Here is some info from Best Bully about how they process their bully sticks. I had not realized that they cook theirs. That may be why they are so much stronger than the other brands.
How are Bully Sticks made?
Does eat meat. It's just how they are. It may be an unappealing part of the anatomy but it's very lean and quite healthy. They are not to be eaten but chewed for a very long time.