Collagen vs. Bully Sticks: Which Natural Chew Is Right for Your Dog?

Introduction: The Chew-Time Debate

If there’s one thing Canadian dog parents can agree on - it’s that dogs love to chew. But with so many natural dog chews on the market, how do you know which one is right for your pup?

Two of the most popular options are bully sticks and collagen chews - both long-lasting, high in protein, and sourced from beef. But beyond the beef label, they offer different health benefits, chewing textures, and price points.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between bully sticks and collagen chews, bust some common myths, and highlight top picks from trusted brands like RedBarn and Purely Paws. Whether you’ve got a power chewer, a senior dog with joint issues, or a picky treat snob - we’ll help you find your dog’s perfect match.

Let’s chew on it. 

What Are Bully Sticks?

Let’s start with the classic. Bully sticks are one of the most popular all-natural dog chews on the market - and for good reason. They’re made from a single ingredient: the dried, cleaned, and stretched beef pizzle. While that might raise a few eyebrows for us humans, dogs go absolutely wild for the smell, texture, and taste.

Unlike rawhide, which can be chemically treated and tough to digest, bully sticks are fully digestible and naturally high in protein. They’re air-dried or baked to preserve nutrients and tough enough to satisfy even the most determined chewers. They come in a range of shapes, sizes, and densities - making them a customizable option for every dog breed, age, and chewing style.

Key Benefits of Bully Sticks

• All-Natural and Single-Ingredient: Made with just beef - no artificial preservatives, fillers, or additives.
• Great for Dental Health: The natural gnawing action helps scrape away plaque and tartar, promoting fresher breath and healthier gums.
• High in Protein and Amino Acids: Supports muscle development, healthy skin, and overall vitality.
• Safe to Digest: Unlike rawhide, bully sticks break down safely in the stomach and pose less risk of intestinal blockage.
• Long-Lasting Chew: A great outlet for dogs with strong chewing instincts - especially puppies, bored dogs, or anxious chewers.
• Odour-Controlled Options Available: Some varieties are treated to reduce strong smells while still keeping the flavour dogs love.

Bully Sticks Available Online in Canada at Brindle Pet Supplies

At Brindle Pet Supplies, we carry a wide variety of bully sticks from top-quality Canadian and U.S. brands. Whether your dog prefers a straight stick, a twist, or a braided challenge, we’ve got something to suit every size and chewing style:

• RedBarn Bully Stick 12”: A best-selling option that’s long-lasting and odour-controlled. Ideal for medium to large dogs.
• Purely Paws Supreme Beef Bully Sticks 12”: Thick-cut, slow-roasted, and packed with bold flavour. Sourced from grass-fed Canadian beef.
• Braided Bully Stick: Braided for durability and added challenge. Great for aggressive chewers.
• Vital Essentials Bully Sticks: Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavour. Perfect for raw feeders or ingredient-conscious pet parents.
• Water Buffalo Bull Stick: A leaner alternative that’s hypoallergenic and lower in fat.
• RedBarn Bully Ring Small: A circular design that promotes longer chewing sessions and fun play.
• Bully Stick Jr. Bladder Twist: A two-in-one chew with added texture and digestible bladder wrapping - great for small to medium dogs.
• Bully Spring: A fun, spiral-shaped chew that adds interest and playfulness to snack time.
• Purely Paws 6” Bully Sticks: Perfectly sized for smaller dogs or light chewers.
• Open Range Supreme Bull Stick: Our thickest, toughest stick for dogs who need a serious challenge.

Want to stay stocked without the hassle? Our bully sticks are available on a subscription plan (autoship) - just set your frequency and enjoy exclusive savings with fast shipping across Canada.

What Are Collagen Sticks?

Collagen sticks are the rising stars of the natural chew world - and for good reason. While they may look similar to bully sticks at first glance, they come from a different part of the animal and offer unique health benefits that go beyond just chew-time entertainment.

