Bully stick holder comparison

EverChew locks through the bully stick — not just pushes against it.

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, tradeoffs, and pull-test evidence.

Cross-section of the safetychew+ locking in a bully stick
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
How the designs differ

Two designs press against the stick. Only EverChew locks through it.

Twist pin friction dog chew holder with 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 gripping dog chew holder with 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.

Testing evidence

Comparison of eight bully stick holders.

In May 2026, user Randy Brian at medium.com published their pull-force comparison--measuring how much weight was required to pull a dry bully stick out of each holder.

160.6 lb
EverChew result (very similar to our 170+ lb hang weight demos)
What this test does — and does not — show

The testing video clips by the test's author show an informal test environment, and not an industrial testing lab. It measured pull-out force of a dry bully stick, using a constant torque to tighten against the stick. Sticks that become wet and slippery by chewing will pull out of the friction mechanisms much easier.

Brand comparisons

Compare what actually matters when choosing a holder.

Major bully stick holder designs compared
Comparison factorEverChewBow Wow BuddyBully GripWoof BullySafeChewiseGeneric Shark-shaped holder
What physically holds the chew?Friction: Twist-screw pushes against the chewFriction: Flexible material grips the exteriorFriction: Twist-screw pushes against the chewFriction: Metal screw pushes against the chewFriction: Twist-screw pushes against the chew
Pull-force resultOnline test data published at Medium.com27.9 lb (in online test)34.3 lb (in online test)55.0 lb (in online test)59.2 lb (in online test)34.5 lb (in online test)
How is the chew secured?Hand tightenedHand tightenedHand tightenedHand tightenedHand tightened
How much of the chew is wasted?How deep is the holding cavity?2 inches3/4 inch1.4 inches2 inches1.5 inches
Best suited forOwners prioritizing the use of antlers and yak chewsOwners prioritizing holder costOwners prioritizing holder costOwners prioritizing holder costOwners prioritizing holder cost
Does brand sell refill sticks?Yes: multiple stick thicknesses and lengthsNoYes: multiple sizes, sold only as an assortmentNoNo
Sizes for different dogs & chew levels?Yes: 4 sizes based on dog weightYes: 3 sizes based on chew diameterNo: 1 size fits mostYes: 3 sizes based on dog weightNo: 1 size fits most
Holder made in USA?Depends on model: China or USUnclear: assembled in US with globally sourced materialsNo: ChinaNo: ChinaNo: China
Primary tradeoffLarge, clunky holder requires muscles to tighten well. Potential stick slip risk.Difficult to twist stick into holder. Potential stick slip risk.One size holder--larger sticks don't fit. Potential stick slip risk.Sharp metal components. Potential stick slip risk.Large, clunky holder requires muscles to tighten well. Potential stick slip risk.
Does any stick fit?Yes: if you have the matching size holderYes: if you have the matching size holderNo: smaller sticks onlyYes: if you have the matching size holderYes
Table data updated August 2026
Which should I choose?

Choose based on the tradeoff that matters most to you.

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

  • You strongly prefer not to use pre-drilled chews
  • You want to secure other chews like Yak cheese chews and antlers
  • You want a lower initial cost of the holder
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.