Reviewed by Marcus Maximo, Natural Farm Pet Expert · Updated April 2026
What Size Bully Stick for My Dog? Quick Answer
- Under 10kg (Cavoodles, Pugs, Maltese): Standard 6" bully stick. Starts firm and softens as they chew: the right resistance for smaller jaws.
- 10-25kg (Labs, Kelpies, Beagles, Spoodles): Extra Thick 6" or Large 12". Extra Thick if they finish standard too fast; 12" if they need length over density.
- 25kg+ (Staffies, GSDs, Bull Arabs, Mastiffs): Power Bully Sticks or Braided Bladder. Dual-layer or braided construction for dogs that destroy everything else.
- When in doubt, size up. As a general rule, a chew slightly too large is safer than one that is too small and becomes a choking risk before the session ends. Always supervise, especially when trying a new format.
Recommended for dogs 6 months and older. Always supervise your dog with any chew.
If you're wondering what size bully stick for my dog is right, pick the wrong size and your dog either finishes it in five minutes, making it a choking risk, or ignores it because there is no satisfying resistance. Getting the size right is the single biggest factor in whether a bully stick delivers a proper enrichment session or ends up wasted.
This guide maps Natural Farm's full bully stick range to dog weight, breed type, and chewing style so you can go straight to the right SKU for your dog.
According to RSPCA Australia, providing size-appropriate chews is one of the most effective ways to channel your dog's natural chewing instinct safely. The wrong size turns enrichment into a choking hazard; the right size builds positive habits and supports dental health.
This guide covers sizing specifically. For the full AU buying guide including production, smell, and storage, see Bully Sticks Australia: The Ultimate Odour-Free Guide.
Part of our Australian dog chew series: Bully Sticks Australia Guide · Best Bully Sticks for Strong Chewers · How Often to Give a Bully Stick · Safe Chews for Puppies
In This Guide:
Size by Dog Weight
Weight is the starting point. Use this table to find the right format, then refine based on chewing style below.
| Dog Weight | Typical Breeds | Recommended Format | If They Finish Too Fast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5kg | Maltese, Chihuahua, toy breeds | Standard 6" | Supervise more closely; this is the right size |
| 5-10kg | Cavoodle, Pug, Frenchie, Shih Tzu | Standard 6" | Extra Thick 6" |
| 10-20kg | Beagle, Spoodle, Whippet, Cocker Spaniel | Extra Thick 6" or Large 12" | Power Bully Sticks |
| 20-35kg | Labrador, Kelpie, Staffy, Border Collie, GSD | Large 12" or Power Bully Sticks | Power or Braided Bladder |
| 35kg+ | Mastiff, Bull Arab, Rottweiler, large working breeds | Power or Braided Bladder | Braided Bladder + rotation with other chews |
When in doubt, size up. As a general rule, a bully stick slightly too large means your dog works harder and the session lasts longer. A stick that is too small can become a choking risk before the session naturally ends. Vet Voice Australia flags choking and obstruction as one of the main safety concerns with chew treats, making size matching the first safety decision, not an afterthought.
Size by Chewing Style
Weight is a guide, but chewing style refines the choice. Two dogs of the same weight can need completely different formats depending on how they chew.
6" vs 12": Which Length Is Right?
Length and diameter are different variables. A dog who finishes a 6" stick quickly may need more diameter (Extra Thick), more length (12"), or a denser construction (Power or Braided). These are different problems with different solutions.
Important: the 12" is standard thickness. If your dog is a genuine power chewer, the extra length will not give you enough resistance: they will work through it at the same speed as a 6". For power chewers, density matters more than length. Go Power or Braided instead.
When to Try Braided Bladder Bully Sticks
The Braided Bladder Bully Stick is a different product from a standard bully stick. Instead of a single strand of beef pizzle, three bladder strands are interlocked and braided together. This creates a denser, more complex shape that takes longer to work through because dogs have to chew at different angles to get through the braided structure.
It is particularly effective for dogs who have become desensitised to the same single-strand format every day. The different texture and structure re-engages them. Bladder is also a softer chew overall than pizzle, so despite the braided density, it may suit some dogs who find standard bully sticks too firm.