Collagen chews are made from the inner layer of beef skin (called the corium) - a naturally rich source of Type I and Type III collagen, both of which support joint health, skin elasticity, and coat shine. Unlike rawhide (which comes from the outer layer of the hide and is often chemically treated), collagen chews are fully digestible, safer, and air-dried without harsh processing.

They’re a long-lasting chew that promotes healthy joints and skin from the inside out, making them a smart pick for dogs of all ages - especially growing puppies and senior dogs.

Key Benefits of Collagen Chews:

• Supports Joint and Mobility Health: Naturally high in collagen peptides that promote cartilage regeneration and joint flexibility.
• Improves Skin and Coat: A boost of collagen and amino acids helps keep your dog’s skin healthy and their coat glossy.
• Long-Lasting Chewing Satisfaction: Tough texture satisfies gnawing instincts while helping reduce boredom and anxiety.
• Great for Dental Health: The chewy consistency helps scrape away plaque and tartar with every bite.
• Digestible and Nutrient-Rich: Unlike rawhide, collagen chews break down more easily and provide functional health benefits.

Collagen Dog Chews Available Online in Canada at Brindle Pet Supplies

At Brindle Pet Supplies, we carry a variety of premium collagen chews in different sizes, shapes, and blends - including bully-wrapped combos for dogs who want it all:

• RedBarn Collagen Stick (Small – XL) – The perfect everyday chew with skin, joint, and dental support. Available in sizes for every dog.
• RedBarn Collagen Braid (Small and Large) – Braided texture provides added chew challenge and cleaning power.
• RedBarn Collagen Ring – A fun, round shape for dogs who love to toss and chew.
• RedBarn Bully-Wrapped Collagen Sticks (6” and 12”) – Best of both worlds: a collagen core wrapped in delicious bully stick for added flavour and value.
• RedBarn Collagen Spring – Spiraled fun that keeps your dog engaged longer.
• Purely Paws Collagen Sticks (6” and 12”) – Grass-fed Canadian beef, gently air-dried for a clean, natural chew.
• Dogginstix Braided Lamb Collagen – A novel protein option, great for sensitive tummies or allergy-prone dogs.

🥇 Pro Tip: Collagen chews are ideal for daily support - not just when your dog has joint issues. Think of them like a delicious supplement disguised as a treat.

Key Differences Between Bully Sticks and Collagen Sticks

When choosing the right chew, it helps to see a side-by-side comparison. Here’s how bully sticks and collagen sticks stack up across the features that matter most to pet parents:

Which Chew Is Best for Your Dog’s Needs?

Not all chews are created equal - and not all dogs chew the same way. Whether your pup is a senior snacker or a power chewer with jaws of steel, choosing the right option can make all the difference in both enjoyment and health benefits.

🐾 For Puppies or Gentle Chewers

Go with: Redbarn Bully Stick 12" or Purely Paws Beef Bully Sticks – 6"
Why it works: Bully sticks are easier to chew and packed with protein. Their soft, fibrous texture helps promote healthy teeth without overwhelming developing jaws or sensitive gums.

🐾 For Power Chewers

Go with: Redbarn Collagen Stick – X-Large or Redbarn Collagen Braid – Small
Why it works: These collagen-based chews are ultra-dense and built to last. Bonus: they naturally support mobility and joint health with every satisfying crunch.

🐾 For Joint Support and Seniors

Go with: Purely Paws Collagen Sticks – 12" or Redbarn Collagen Ring
Why it works: Collagen plays a key role in preserving cartilage and easing stiffness. Great for aging dogs who still love a good chew session.

🐾 For a Fun Twist

Go with: Redbarn Bully Ring – Small or Redbarn Collagen Spring
Why it works: These fun shapes are more than eye-catching - they provide a unique chewing challenge and keep pups entertained longer.

🐾 For the Pickiest Pup

Go with: Vital Essentials Bully Sticks or Bully Spring
Why it works: If your dog turns up their nose at most treats, these highly palatable options are usually a win - strong aroma, satisfying texture, and totally natural.

