Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Durable and long-lasting, yak dog chews are the go-to choice for many pawrents when their furry pals need some dental and mental stimulation.
However, not many dog owners know that these dog treats have more to offer beyond these benefits. Let’s discover their other health perks.
We will also share a few helpful tips and pointers to help you find the most suitable yak dog chew for your pooch.
4 Health Benefits of Yak Chews for Dogs
Yak chew treats are primarily made from yak milk, which has several impressive health-boosting components such as:
1. Antibacterial Properties
Giving pooches yak cheese dog chews can help hinder the proliferation of these harmful pathogens in their bodies.
A 2023 journal article by Wang et al. details that yak milk contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of bad bacteria, such as:
- Milk peptides
- Lactic acid bacteria
- Their metabolites
Moreover, two potent antibacterial peptides were identified to possess inhibitory abilities against certain bacteria strains.
These include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae, which are responsible for various diseases in dogs like skin infections, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.
2. Probiotics
Allowing your furry friend to enjoy yak dog chews helps him build a healthy gut microbiome.
Wang et al. mention the presence of probiotics in yak milk. Certain strains, namely, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CY12 and Lactobacillus plantarum are considered to be beneficial to the gut health of canines.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is believed to aid in alleviating diarrhea in dogs. On the other hand, Lactobacillus plantarum has been observed to promote healthy colon walls in pooches suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Moreover, it also reduces antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Probiotics for Dogs
3. Bone-Strengthening Minerals
Yak milk boasts high levels of calcium and phosphorus, which promotes healthy and normal bone structure and formation in dogs.
According to Wang et al.’s findings, the concentrations of these minerals in yak milk are around 3 to 5 times higher compared to human milk.
In a 2023 comprehensive review done by Kalwar et al., they noted that every 100 milliliters of yak milk contains approximately 150 to 200 milligrams of calcium and 100 to 150 milligrams of phosphorus.
Additionally, according to the researchers, the dairy product also provides about 0.005 to 0.015 of vitamin D for every 100 milligrams per liter.
4. Protein and Essential Amino Acids
Yak dog chews are a rich source of proteins for your canine friend. The concentrations of this nutrient in yak milk range from 4.5% to 6.5%. Several essential amino acids for dogs comprise these proteins, such as:
- Arginine
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
Proteins are integral to the overall health of dogs. They provide energy and supply essential amino acids vital for the healthy growth and development of hair, cartilage, ligaments, nails, muscles, and tendons in the canine body.
Are There Risks to Giving Yak Chews to Dogs?
Although yak chew treats are good for dogs, they can cause side effects if consumed excessively. Here are some adverse reactions pawrents should watch out for:
1. Digestive Upset
Yak milk consists of approximately 5.3% to 8.8% fat and contains more long-chain fatty acids than short- and medium-chain fatty acids. This can make yak chews difficult to digest by dogs.
If consumed in large amounts, they can cause gastrointestinal distress in the form of diarrhea and vomiting.
For this reason, dog owners should only give their dogs one yak chew every other day. Do not let them gnaw on it for more than 30 minutes.
2. Lactose Intolerance
Dogs’ lactose intolerance to dairy products is attributed to the amount of alpha S1 (A1) casein in these human foods. While yak milk contains A1 casein, it is considerably lower compared to cow’s milk.
The churning process most yak dog chew products go through helps reduce their lactose content. It separates solid fat from liquid where most lactose is found.
However, it does not completely eliminate the lactose in yak dog treats. Thus, owners of lactose-intolerant dogs should check with the vet first before giving their furry pals this type of dog chew.
How Do You Choose the Right Yak Dog Chew for Fido?
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for yak chew treats for your furry pal:
1. Mind Your Dog’s Life Stage
Puppies and senior dogs will require softer yak chews since their teeth are more fragile compared to adult dogs.
2. Check the Chew’s Size
The appropriate size of a yak dog chew depends on the size of the dog. Large dogs should be given a bigger yak chew stick to keep them from accidentally swallowing it whole. The general rule is to choose a product that is bigger than your dog’s head.
Never leave your dog unsupervised when he is busy gnawing on the yak chew. You need to keep an eye on him in case he manages to whittle the treat down to a small size. Remove it right away to prevent choking.
3. Look for 100% Pure Yak Chew Treats
Many Himalayan yak chews are made with simple ingredients: yak milk, cow milk, salt, and lime juice. However, if you look closely, it is not composed of pure yak milk due to the presence of cow dairy.
To reduce the risk of triggering lactose intolerance, only opt for 100% natural yak milk chews for dogs. Always read the labels to make sure they do not contain other unnecessary ingredients, including preservatives and additives.
4. Opt for US-Sourced and Manufactured Yak Chews
Avoid products imported from countries with less stringent hygiene and sanitary protocols, such as China. It averts the risk of your dog chewing on a contaminated yak dog chew.
FAQs About Yak Dog Chews
1. Can Dogs Hurt Their Teeth on Yak Chews?
Dogs can potentially hurt their teeth on yak chews if dog owners are not careful. Hence, the reason why supervision is always a must.
Be sure to choose a yak dog treat that is not excessively hard to gnaw on. You can soften a yak chew by microwaving it for 5 to 10 seconds.
2. Can Yak Chews Give Dogs Diarrhea?
Yak chews can give dogs diarrhea because of their high fat content. Some products also contain both yak milk and cow milk, which increases the risk of lactose intolerance.
Selecting the right product and limiting the frequency of your dog chewing on these treats will prevent GI distress.
3. How Often Can My Dog Have a Yak Chew?
Ideally, pooches can have yak chews every other day for no more than 30 minutes. Have a bowl of fresh water ready for him to drink to help him rehydrate after chewing on these dry chews.
4. Can Yak Chews Get Moldy?
Yak chews can get moldy if not stored properly after use. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel, and then wrap them in a clean, dry cloth. Refrigeration is not necessary as long as the chews are placed in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Letting your dog get busy gnawing on yak treats is good for his health. Aside from keeping him mentally stimulated, yak dog chews promote a strong immune system, a healthy gut microbiome, and sturdy bone development.
However, take care not to offer them too often to your pooch to prevent undesirable side effects like GI upset. Lastly, always supervise your dog during each chewing session to keep him safe from accidental choking.
Are you thinking of adding more variety to your canine friend’s chews? Here is a list of natural dog chews that you can try.
