Reviewed by Natural Farm Pet Team · Updated April 2026
TL;DR: How many calories are in a bully stick?
A 6-inch bully stick has approximately 88 calories. A 12-inch stick has around 150 calories. Bully sticks are 100% natural, single ingredient, and 80-90% protein with minimal fat. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake, so reduce regular meal portions on days your dog gets a bully stick.
You want a number, so here it is: a standard 6" bully stick has about 88 calories. But the real question isn't how many calories a bully stick has. It's how those calories fit into your dog's day. Below: every size broken down, daily limits by dog weight, and how bully sticks compare to other treats calorie-for-calorie.
📖 Part of the Ultimate Bully Sticks Guide. See also: Are bully sticks safe for dogs? · When to take a bully stick away · Best bully sticks 2026
Key Takeaways
- A standard 6" bully stick has approximately 88 calories; a 12" stick about 150 calories
- 100% natural and single ingredient: calories come almost entirely from protein (80-97%), not fat or carbs
- Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake (WSAVA/AAHA guideline)
- On bully stick days, reduce kibble by the equivalent calories to keep intake balanced
- Cold-Dried™ Bully Sticks (~90-95 cal) deliver up to 97% protein and the lowest calories per minute of engagement
- For small breeds or calorie-restricted dogs, Bully Bites (30-45 cal) are the best portion-controlled option
📖 In This Guide:
Bully Stick Calories by Size
Calorie content varies by size, thickness, and density. Here's the breakdown for standard grass-fed bully sticks:
| Bully Stick Size | Approx. Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bully Bites (2-3") | 30-45 cal | Training, portion control |
| Pixie (6") | 50-65 cal | Puppies, seniors, small breeds |
| Thin (4-6") | 60-70 cal | Small breeds under 20 lbs |
| Standard (6") | ~88 cal | Most dogs |
| Standard (12") | ~150 cal | Medium to large dogs |
| Cold-Dried™ (6") | ~90-95 cal | Medium-strong chewers, max protein (97%) |
| Jumbo (12") | ~175 cal | Large breeds (50-90 lbs) |
| Braided (6") | ~200 cal | Extended chew time, all sizes |
| Power Chews (6") | ~200 cal | Power chewers, giant breeds |
🔑 Quick math: A 6" standard bully stick at ~88 calories is roughly 9-15 calories per inch, depending on thickness. Cold-Dried™ Bully Sticks are slightly higher per stick (~90-95 cal) because they're denser, but they deliver up to 97% crude protein vs ~93% standard. More protein per calorie, longer chew time per calorie. Which chews last the longest?
Where do those calories come from? Almost entirely protein. Bully sticks are 80-90% protein, 2-5% fat, and zero carbohydrates. No fillers, no starches, no preservatives. That's a cleaner label than most dental chews, pig ears, or commercial dog biscuits. Natural Farm's bully sticks are 100% natural, single-ingredient, odor-free, and made from grass-fed beef with no chemicals or additives. Our Cold-Dried™ bully sticks push the protein even further, reaching up to 97% crude protein through a proprietary low-temperature drying process that preserves nutrients while creating a denser, longer-lasting chew. The AAFCO requires all pet treats to list calorie content, so always check the packaging of whatever brand you buy. What are bully sticks made of?
The 10% Rule: How to Factor Bully Sticks Into Meals
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and the AAHA recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Here's what that looks like in practice:
| Dog Size | Daily Calories | 10% Treat Budget | Best Bully Stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10-20 lbs) | 300-500 cal | 30-50 cal | Bully Bites or Pixie |
| Medium (20-50 lbs) | 500-900 cal | 50-90 cal | 6" Standard or Cold-Dried™ |
| Large (50-90 lbs) | 900-1500 cal | 90-150 cal | 12" Standard or 12" Jumbo |
| Giant (90+ lbs) | 1500-2500 cal | 150-250 cal | Power Chews or 12" Braided |
The practical takeaway: on days your dog gets a bully stick, reduce their regular meal portion by the equivalent calories. A 6" standard stick (~88 cal) for a medium dog eating 800 cal/day is about 11% of their intake. That means you'd slightly reduce one meal to stay within the 10% guideline.
⚠️ For small breeds: A 6" standard bully stick at 88 calories can represent 20-30% of a small dog's daily caloric needs. Use Bully Bites (30-45 cal) or Pixie Bully Sticks (50-65 cal) instead, and limit to every 2-3 days.
Will bully sticks make your dog fat? No, if you do the math. Bully sticks are high in protein (80-90%) and low in fat (2-5%). They contain zero carbohydrates, starches, or sugars. The calories come almost entirely from protein, which supports lean muscle rather than fat storage. The only way bully sticks contribute to weight gain is if you give them on top of full meals without adjusting portions. Reduce kibble by the equivalent calories on chew days, and your dog's diet stays balanced. For dogs already on a weight management plan, Bully Bites at 30-45 cal are the ideal portion-controlled option. Are bully sticks high in fat?