How to Safely Feed Bully and Collagen Sticks

Natural chews like bully sticks and collagen sticks are a great way to keep your dog busy, satisfied, and mentally stimulated. But like any treat, there are best practices to follow to keep your pup safe while they chew.

1. Always Supervise Chew Time: Even seasoned chewers can bite off more than they can handle. Supervision is key to preventing choking or gulping large pieces - especially as the chew gets smaller.
2. Choose the Right Size and Strength: Pick a chew that’s appropriately sized for your dog’s weight and chewing style. Power chewers may need braided or extra-thick varieties, while smaller dogs do better with thinner options. When in doubt, size up.
3. Limit Chew Sessions: Start with 15–30 minutes per chew session, especially if your dog is new to bully or collagen sticks. This helps prevent upset stomachs and gives you time to assess how they handle it.
4. Keep a Clean Chewing Environment: Offer chews in a designated area like a crate, mat, or towel. This not only keeps things tidy but helps establish a routine around chew time.
5. Watch for Wear and Tear: Discard any chew that becomes small enough to be swallowed or splinters. Dogs can be persistent, so knowing when to take it away is part of responsible chewing.
6. Hydration Is a Must: Chewing naturally increases thirst. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water during and after chew time.
7. Store Chews Properly: Keep unused chews in a cool, dry place - preferably sealed to maintain freshness. Some pet parents even refrigerate or freeze chews to extend shelf life and reduce odor.

Busting the Myths About Collagen and Bully Sticks

With so many opinions floating around online, it’s easy to get confused about what's fact and what’s fiction when it comes to natural dog chews. Let’s set the record straight and clear up some of the most common misconceptions:

“Bully sticks are just gross.”

While it’s true that bully sticks are made from beef pizzle, they’re actually a clean, single-ingredient chew that’s fully digestible and processed to remove odor and bacteria. Many dogs prefer them to other treats - and they’re far less processed than synthetic chews.

“Collagen sticks are the same as rawhide.”

False! Collagen chews are made from the corium layer of beef hide, not the outer hide used in traditional rawhide. They’re highly digestible, softer on the stomach, and packed with nutritional benefits like joint and skin support. No harsh chemicals or glues involved.

“Collagen chews don’t do anything for dental health.”

Wrong again. Because collagen sticks are dense and chewy, they can help scrape away plaque and tartar - just like bully sticks. Plus, the added anti-inflammatory benefits from collagen make them a smart choice for aging dogs.

“My dog can’t chew bully or collagen sticks because they’re too small.”

There’s a size (and shape) for everyone! From braids to XL sticks, there are options for tiny dogs, aggressive chewers, and everyone in between. The key is matching the chew to your dog’s strength and size.

“Natural chews aren’t safe.”

Natural doesn’t mean risky - when used responsibly, chews like bully and collagen sticks are some of the safest, healthiest ways to keep your dog entertained, support dental hygiene, and supplement nutrition.

Final Thoughts: Which Chew Is Right for Your Dog?

When it comes to choosing between bully sticks and collagen chews, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer - just the right fit for your individual dog. Long-lasting dog chews pair nicely with both a freeze-dried or kibble diet. 

If your pup is a power chewer who loves a good challenge and needs a protein-packed, fully digestible treat, bully sticks are a time-tested classic. They're ideal for dental health, long chew sessions, and dogs who thrive on single-ingredient snacks.

On the other hand, if your dog is a senior, has joint sensitivity, or you're looking to add functional health benefits to your treat routine, collagen chews offer a new-school twist on natural chewing. These are perfect for dogs that need skin, coat, or joint support without sacrificing chew time satisfaction.

Still not sure? Many pet parents find that rotating between both offers the best of both worlds - variety, enrichment, and a well-rounded approach to wellness.

Whatever you choose, Brindle Pet Supplies has you covered with the best bully sticks and collagen chews in Canada - from trusted brands like Purely Paws and RedBarn, and always delivered fast and fresh.