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How to Store Bully Sticks to Keep Them Fresh: A Guide for Dog Owners

Bully sticks are a popular chew option for dogs and for a good reason. They're packed with protein and nutrients, help keep your dog's teeth clean, and stimulate their brain. If you've selected a high-quality brand and the right size and width for your dog, bully sticks can be a healthy and enjoyable treat. But what do you do when your dog doesn't finish a bully stick or you need to take it away for a short period of time? How can you store bully sticks to keep them fresh for later use? In this post, we'll provide tips on how to store bully sticks to keep them fresh and safe for your furry friend.

How to store unused bully sticks? (un-chewed)

When it comes to unopened, un-chewed bully sticks, the key to keeping them fresh is to store them in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or jar. Bully sticks should be kept at room temperature or in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain their freshness for up to 2 years or more, depending on the quality of the bully sticks you've purchased. It's important to choose a high-quality brand when purchasing bully sticks to ensure they maintain their freshness for a longer period of time.

How to store used bully sticks? (chewed)

When a dog starts to chew on a bully stick, their saliva softens the chew, making it stringy and white-ish in color. If a bully stick is wet, it will also be a bit slimy. If your dog doesn't finish their bully stick or you need to take it away, be sure to let a wet bully stick dry out completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent bacteria growth and ensure the bully stick stays fresh for future use.

When storing a chewed bully stick, it's important to choose the right container. A plastic bag or jar works well once the wet bully stick is dry, but it's also important to label the container with the date you stored the bully stick to ensure it's not used past its freshness. A chewed bully stick can last for up to 2 months when stored properly, but it's always best to check it regularly for any signs of spoilage or bacteria growth.

What to do with a bully stick nub?

When your dog has chewed down a bully stick to a nub, you may be wondering what to do with it. Usually there is about 1-2 inches remaining when your dog finishes a bully stick, often times called a nub. If you are using the SafetyChew and your dog doesn't chew on the holder*, you can let your dog nibble at the nub for additional stimulation as long as it’s properly secured in the bully stick holder. For most dogs, especially power chewers, the best thing to do with the nub is to dispose of it. 

Storing bully sticks to keep them fresh is a simple process when you follow the steps outlined above. Whether you choose to store unopened or chewed bully sticks, be sure to choose a high-quality brand and store unchewed sticks in an airtight container or let chewed sticks dry out completely before storing. With these tips, your dog can continue to enjoy bully sticks for months to come.

 

*SafetyChew bully stick holder is not a chew tow. Letting your dog chew on the SafetyChew ring may result in damage. For super chewers, we recommend our super tough EverChew ring.