove the final inch or small end piece.

Regarding design: Easy to use. Hold a variety of treats, not just bully sticks.

#5 Safety

A vital factor to consider when buying a bully stick holder is safety. Look for one made of durable materials and one that is designed to be chew-proof. Some bully stick holders promote safety by holding the stick firmly, yet they include plastic parts that could be broken into sharp pieces and ingested. 

The holder must prevent the dog from swallowing the dangerous end chunks of the treat. 

Another safety feature pet owners should look for is the device’s ability to hold the treats off the ground. This prevents your pet from ingesting dirt and other objects from your floor or the ground. And as a bonus, it keeps your carpet and floors free from your dog’s slobber. Let’s be real, bully sticks may be high value but they are also slobbery and stinky.

Regarding safety: Off the ground is the winner.

The BarkerFun Treat Clincher

Considering all the above mentioned factors, the BarkerFun Treat Clincher is certainly a good bully stick holder for your pet.

  1. Indestructible
  2. Tightly secures treats for your dogs safety
  3. Holds the treat off the ground
It is made of sustainable anodized aluminum and stainless steel, making it durable and sturdy. Yet easy to add to a backpack or purse for traveling. The Treat Clincher uses a stainless steel pointed bolt to secure the treats. It also keeps the treats off the ground because you can attach the Treat Clincher to a fence post, or on a table leg. Best of all, it is suitable for all dog sizes and breeds. Interested? Buy one here.
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