The Himalayan Dog Chew Guide

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Many dog chews on the market contain added flavors and colors among other ingredients. And bones can break teeth and cause injuries to a dog’s mouth. Himalayan dog chews, however, are a healthy and safe option that dogs love to spend hours chewing on. And here is your complete guide to them.

What Is A Himalayan Dog Chew?

Unlike rawhide chews or bones, a Himalayan dog chew is actually a hardened cheese snack made for dogs. In fact, it’s not made from just any cheese, but cheese made from the milk of a yak. For those who don’t know, a yak is a shaggy-haired domesticated ox from the Himalayas.

The chews are typically made by local yak farmers in Nepal, which is in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. And this is how the chews get their name. Although because of where they’re from and what they’re made of, you may also see them advertised as things like “Himalayan yak dog chews,” or “Himalayan yak milk dog chews”. They’re all the same thing.

From Local Snack To Dog Treat

Interestingly this hard cheese snack was originally made for humans and has been for hundreds of years. It’s actually a local treat in Nepal and the surrounding regions known as “chhurpi”. This tangy-tasting cheese is first placed in the mouth so that the saliva can soften it up. And once it starts to soften it’s then chewed and enjoyed over several hours.

Because it is high in protein is often used as a substitute for vegetables. The many benefits of chhurpi make it ideal not just for people but for dogs as well. And it wasn’t until recently that this treat became a popular product exported specifically for pets known as a Himalayan dog chew.

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All-Natural Ingredients

One of the big advantages these chews have is that they are a totally organic product. In fact, they are generally made with a handful of all-natural ingredients. Himalayan Dog Chew Ingredients typically only include yak’s milk, lime juice, and salt. And sometimes cow’s milk is used as well.

No preservatives or additives are used or needed. The ingredients used and the method in which they are prepared, help to create a chew that is high in protein but low in fat. It’s also gluten and lactose-free and doesn’t contain allergens that most dogs commonly have issues with such as corn, soy, or grains.

The Himalayan Dog Chew Recipe

Despite having only a couple of ingredients, you won’t want to try and make your own homemade Himalayan dog chews. They are made according to a specific (and traditional) process so that they’re safe, healthy, and delicious for dogs. Typically the farmers make the chews by first boiling the yak milk and then centrifuging it to remove the fat (cream). The resulting milk, which is fat-free, is then boiled and mixed with lime juice and salt.

The lactose is removed during this part of the process which helps to make the chews easy to digest. What remains is a thick paste which is then placed in jute bags and squeezed to remove any remaining liquids. This takes place over a few weeks which helps to harden the chews. Next, they are cut into the appropriate size and smoked for several months to lock in flavor and harden them even more.

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Long-Lasting And Safe Alternative

What makes a Himalayan dog chew safe for teeth is that while it is hard, it’s not too hard. And as the dog chews on it, the saliva along with the chewing action will slowly start to soften the chew allowing the dog to consume small parts as they are chewed off. This is in contrast to bones, particularly weight-bearing bones, which are well-known for breaking teeth but also splintering which can cause painful injuries.

A single Himalayan dog chew is tough enough to keep a dog busy for several hours to several days. Just how long it takes will depend on several factors such as the size of the dog, the size of the chew, and what type of chewer your dog is. And as long as they are kept dry they typically will last up to three to four years.

Healthy Teeth And Gums

Like bones, chews will help to clean your pet’s teeth by removing tartar and plaque, but without any sharp edges. This can lead to healthier gums and fresher breath.

How To Bring Himalayan Dog Chews Back To Life

When your dog has chewed the Himalayan dog chew to the point where it could be swallowed, you should take it away. This will prevent your pet from choking on it. However, that doesn’t mean you have to throw it away. In fact, you can transform it into an extra treat for your pooch.

Chews actually expand when placed in the microwave creating cheesy and crunchy, bite-size treats that are safe for your dog to eat. Himalayan dog chew microwave directions will come with the specific chews you purchase. In general, however, they usually need to be heated up for around forty-five to sixty seconds. They then should be allowed to cool for at least two minutes before giving them to your pet.

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Things To Remember

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when purchasing and giving your dog Himalayan yak dog chews. You’ll want to remember that this is a natural product, that doesn’t use any artificial coloring. Therefore the colors can vary, typically anywhere from yellow to brown. The color doesn’t affect the quality. Also while chews are considered safe, pets should always be supervised when chewing anything.

And dogs that are known to try and break hard items with their back teeth instead of chewing them should never be given any type of hard chews. Another consideration that may be important to you as a consumer, or may not, is where the chews are sourced from.

While the majority of Himalayan dog chews are made by farmers in Nepal (but inspected and packaged in the U.S.) some are in fact made in more developed countries. Chews sourced from Nepalese farmers often go a long way towards helping the individual farmers and the economic development of their local communities. To put things in perspective Nepal is actually the second poorest nation in the world.

For a safe and healthy way to keep your dog busy, a Himalayan dog chew makes an excellent alternative to bones and other chew options!

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