Yes! Here's why yak chews are so good for your puppy...
Puppy parents, especially those whose adult dogs love yak cheese, often ask if yak chews are good for puppies too. The short answer is yes. Yak cheese chews can be a healthy addition to your puppy's chewing and nutrition repertoire.
To answer all your questions, let's take a closer look at yak cheese chews:
- What they are and how they're made
- Benefits they provide
- What makes them a good chew for teething puppies (as well as pups as they grow older)
- And why chewing matters to your dog's health and for satisfying your pup's self-soothing instincts.
What exactly are yak cheese dog chews?
Yak cheese, often known as Himalayan dog chews in the dog world, has been consumed by humans for centuries, originating in the Himalayan Mountain region. Made from the milk of yaks or cows, these Himalayan cheese chews are processed and hardened naturally to form dense, long-lasting hard chews that soften gradually with your dog's saliva.
How yak cheese chews are made
Because of their minimal processing, yak cheese chews are often celebrated for their purity and nutritional balance. Yak cheese is collected from nomadic herders who raise yaks naturally, the milk is then hardened into cheese by adding a tiny amount of lime juice and salt to aid the natural hardening process. After being shaped and formed, the chews are air-dried for several weeks until they reach the right hardness for your pup.
Nutritional value of yak cheese
Since yak cheese is made of extremely limited, all-natural ingredients, it's free from anything artificial. That's one reason dog parents love yak cheese chews. The limited ingredients also make them a good choice for pups with allergies.
Some of the nutrition benefits for your puppy:
- High protein content: Essential for muscle development in growing puppies.
- Low fat: A healthier alternative to many processed puppy treats and chews.
- Rich in calcium: Great for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Lactose-reduced: The fermentation process removes most of the lactose, making it easier for dogs to digest than regular cheese -- important for puppies who tend to have more sensitive tummies.
Why yak cheese chews are perfect for teething puppies
Puppies, like human babies, go through a teething stage when their teeth start coming in. This can be a painful process for puppies as their gums become sore and itchy. Chewing helps relieve this discomfort by stimulating blood flow to the gums and releasing endorphins that act naturally to soothe and calm your puppy.
All dogs are hardwired to instinctively love chewing at every age. The act of chewing stimulates dogs' brains to release the "happy hormones" throughout their bodies, giving them both mental stimulation for a good energy release and relaxing stress reduction at the same time.
That's especially true of puppies who love to chew as they teethe. Yak milk cheese chews provide a durable, long-lasting option to develop positive chewing habits early in your pup (AND save your favorite shoes and chair legs!).
Lifelong dental health
Yak chews aren't just good for your puppy's teething; they also help support overall dental health. The hard texture helps reduce plaque buildup as your pup gnaws away and as the end softens with your dog's saliva, deeper chewing benefits teeth and gums.
Pro tip: turn the small end piece into a cheese puff treat!
For safety, you'll want to take away the chew when your pup has chewed it to a small end piece. But no need to waste it! Soak it in water for about 5 minutes, put it in the microwave for about 45 seconds (depending on size) and voilà, end pieces become cheese puffs, delicious, crunchy yak cheese treats you can give to your pup!
Choosing the right yak chew for your pup
All yak milk chews are not the same. You'll want to be sure the chews you give your pup are all natural, made with only the three limited ingredients, and properly sourced.
That's why our Mighty Paw yak chews are handcrafted with care, sourced from Nepal, and meticulously inspected at our headquarters in Rochester, NY. They're made with just three simple ingredients—yak and cow milk, salt, and lime juice, so you don't have to wonder or worry about lactose, grains, gluten, chemicals, or preservatives.
Our yak cheese chews are fully digestible and free from common allergens, so they're a solid choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs (like puppies!) or allergies.
Safety tip: Natural yak chews are also a great alternative for dogs of all ages to replace dangerous, bleached rawhide chews that can become choking hazards and are processed with toxins.
5 tips on incorporating yak cheese into your puppy’s diet
It's always a good idea to introduce any new food or treat to your dog gradually at first. Some pro tips to be sure your puppy gets the most enjoyment out of yak chews:
- Start small: Depending on the size of your puppy, limit chew time to 10-15 minutes to start and keep a watchful eye on your puppy to ensure your pup can chew and digest it without issues.
- Supervise chew time: Puppies love to chew enthusiastically—it's always a good idea to supervise to avoid any choking on small pieces or other issues. (A good idea with any kind of chew!)
- Check chew serving size: Depending on the size of your puppy, choose the right size chew and limit chew time to prevent overconsumption.
- Hydrate! Fresh water is key: While chewing, puppies can get thirsty. You always want to provide access to fresh water.
- Use leftovers wisely: When the yak cheese gets too small (you always want it to be bigger than your dog's mouth so it can't be swallowed whole), create a puffy, softer treat using the directions above to soak in water, microwave, and soften it.
A yak chew can be a fantastic treat for your puppy with its combination of long-lasting chewability, natural ingredients, dental support, and nutritional benefits. And yak cheese chews are an excellent option for both teething and enrichment as well. Enjoy watching your puppy enjoy them!
Here's to giving your puppy plenty of good chewing!
We believe in helping dogs live their healthiest, happiest, and fullest lives and supporting you in making that happen. For your puppy -- and at every stage of your pup's life -- we're dedicated to finding ways to help you bring more joy and wellness to your pup in all your adventures together.
That's why we're committed to bringing you high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need to keep your puppy happy and enjoying life with you.
