Bully Sticks vs. Collagen Sticks: Which Should Your Store Carry?
October 6, 2026 · Pure Chews Supplies
Bully sticks and collagen sticks are two of the most requested natural chews in U.S. pet stores. Both are long-lasting beef chews, but they are made from different parts of the animal and they appeal to different shoppers. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right mix for your shelf, answer customer questions with confidence and build a better price ladder.
What they are made of
Bully sticks are made from a single ingredient: beef pizzle. It is cleaned, stretched and slow-dried until it becomes a firm, fibrous chew. Thickness depends on the cut, which is why bully sticks are sold in thin, standard, medium and thick sizes.
Collagen sticks are made from collagen-rich layers of beef hide that are cleaned, shaped and dried into a dense stick or braid. Premium "pure collagen" versions use only select collagen layers, with no colorants or additives.
How they compare
| Bully sticks | Collagen sticks | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient | Beef pizzle | Beef hide collagen |
| Texture | Firm and fibrous; softens gradually as the dog chews | Dense and hard at first; becomes chewy as it softens |
| Smell | Natural meaty smell that some shoppers notice | Usually a milder smell |
| Styles | Thin, standard, medium, thick | Standard, braided, braided white, pure collagen, rolls |
| Common lengths | 4", 6" and 12" | 4", 6" and 12" (pure collagen 6" and 12") |
| Price position | Often the premium option on the shelf | Often a lower entry price per stick |
Which shoppers buy which
Bully sticks are a "known name". Many shoppers come in asking for them, and they are a staple for owners of strong chewers, who reach for thick sticks, and for puppy owners, who prefer thin 4" or 6" sticks.
Collagen sticks attract shoppers looking for a rawhide alternative, households that prefer a milder-smelling chew, and value-minded customers who want a long-lasting chew at a lower price. Braided collagen also works well as a gift or impulse item.
Why it pays to stock both
- A clear price ladder. Collagen sticks give you an entry price point, and bully sticks and braids give you premium options in the same aisle.
- Every dog covered. Thin and short sizes for puppies and small breeds, thick and 12" sizes for large dogs.
- More reasons to come back. Customers who like one often try the other, which raises basket size and repeat visits.
- One supplier, one order. Mixing both in a single wholesale order keeps your inventory simple.
Merchandising tips
- Group chews by dog size, not only by product type, so shoppers find the right size quickly.
- Label each bin with the length and thickness, for example "6" Thin – small dogs".
- Keep a 6" starter option near the register as an easy add-on.
- Offer mixed bundles, such as one bully stick and one collagen stick, so customers can compare.
- Use braided chews as a premium or gift display during holidays.
Safety reminders for your customers
Whichever chew they choose, remind customers to supervise their dog, pick a chew larger than the dog's mouth, take away small end pieces that could be swallowed, and keep fresh water available. New chews should be introduced gradually.
How Pure Chews Supplies can help
We supply wholesale bully sticks in standard, medium, thick and thin cuts and collagen sticks in standard, braided and pure collagen styles, in bulk or retail-ready private-label packs. You can mix products and sizes in one order, and we can arrange samples before your first order. You may also want to look at our beef gullet, a lighter chew that sits between the two.
Want to stock bully sticks and collagen sticks?
Tell us the items, sizes and quantities you need and we will send wholesale pricing.