Why Are Yak Chews Better Than Rawhide Chews?

WHY ARE YAK CHEWS BETTER THAN RAWHIDE CHEWS?

Rawhide is a common treat that dog owners give to their dogs, intended to provide mental stimulation and boost dental hygiene. A byproduct of the leather industry, rawhide treats are typically a processed and dried inner layer of cow or horse hide, shaped into bones or sticks, replicating traditional chew toys. However, many dog owners and veterinarians have raised concerns over the safety of rawhide, and question whether it is an appropriate or beneficial treat for dogs. 

Yak chews have soared in popularity, offering an alternative to rawhide as a generally safer and healthier dog chew. So what properties do yak chews have that make them the better choice for dogs and dog owners alike?

Nutritious:

Though derived from animal meat, rawhide contains minimal nutrients and has no major health benefits for dogs other than providing mental stimulation. Yak chews, on the other hand, are nutrient-rich, high in protein and calcium, providing essential nutrients for muscle strength, tissue repair, and bone health whilst remaining low in fat.

Chemicals and digestibility:

Yak chews for dogs are based on the same high-protein recipe that local communities use in the Himalayas; made up of just yak/ cow milk, lime and salt, yak chews are 100% natural. They are free from added chemicals and preservatives and are often grain and gluten free too, making them easily digestible and safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

Rawhide treats are unfortunately much more likely to contain harmful chemicals and  preservatives such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide due to their manufacturing process. This, in turn, makes them difficult for dogs to digest and can, in some cases, lead to diarrhoea or vomiting if consumed in large quantities. 

Dental health:

Both yak chews and rawhide chews can aid dental hygiene due to the natural scraping motion that happens when your dog works their way around the treat. The gentle scraping of their teeth and gums against the tougher chew can help to remove plaque and tartar build-up. However, rawhide does not soften under the influence of saliva in the same way that yak chews do, and pose a risk of actually damaging or breaking your dog's teeth. Though the tough texture of rawhide chews are great for durability and keeping your dog entertained and stimulated, they may not be the best choice for dogs with pre-existing dental issues or sensitivities. 

Safety:

Perhaps the most commonly discussed risk of rawhide is the fact that they pose a choking hazard. As previously mentioned, rawhide is tough and difficult to digest, but what is also important to note is that rawhide often brakes off in large chunks and can cause intestinal or throat blockages. This is one of the main reasons why many dog owners stay away from rawhide products as they are simply not worth the risk of your dog choking or suffering intestinal irritations. 

Yak chews soften with your dog's saliva as they chew, and generally crumble off in small, digestible pieces. Yak chews can also be turned into 'nuggets' once they become too small for your dog to hold between their paws, making them more manageable to consume, safer and more cost effective as none of the product goes to waste! Read on to find out how to turn your yak chews in to nuggets, or watch our instructional video:

1. Soak the small yak chew piece in water for at least 5 minutes, then drain
2. Put the yak chew on a microwaveable plate and heat up in your microwave for 1 minute. (If this is your first time making the treats, it’s best to do this in 30 second intervals to ensure your microwave’s power does not overcook them!)
3. Leave the treat to cool down to a suitable temperature for your dog. The yak chew should be puffy in appearance but still feel solid in texture.
4. Once the yak chew has cooled, give it to your dog and let them enjoy!

You can skip straight to the tastiness with Yakchoo's pre-made yak chew nuggets - perfect for small dogs who don't want to miss out on the tastiest treats! 

Please note - it is recommended to supervise your dog when giving them any kind of chew or treat. 

Overall, whilst both rawhide and yak chews have the same aim to occupy dogs whilst providing a tasty and durable treat, the latter chews have ample benefits and are much healthier. Yak chews maximise on nutrients and taste, whilst remaining safe and digestible. These popular treats come in various flavours (for example, turmeric, strawberry, blueberry, strawberry and mango) and sizes that best suit your dog, without any harmful chemicals. 

To shop our range of yak chews, click here.

To shop more dog chews and treats, click here.