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What precisely are “yak chews”?
Yak milk is used to make the centuries-old natural chews known as yak chews. They were initially created in Nepal by yak herdsmen who were employed in the Himalayas and required a simple means of obtaining a high protein diet for themselves. Yak chews are created with the same basic ingredient—yak’s milk—and are now utilized as natural dog chews.
Dog owners love yak chews, but there have been discussions about whether or not they are safe for our dogs to ingest. These chewable hard cheeses are made from yak milk and are renowned for their flavor and robustness. Are they, however, the best option for your pet?
Why are they favored by pet parents?
You can attest to the smell that natural chews tend to leave behind if you’ve ever given your dog one. Yak chews, thankfully, don’t leave stains or scents on your rug and are mess-free. They are also gentle on your dog’s digestive system and composed entirely of natural components.
Yak chews are durable and won’t break dogs’ mouths or stomachs, so pet parents don’t have to worry about splinters. In addition, these chews are available in different sizes, so dogs of all breeds can enjoy them.
Once Fido has chewed the yak chew down to a small piece, pet parents can microwave it to make a “popper” dog treat for their dog to safely eat. Just make sure it’s not too hot before sharing with your dog.
Which dogs would benefit from yak chews?
Dogs who enjoy chewing will love yak chews, as you can probably imagine. Smaller dogs that can have weaker teeth or older dogs are the main exceptions to this rule. As stated by the AKC
dogs have more dental problems as they become older, therefore it’s crucial to provide them softer chews. Yak chews may cause dental erosion. Yak chews are therefore probably not the greatest chew for an elderly puppy or a dog with dental issues.
Favorite yak chew for dogs: Native Pet’s Yak Chews
Although we enjoy yak chews in general, Native Pet’s yak chews are our favorites. Sea salt, organic lime juice, organic cow’s milk, and organic yak’s milk are the only four natural components used in their creation. In addition to being far more durable than your typical dog chew, the milk in them gives your dog a fantastic source of protein.
Any size dog, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, can enjoy them because they come in four different sizes. Additionally, since the Native Pet yak chews are palatable and non-splintering, pet parents don’t need to worry about splinters or upset stomachs. They’ve been fed to our Editor-in-Chief’s golden retriever, Polly, and she loves how busy they keep Polly!
Keep an eye on your dog while they’re chewing.
Since there is no dog chew that is 100% safe, you should always watch Fido while they are chewing. Your dog may unintentionally break off and swallow a tiny piece of yak chew if they bite their mouth open. As with any treat or chew, it’s crucial to administer yak chews only when someone is watching closely. These chews should not be consumed all at once because they contain salt and are a good source of protein.
Hazards to be mindful of
Our veterinarian, Dr. Irish, says it’s critical to select a yak chew that is flexible and has some “give” to it. Your dog may chip or shatter a tooth if they chew on anything too hard. Always keep an eye on your dog as they chew to lower these dangers. Furthermore, not all yak chews are made equal, even if we feel satisfied with Native Pet’s offerings.
Pet owners who choose a yak chew from a different brand should exercise caution. You might choose a dog chew that has been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) if you want to err on the side of caution.
Alternatives to yak chews
Here are 2 of our favorite VOHC-approved chews that are great alternatives if you’re not sure yak chews are a good choice for your dog:
1. Virbac C.E.T Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews
The purpose of the Veggiedent dog chews is to promote healthy digestion, refresh breath, and clean teeth. These are a plant-based, gluten-free chew that is kind on your dog’s tummy and devoid of artificial additives and preservatives. These tasty, healthful chews are available in three sizes to accommodate dogs of all shapes and sizes.
2. Purina Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz
These dental chews were created by Purina to help reduce tartar, clean teeth, and improve breath. They are easy on your dog’s stomach because they are low in fat, high in protein, and easily digestible. Purina tests all of their foods and treats thoroughly to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product.
Some advice for selecting a secure chew for your dog
The following advice will help you choose the ideal chew for your dog:
A chew, bone, or toy that is harder than a tooth is too hard. Instead, make sure the chew has some “give” to it. Your dog might not shatter a tooth if you choose something malleable. Products that may be dangerous include antlers, hooves, and bones made of hard plastic or hard nylon.
Examine the fine print and label. To ensure you are aware of exactly what your dog is consuming, thoroughly study the ingredient list and label. Chews with a single core ingredient and a few fillers are ideal. Stated differently, less is more. Searching for goods that are produced and sourced from the US is also a fantastic idea.
Pick chews that are packaged correctly to ensure freshness and safety. Shrink-wrapped, individually wrapped, or in a resealable bag are the best options. Chews or treats left out on a shelf or in an open container allow insects, bacteria, and other potentially dangerous creatures to get easy access to them and affect your dog.
Remember your dog’s life stage while choosing a chew toy for them. Your dog’s age should be taken into consideration. Find softer chews for your older dog because they tend to have more dental problems and puppies will be teething. In their prime, dogs’ teeth should be strong and healthy enough to handle a harder bone or chew, such as yak chews.