Bully Sticks vs Other Treats: Calorie Comparison
Bully sticks look calorie-dense on paper. But when you factor in chew time and nutritional value, the cost-per-minute tells a different story:
| Treat | Calories | Est. Chew Time* | Cal/Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6" Bully Stick | ~88 | 30-60 min | 1.5-3 cal/min |
| 6" Cold-Dried™ | ~90-95 | 45-90 min | 1-2 cal/min |
| Dental Chew (Greenies) | ~70-140 | 5-15 min | 5-28 cal/min |
| Pig Ear | ~100-150 | 10-20 min | 5-15 cal/min |
| Rawhide (6") | ~85-100 | 30-60 min | 1.5-3 cal/min |
| Milk-Bone (1 large) | ~115 | 30-60 sec | 115+ cal/min |
🔑 The calorie efficiency winner: Cold-Dried™ Bully Sticks deliver the lowest calories per minute of any bully stick (1-2 cal/min) because they last 45-90 minutes at only ~90-95 calories. That's nearly the same calories as a standard stick but roughly double the chew time.
Bully sticks deliver some of the lowest calories per minute of engagement of any treat. A dog biscuit at 115 calories lasts under a minute. A 6" bully stick at 88 calories lasts 30-60 minutes. Per minute of chewing, dental cleaning, and mental stimulation, bully sticks are the most calorie-efficient treat you can give your dog.
And unlike rawhide (which has similar chew time), bully sticks are fully digestible and won't cause blockages. Natural Farm's bully sticks are also naturally odor-free, so you get all the engagement without the smell. Every stick is USDA inspected, third-party lab tested, and made from 100% grass-fed beef with no chemicals, no bleach, and no artificial processing. That means the calories your dog is consuming are clean protein from a source you can trust. Are bully sticks safe for dogs?
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Join Free →Sources and References
- PubMed Central: Assessment of the 10% Snack Recommendation in Pet Diets (WSAVA/AAHA guideline)
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA): Chew Safety Guidelines
- AAFCO: Calorie Content Requirements for Pet Treats
- FDA: Complete and Balanced Pet Food Standards
- AKC: How to Choose Edible Dog Chews That Are Also Safe
- FDA Firm Profile: Natural Farm (FEI 3015219441)
- The Spruce Pets: Best Bully Sticks (Natural Farm rated Best Overall)
- Pet Innovation Awards 2023: Rawhide Alternative of the Year
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a 6-inch bully stick?
Approximately 88 calories for a standard 6" bully stick. Thinner options like Pixie Bully Sticks are lower at 50-65 cal. Bully Bites are the lowest at 30-45 cal per piece.
How many calories are in a 12-inch bully stick?
Around 150 calories for a standard 12" bully stick. A 12" jumbo (extra thick) has approximately 175 calories due to the wider diameter.
How many calories are in a Cold-Dried™ Bully Stick?
Approximately 90-95 calories per 6" Cold-Dried™ stick. Slightly higher than standard because the low-temperature drying process creates a denser chew with up to 97% crude protein. But per minute of chewing (45-90 min), Cold-Dried™ delivers the lowest calories per minute of any bully stick.
How often can I give my dog a bully stick?
Most dogs can safely have one per day if you reduce their meal portions accordingly. For small breeds or dogs on restricted diets, every 2-3 days is better. The WSAVA recommends treats stay within 10% of daily caloric intake. How often to give bully sticks.
Are bully sticks high in fat?
No. Bully sticks are only 2-5% fat. The calories come almost entirely from protein (80-90%). Grass-fed bully sticks have even better fat profiles with higher Omega-3s and CLA. Are bully sticks high in fat?
What is the lowest-calorie bully stick option?
Bully Bites at 30-45 calories per piece are the lowest option. They're pre-cut 2-3" pieces, ideal for training rewards, puzzle toys, or dogs on calorie-restricted diets. Same grass-fed quality, just portion-controlled.
Should I reduce my dog's food on bully stick days?
Yes. Reduce one meal portion by approximately the number of calories in the bully stick. For a 6" stick (~88 cal), that's roughly 1/4 cup less kibble for most brands. This keeps your dog's total daily intake balanced.
Are bully sticks good for dogs on a diet?
Yes, with portion control. The high protein and low fat content makes them a better choice than most commercial treats. Use Bully Bites or Pixie sticks (lower calorie options) and limit to 2-3 times per week. The extended chew time provides mental satisfaction without the calorie load of quick-consumed treats.
Do bully stick calories vary between brands?
Yes. Calorie content varies based on thickness, density, and sourcing. Grass-fed bully sticks tend to be denser, which means slightly more calories per stick but significantly more protein per calorie. Always check the packaging. The AAFCO requires all pet treats to list calorie content. Store any unused sticks in a cool, dry place. Do bully sticks go bad?
Related Articles
Want the full picture?
Read our Complete bully sticks hub for safety, sizing, comparisons, and more. Or explore the All-natural dog chews guide.
About Natural Farm
Natural Farm produces premium, 100% natural, single ingredient dog chews and treats in their own human-grade, USDA- and FDA-approved facilities. Founded in 2018. Every product is grass-fed, naturally odor-free, and contains zero chemicals or preservatives.
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