Himalayan Yak Cheese Chews for Dogs: A Natural & Nutritious Treat
Looking for a long-lasting chew that’s natural, low fat, and keeps your dog’s tail wagging? Yak cheese dog chews might be just the thing. Made from traditional Himalayan recipes and packed with protein, they’re a wholesome alternative to more processed options—and dogs go wild for them.
Let’s take a closer look at why these 100% natural chews deserve a place in your treat stash.
What are Yak Cheese Chews?
Yak cheese chews (or chhurpi, as they’re known in the Himalayas) are hard, long-lasting snacks made from a blend of domestic Himalayan yak and cow’s milk. They’ve been around for yonks, and are still made using age-old techniques, but they’ve gone global thanks to their taste, texture, and impressive health credentials.
There’s nothing artificial in the mix. No colourings, flavourings, preservatives, or binding agents. Nada. Just traditional ingredients, gently smoked and dried to lock in flavour and extend shelf life. The result is a chew that’s high in protein, low in fat, naturally gluten free, easy to digest, low odour, and ridiculously moreish.
Why Dogs Love Them (and Why You Will Too)
Dogs love to chew. It keeps them busy, helps relieve boredom, and supports natural behaviours, especially in puppies or anxious dogs. Yak cheese chews offer a satisfying challenge that can keep them engaged for ages.
But these chews aren’t just a time filler. They help support dental health by reducing plaque and tartar, and encouraging healthy gnawing habits. The act of chewing can also offer mental stimulation, helping to calm excitable dogs and give them something to focus on. It supports jaw strength, especially in active breeds, and can be a useful outlet for natural chewing instincts.
Nutritionally, they’ve got a lot going for them. The blend of milk used in traditional yak chews means they’re rich in natural calcium, protein, and natural vitamins. They also tend to be a good option for dogs with food sensitivities or intolerances, offering an alternative to treats made with cheddar cheese, chicken, or beef. Just make sure you get the right-sized cheesy chew for your pup.
Are Yak Chews Safe for Puppies?
Generally, it’s best to wait until your pup has their adult teeth before introducing harder chews, which will happen at around six months of age. The firm texture of yak chews is great for adult dogs, but might be too much for younger pups with softer teeth and gums.
That said, there are gentler alternatives available, including puffed versions of yak cheese treats or cheese sprinkles that can be used on food. These offer the same natural benefits in a softer form.
As with any new treat, it’s a good idea to supervise the first few chew sessions and check in with your vet if your dog has any existing health issues or dietary restrictions.
Two Treats in One: How to Make a Yak Puff
One of the best things about yak chews is how little waste they produce. When the chew gets too small to be safe, you can turn the leftover piece into a completely different kind of treat: a light, crispy snack known as a yak puff.
Here’s how to do it:
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Save the end of your chew (around two inches long).
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Pop it on a microwave-safe plate.
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Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, watching it puff up.
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Let it cool fully before giving it to your dog.
This gives you a second treat from one chew, and the change in texture makes it a brand-new experience for your dog.
Our Favourite Yak Dog Treats
If you’d prefer to skip the microwave method altogether, there are plenty of ready-made treats in our Yakity Yak range, made with natural ingredients, as always.
The Yak Puff Nuggets are bite-sized, crunchy pieces of puffed yak cheese, perfect for training or smaller dogs. They’re ready to serve straight from the bag, with no prep needed. These are a great option for pups over three months, especially those that prefer a lighter texture.
Yak Puff Bars offer a bigger chew with the same satisfying crunch. They’re ideal for dogs who want something between a biscuit and a full chew, offering a mix of textures and a good amount of chewing time without being quite as firm as the traditional stick.
Then there’s the Yak Cheese Sprinkle, a versatile option for dogs who might not go for chews at all. Made from finely grated yak cheese, it works brilliantly as a topper for regular dog food. You can mix it into wet, dry, or raw meals, spread it on lick mats, or add it to homemade frozen treats. The taste is strong enough to tempt picky eaters, and the texture makes it easy to mix or sprinkle. It’s especially good for older dogs, smaller breeds, or those with dental issues.
Choosing the Right Chew
Not all cheese chews are created equally. Some brands skip the yak milk altogether and rely solely on cow milk, while others use synthetic flavourings to enhance taste. It’s worth checking the label carefully, especially if your dog has allergies or you’re trying to avoid artificial additives.
At Green & Wild’s, our Yak chews are made with pasture-fed, free-range domestic yak and cow’s milk from Himalayan farmers. The traditional drying and smoking method keeps it simple and natural, with no preservatives or binding agents. All the treats in the range are gluten free and low in fat, and we offer a full range of options, from the classic chews to puff nuggets and sprinkles.
Fancy Getting Creative?
If you enjoy whipping up the occasional homemade dog treat, yak cheese products work beautifully in recipes. Try mixing Yak Cheese Sprinkle with mashed sweet potato, dog-friendly broth, or a Furr Boost-style smoothie, then freeze in silicone moulds. You can even stick a buffalo hide chew in before freezing to create a lolly-style treat, perfect for hot days or soothing teething gums.
What other doggy dishes can you come up with? It’s a fun way to add variety to your dog’s enrichment routine, and keeps snacking interesting and healthy.
Natural, Nutritious, and Worth Every Chomp
Yak cheese chews aren’t just another snack: they help with dental health, support jaw strength, give dogs a proper outlet for chewing, and offer a clean, nutritious source of protein without artificial extras.