Popular dog treats called bully or
pizzle sticks may contain more calories than expected and could be
contaminated by bacteria, according to a new study. These treats are made from the uncooked, dried penis of a bull or steer. According to Lisa Freeman of Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine 26 bully sticks were examined, made by different manufacturers,
and found that they contained between 9 and 22 calories per inch. This
means an average 6-inch bully stick has a total of 88 calories,
which is 30 percent of the daily calorie requirement for a 10-pound dog
and 9 percent of the daily calorie requirement for a 50-pound dog.
Currently calorie information isn’ required on pet treats or
most pet foods, these findings reinforce that veterinarians and pet
owners need to be aware of pet treats like these bully sticks as a
source of calories in a dog’s diet,” said Dr. Lisa
Freeman. “With obesity in pets on the rise, it is important for pet owners to
factor in not only their dog’s food, but also treats and table food,”
she added.
The researchers also found that about one-third of the treats were contaminated with bacteria. One stick had Clostridium difficile, one stick had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and seven had E. coli from the 26 bully sticks tested. All pet owners should wash their hands after touching such treats, as
they would with any raw meat or raw meat diets.
The study was published in the January issue of the Canadian Veterinary Journal.
MONDAY, Jan. 28 (HealthDay News)
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