Choosing the Right Size Yak Chew

Choosing the right size Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chew is one of the most important ways to ensure your dog enjoys their chew safely and gets the most value from it.

A chew that's too small may not last very long and could become a choking hazard sooner. A chew that's too large isn't dangerous, but it may be difficult for smaller dogs to comfortably hold and chew.

At Yakkity Zac's, we offer three sizes to suit everything from tiny puppies to giant breeds.


Why Size Matters

Dogs don't all chew the same way.

Some carefully work away at a chew for days, while others are determined power chewers that can demolish almost anything.

Choosing the right size helps:

  • Keep chewing safe
  • Make the chew last longer
  • Give your dog a more enjoyable chewing experience
  • Reduce the chance of swallowing large pieces
  • Get the best value from every chew

As a general rule, if you're unsure, choose the larger size.


Small Yak Chews

Recommended for dogs up to 10kg

Perfect for:

  • Chihuahua
  • Maltese
  • Toy Poodle
  • Pomeranian
  • Miniature Dachshund
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Shih Tzu
  • Cavoodle
  • Jack Russell Terrier

Small Yakkity Zac's Chews are designed for little mouths while still providing plenty of chewing satisfaction.

If your small dog is an enthusiastic chewer, they may work through a chew surprisingly quickly. That's completely normal!


Medium Yak Chews

Recommended for dogs approximately 10–25kg

Ideal for breeds such as:

  • Beagle
  • Border Collie
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Staffy
  • Kelpie
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Standard Schnauzer
  • Whippet
  • English Springer Spaniel

Medium Yakkity Zac's Chews are our most versatile size and suit many of New Zealand's most popular family dogs.


Large Yak Chews

Recommended for dogs over 25kg

Suitable for larger breeds including:

  • Labrador Retriever
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Boxer
  • Huntaway
  • Rottweiler
  • Dobermann
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Great Dane

Large Yakkity Zac's Chews are best for dogs have powerful jaws, giving them a larger chew helps maximise chewing time and provides a satisfying challenge.


What If My Dog Is Between Sizes?

Some dogs fall right in the middle.

If your dog is close to the upper weight limit for a size—or is known to be a strong chewer—we recommend sizing up.

For example:

  • A 10kg dog could enjoy either a Small or Medium chew.
  • A 25kg Labrador would usually be happier with a Large chew.

The larger chew will generally last longer and provide a better chewing experience.


Consider Your Dog's Chewing Style

Weight isn't the only factor to consider.

Gentle Chewers

These dogs slowly nibble and scrape away at their chew.

A chew may last several weeks.

Average Chewers

Most dogs fall into this category.

They enjoy regular chewing sessions and gradually wear the chew down over time.

Power Chewers

Some dogs simply love to chew.

Breeds like Labradors, Staffies, German Shepherds and Huntaways can make surprisingly quick work of a chew.

If your dog is a determined chewer, it's often worth choosing the next size up.


Puppies and Yak Chews

Yak chews can be a fantastic boredom buster for puppies that have their adult teeth and enjoy chewing.

Always:

  • Choose the correct size
  • Supervise chewing
  • Remove the chew once it becomes too small
  • Speak with your veterinarian if you're unsure whether your puppy is ready for hard chews

Very young puppies with baby teeth may find yak chews too hard. Read our Puppy Guide.


When Should I Take the Chew Away?

As your dog enjoys their yak chew, it will gradually become smaller.

Once it's small enough that your dog could potentially swallow it whole, it's time to remove it.

But don't throw it away!

The final piece can be transformed into a delicious crunchy treat.

Simply:

  1. Soak it in water for around 5 minutes.
  2. Microwave for approximately 45–90 seconds (depending on your microwave).
  3. Allow it to cool completely.
  4. Watch it puff up into a crunchy cheese snack your dog will love.

It's one of the best features of Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chews—almost nothing goes to waste. See the full recipe and instructions for making these delicious Yak Milk Cheese Puffs.


Still Not Sure Which Size to Choose?

Here's a quick guide:

Dog Weight Recommended Size
Up to 10kg Small
10–25kg Medium
25kg+ Large

If your dog is a particularly enthusiastic chewer or sits between two sizes, choosing the larger option is usually the best choice.


Find the Perfect Yak Chew

Every dog deserves a chew that's the right fit.

Whether you've got a tiny Terrier, an adventurous Border Collie or a chew-loving Labrador, Yakkity Zac's has a Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chew to suit.

Choose the right size today and give your dog hours of natural, healthy chewing enjoyment. 

Still can't decide? Grab an individual chew! It's the perfect way to try Yakkity Zac's for the first time, or to test a different size before purchasing a multi-pack.

Looking for the full overview? Read The Complete Guide to Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chews, covering ingredients, benefits, safety, puppies, storage and how to use the final piece.