Are Yak Chews Healthy for my Dog?

What are yak chews?

Yak chews are a popular dog chew treat for dogs, known for their durability and tastiness! But yak chews actually go way back; they are a centuries-old natural chew made primarily from yak’s milk (though they can sometimes be made with cow’s milk). These treats originate from Nepal, where local herds-people in the Himalayas needed an easy way to get a high-level of protein for themselves. The yak chews we give to our dogs are based on the same, simple recipe - just milk, lime juice and salt!

So now that we know what yak chews are and where they come from, how healthy are they for our dogs? 

How healthy are yak chews?

Nutrient-packed

Given that yak chews are made from 3 simple ingredients - milk, lime juice and salt - they contain very few calories. Essentially, yak chews are a very hard cheese chew, packed with protein and calcium and containing minimal fat. With 100% natural ingredients, these dog chews are less harmful than other dog treats, as they don’t contain any chemicals or preservatives. Instead, the high levels of calcium and natural nutrients are a great source of energy, strengthening your dog’s bone and muscle health! 

Boosts dental health

Aside from diet benefits, yak chews are also brilliant at boosting your dog’s dental health. As your dog chews down on the treat, the hard texture helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup, acting like a regular dental stick, but with the bonus of being a tasty treat! Because of the hard texture of yak chews, it is important that you get the right size of yak chew in order for the treat to be both beneficial and safe for your dog. To find out more about the right size of yak chew for your dog, click here. 

Durability

Due to their sturdy nature, yak chews are known for their durability. They are a great option for dogs that need to slow down their eating pace or lose weight; yak chews aren’t treats that your dog can scoff down in seconds and then plead for more - as they chew, their saliva softens the chew, slowly making it digestible. For this reason, yak chews are equally great at providing long-lasting enrichment for your dog as they take time to chew away and reap their tasty reward! 

Hypoallergenic

As we mentioned earlier, yak chews are made from 100% natural ingredients and don’t contain any preservatives or chemicals. They also happen to be grain- and lactose-free, making them suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

Overall, yak chews are unlikely to result in your dog packing on the pounds. Yak chews are a great treat to keep dogs occupied with minimal mess, odour and calories, but with maximum taste, nutrients and entertainment!

For more information on finding the correct size of yak chew for your dog, and yak chew safety, please click here. 

To shop K2 Yak Chews, please click here.

To shop more dog chews, please click here.