Yak cheese chews have become a popular, natural treat for dogs, loved for their durable qualities and minimal ingredient list. Originating from a traditional preservation method in the Himalayan regions of Nepal and Tibet, the hardened cheese was initially developed as a way for people to preserve milk for human consumption. Today, this same recipe, made from a simple blend of yak’s milk, cow’s milk, salt, and lime juice, has been adapted into a dog-friendly version that has captured the attention of many pet owners. Once formed, the cheese mixture is compressed, dried, and aged, creating a hardened, long-lasting chew that dogs love.
Even though these treats are made of milk, yak cheese chews have extremely low levels of lactose, a milk sugar that adult dogs are unable to digest. During the cheese-making process, most of the lactose is removed, making the finished product easy to digest for most dogs. Because of this, they are very unlikely to cause any gastrointestinal upset, such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea. However, if your dog has a sensitivity or known allergy to dairy products, it would be best to avoid feeding these chews.
Yak Cheese Chews Benefits for Dogs
One of the main benefits of yak cheese chews is their exceptional durability. Unlike soft treats or biscuits that are consumed in seconds, yak chews can keep dogs busy for hours. Providing both mental and physical stimulation. Chewing is a natural, soothing behavior for dogs and helps release pent-up energy, reduces boredom, and can even help alleviate mild anxiety. The firm, abrasive texture also helps promote dental health by helping to mechanically scrape away plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth as dogs gnaw.
Nutritionally, yak chews are high in protein and relatively low in fat, with no artificial preservatives or additives, making them a wholesome alternative to many dog dental treats available on the market that are heavily processed and carb heavy. They are free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavorings and provide a naturally rich source of calcium and other nutrients.
Dog Yak Cheese Chews Risks
However, as with any hard chew, yak cheese chews do come with some risks. Because they are hard and dense, there is a very real potential for tooth fractures, especially in aggressive chewers. Because of this, you should always supervise your dog during chewing sessions and choose appropriate size chews to reduce the risk of injury. Another risk arises when the chew becomes small enough to become a choking hazard. Dogs may try to swallow the remaining nub, which can lead to not only choking, but gastrointestinal obstruction as well.
Yak Cheese Puffs for Dogs
Fortunately, there is a clever and safe way to repurpose any leftover pieces of yak chews: Turn them into yak cheese puffs! When the chew becomes too small to safely gnaw, you can take the remaining piece, soak it in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, place it on a microwave safe plate, and microwave it for roughly 30 to 90 seconds, depending on its size. The piece will puff up into a light, crunchy treat, like the texture of a cheese-puff snack. It will be extremely hot, so do not handle it until it cools. Once it cools completely, it can be given to your dog as a safe, tasty, and easily digestible treat.
