Bully stick holder comparison

Bully Stick Holders: Designs Compared

Bully stick holders grab a chew by squeezing its outside surface. In contrast, EverChew positively secures the chew with a locking pin that passes through a pre-drilled bully stick. This page compares the mechanisms and tradeoffs.

Cross-section of the SafetyChew+ locking pin securing a bully stick.
A cross-section cut of the SafetyChew+ holder showing how the pin locks in a bully stick.  (Real photo by Kirby.)
  • Locking pin holds to 160+ lb force
    Unyielding pin will not let the chew free
    Works even with slobber-slippery chews
  • Lock in the chew with just your fingers
    Stop wondering: is it tight enough?
    Super strong hands not required
  • Perfectly fitting refill dog chews
    EverChew bully sticks ready to load
    Or drill your own sticks with a common drill bit
How the designs differ

Two designs use surface pressure. Only EverChew locks through it.

Twist-screw friction bully stick holder holding a stick.
Screw / Twist Pressure

Twist-screw holders

A plastic or metal screw applies pressure to the side of the bully stick. One product states, "Twist until snug and recheck during supervised chewing". No rechecking with a SafetyChew.

Friction-finger bully stick holder gripping a stick.
Friction / Grippers

Friction-style holders

Rubber or flexible gripper fingers squeeze around the chew. These are the most difficult to install since the chew must be twisted in.

Scroll horizontally to compare all brands. Keyboard users can focus the table region and use the arrow keys.

Major bully stick holder designs compared
Comparison factorEverChew (SafetyChew, SafetyChew+, SuperChew)Bow Wow BuddyBully GripWoof BullySafeChewiseMulti-brand holder (looks like carrot, stick, etc.)Spot
What physically holds the chew?Friction: Twist-screw pushes against the chew² Friction: Flexible material grips the exterior² Friction: Twist-screw pushes against the chew² Friction: Metal tipped screw pushes chew into metal teeth² Friction: Twist-screw pushes against the chew³ Friction: Twist-screw pushes against the chew² 
How is the chew secured?Hand tightened² Hand tightened² Hand tightened² Hand tightened² Hand tightened³ Hand tightened² 
How much of the chew is trapped within holder?How deep is the holding cavity?~2 inches² ~3/4 inch (small size)² ~1 7/16 inches² ~2 inches² ~1.5 inches (estimated)³ ~2 inches² 
Best suited for:⁵ Owners prioritizing the use of antlers and yak chewsOwners prioritizing holder costOwners prioritizing holder costOwners prioritizing holder costOwners prioritizing holder costOwners prioritizing the use of antlers and yak chews
Does brand sell refill sticks?Yes: multiple stick thicknesses and lengths⁶No⁶Yes: multiple sizes, sold only as an assortment⁶No⁶No³Yes, under a different corporate brand⁶
Sizes for different dogs & chew levels?Yes: 4 sizes based on dog weight⁶Yes: 3 sizes based on chew diameter⁶No: 1 size fits most⁶Yes: 3 sizes based on dog weight⁶No: 1 size fits most³Yes: 3 sizes based on dog size⁶
Holder made in USA?Yes: about page states "Made in USA"⁶Partially: product page states "assembled, and packaged right here in the USA (using globally sourced materials)"⁶No: Faire wholesale listing states "Made in: China"⁶No: Faire wholesale listing states "Made in: China"⁶No: China³No: back of product package states "Made in: China"²
Primary tradeoff⁵ Holder requires strong fingers to grasp twist knob. Potential stick slip risk, especially when wetted by slobber.Difficult to twist stick into holder.   Potential stick slip risk, especially when wetted by slobber. One size holder--some larger sticks don't fit.   Potential stick slip risk, especially when wetted by slobber. Although recessed, sharp metal components.   Potential stick slip risk, especially when wetted by slobber. Large, clunky holder requires muscles to tighten well.   Potential stick slip risk, especially when wetted by slobber. Red plastic push rod bent slightly as we tightened the holder.   Potential stick slip risk, especially when wetted by slobber. 
Does any stick fit?⁵ Yes: if you have the matching size holderYes: if you have the matching size holderNo: Larger sticks may not fitYes: if you have the matching size holderYesYes: if you have the matching size holder
Table data updated November 2026
Sources

1--EverChew self-generated data,
2--Measure/observed in physical sample (owned or in-store),
3--Estimated/observed from amazon listing and images,
4--Since EverChew's holders are undefeatable, we find dogs can nibble on the stub for a long time, 
5--EverChew's honest interpretation,
6--Found on company's website (or company's listing on Faire wholesale website).

Which should I choose?

Choose based on the tradeoff that matters most to you.

A friction-based holder if your priorities are...

Flexibility — Use any bully stick, even stinky ones.
Variety — Secure other chews like yak cheese chews and antlers.
Price — Pay less upfront for the holder.

The tradeoff is intentional

Yes, EverChew uses a hole. Here's why.

The hole is not an accessory to the system. It allows the pin to pass through the bully stick so the stick can never slip out. EverChew's refill bully sticks and collagen chews are perfectly pre-drilled, so they always fit. Some customers drill their own chews, and that's cool too--whatever keeps their dog safe and happy.

Real-world corroboration

What dog owners notice after switching holders.

Real reviews from our real customers.

“It’s nice and small unlike some other holders, and over 5 years and countless sticks, it has never failed once unlike some other holders.”
Kelly D.
“I’ve tried a few brands and decided this is the best as my pups can’t choke because of the holder and the sticks are very hearty and each one is the same size!”
Brea P.
“I don’t recommend any other bully stick holders because I want my pups to be safe.”
Lou G.
“I have tried SO many other bully stick holders, and my dogs have always been able to figure out how to get them out, but not with this!”
Jessica H.
“We also had mixed results with other holder options… The design is genius, easy to use and has worked flawlessly for us.”
Megan S.
“This is the best and safest bully stick holder I have found. It’s easy for my dog to hold while he chews, and the plastic is a bit softer so it doesn’t become sharp if he chews on the holder.”
Beth M.

Written by Kirby Kendall, EverChew inventor and co-founder.  The data and information above is our honest opinion and interpretation.  If incorrect, it is accidental and please email Kirby at info@everchew.com so corrections can be made. 
Last substantive review: Nov. 2026