What Are Yak Chews?

What are yak chews?

Yak chews are long-lasting, natural dog treats based on a simple recipe of yak (or cow) milk, lime juice and salt. Suitable for dogs over 4 months old, yak chews have become a popular snack due to their various health benefits and long-lasting nature. But where do yak chews come from and how are they made? Read on to find out more about these tasty treats! 

Where do yak chews come from?

Based on a traditional Himalayan recipe called Chhurpi, these centuries-old treats originate from regions of Nepal and India, and were initially crafted as a high-protein, portable snack for people travelling though the Himalayan mountains. Nowadays, yak chews are targeted more towards dogs, though they are still made up of the same simple ingredients. What's more, yak chews provide income to small herding communities in the Himalayas where they keep free-range cattle.

How are yak chews made?

Yak chews are made by boiling yak milk with lime juice and salt to the point at which the milk curdles. The curds created are then drained and  pressed into dense 'blocks' to remove as much moisture as possible, followed by a 28 day period in which they are dried and smoked, removing any remaining moisture and creating their rich, long-lasting flavour. Because yak chews are made of only natural ingredients (milk, lime and salt), they are subsequently preservative and chemical free, and easily digestible. In fact, yak chews are a great choice of healthy treat for your dog; they are protein- and calcium-rich, and low in fat. 

You may notice that alongside the traditional, cheesy yak chews there is now a wide variety of flavours on the market. Blueberry, strawberry, turmeric and even mango flavoured yak chews have become favourites among our furry friends. Rest assured, these yak chews are still free from any chemicals or harmful preservatives, with natural ingredients, such as berry concentrates, being added to the milk during the boiling stages. 

Which yak chews are best for my dog?

If your dog is new to yak chews, it's a good idea to provide them with a range of flavours, including the traditional cheesy flavour, to see which they like best! Due to their hard texture, yak chews are durable and are great for entertaining dogs that are easily bored or anxious. 

A benefit of yak chews is that they have a long shelf life, so you may prefer to buy them in multipacks to ensure you have a good stock in your cupboard to choose from. 

Most yak chews will come in a range of sizes. It is recommended that you give your dog yak chews that are a suitable size for them, as yak chews that are too large can be difficult for your dog to hold and chew, and yak chews that are too small can pose choking hazards. The K2 Yak Chews are a good place to start, as they have range of sizes from small to XX-Large, and they recommend the right yak chew size based on your dog's breed. 

Regardless, it is always recommended to supervise your dog when giving them any sort of treat or chew. 

Yak chews are a great, healthy and tasty treat that your dog is sure to love. To shop yak chews in a range of flavours and sizes, please click here. 

To shop other dog treats and chews, please click here.