Good match for Braided Bladder
- Strong to extreme chewers who want variety
- Dogs who have lost interest in single-strand sticks
- Medium to large breeds over 15kg
- Dogs who enjoy working out a complex shape
Not the right fit
- Puppies under 12 months
- Small breeds under 10kg
- Dogs new to natural chews (start with Standard)
- Senior dogs with dental issues
Quick Pick: Best Format by Situation
Use this to go straight to the right product without reading the full guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bully stick should I get for my dog?
Match the format to your dog's weight and chewing style. Dogs under 10kg: Standard 6". Dogs 10-20kg: Extra Thick 6" or Large 12". Dogs 20-35kg: Large 12" or Power. Dogs over 35kg and extreme chewers: Power or Braided Bladder. When in doubt, size up: a chew slightly too large is safer than one too small that becomes a choking risk before the session ends.
Is a 6" or 12" bully stick better for my dog?
It depends on what the problem is. If your dog finishes a 6" stick too fast because of jaw strength, the upgrade is Extra Thick 6" (more diameter) or Power (denser construction), not the 12". The 12" is the right choice when the issue is length: your dog needs more time working through a stick but does not have extreme jaw strength. The 12" has the lowest fat percentage at 1%, which may be a consideration for dogs on a calorie-managed diet, though total calories consumed still matter regardless of fat content.
What is the difference between a regular and extra thick bully stick?
Same ingredient, same production process, different diameter. Natural Farm Extra Thick bully sticks are hand-sorted to be up to 50% wider in cross-section than standard. The wider diameter means your dog has to work harder for longer before chewing through the full length. Same 6" length, same grass-fed beef pizzle, same 72-hour slow roast. The only difference is how thick the stick is.
What are braided bladder bully sticks?
Braided Bladder Bully Sticks are made from three beef bladder strands interlocked and braided together rather than a single strand of pizzle. The braided construction creates a denser, more complex shape that takes longer to work through because dogs need to chew at different angles. Bladder has a slightly softer texture than pizzle. They are particularly useful for strong chewers who have become bored of single-strand bully sticks and need more of a challenge or a different texture.
What size bully stick for a Staffy?
Power Bully Sticks for most Staffies. Staffies have a powerful jaw relative to their size and typically work through a standard or extra thick bully stick too quickly to make it worthwhile. The dual-layer construction of Power Bully Sticks: a dense beef cheek core wrapped in a pizzle sheath, requiring sustained work through two protein densities. Most Staffies take 60-90 minutes. If your Staffy is getting through a Power stick in under 30 minutes, try Braided Bladder alongside for rotation.
What size bully stick for a Labrador or Golden Retriever?
Extra Thick 6" or Large 12" for most Labs and Goldens. Both breeds are enthusiastic chewers who tend to finish a standard 6" stick in under 20 minutes. Extra Thick adds diameter for more resistance per bite. Large 12" adds length for more total chew time. If your Lab is on the heavier side (over 30kg) or particularly driven, Power Bully Sticks may be worth trying. Goldens generally do well on Extra Thick or 12".
Can puppies have bully sticks and what size?
Yes, from 6 months and older with supervision. Standard 6" is the recommended starting point for puppies, as it softens progressively with chewing, which tends to be gentler on developing teeth. Thicker, longer, or denser formats are generally not recommended before 12 months, though the right timing depends on your individual dog's size, jaw development, and how they handle chewing. Always start with short 5-minute sessions and build up based on how your puppy responds. For the full puppy guide, see Safe Natural Chews for Puppies Australia.
How do I know if I picked the wrong size?
Two signals: speed and engagement. If your dog finishes the chew in under 15-20 minutes, the format is too small for their jaw strength: size up. If your dog chews briefly then loses interest and abandons the stick, the format may be too challenging or too large. Try the next size down, or start with Standard if they are new to bully sticks. The right size produces a 30-60+ minute engaged session with the dog working steadily through the stick.
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About Natural Farm
Single-ingredient dog chews and treats, grass-fed, produced in human-grade facilities under international quality standards, lab tested, and shipped to Australian dog owners with free delivery on orders over $75 AUD. Aligned with PFIAA standards for the Australian market.