Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chews are made from just a few simple, natural ingredients and don't contain artificial preservatives. While they're naturally long-lasting, storing them correctly and following a few basic safety guidelines will help keep every chew fresh, enjoyable and safe for your dog.
Whether it's your dog's first yak chew or they're already a devoted fan, these simple tips will help you get the most out of every stick.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Yak chews are naturally dried to remove moisture, which helps them last for months when stored correctly.
The best place to keep them is:
- In a cool, dry cupboard or pantry
- Away from direct sunlight
- Away from heat or humidity
- In their original resealable packaging, if possible
There's no need to refrigerate or freeze your yak chews.
Keeping them dry helps maintain the hard texture that makes them last so long.
Keep the Packaging Sealed
Once opened, reseal the packet after removing a chew.
This helps:
- Keep moisture out
- Maintain freshness
- Protect the chew from dust and insects
- Preserve the natural flavour your dog loves
If you've removed the chew from its packaging, an airtight container also works well.
Always Supervise Your Dog
No matter what type of chew your dog enjoys, supervision is important.
While chewing, make sure your dog is:
- Calmly gnawing on the chew
- Not trying to swallow large pieces
- Comfortable and relaxed
- Using the chew appropriately
If your dog breaks off an unusually large piece or attempts to swallow it whole, remove the chew immediately.
Choose the Right Size
Giving your dog the correct size chew is one of the easiest ways to improve safety.
A chew that's too small can wear down quickly and become a swallowing hazard sooner.
If you're unsure between two sizes, choosing the larger option is generally the safer choice, particularly for enthusiastic chewers.
Read Choosing the Right Size Yak Chew and if your dog is a powerful chewer, consider sizing up.
As a general guide:
| Dog Weight | Recommended Chew |
|---|---|
| Up to 10kg | Small |
| 10–25kg | Medium |
| Over 25kg | Large |
Remove the Last Small Piece
Eventually, every yak chew becomes small enough that your dog could potentially swallow it whole.
When the chew reaches this stage, it's time to take it away.
Fortunately, you don't have to throw it out.
Instead, transform it into a crunchy puffed treat.
How to Puff the Last Piece
- Soak the remaining piece in water for around 5 minutes.
- Microwave it for approximately 45–90 seconds (microwave times will vary).
- Allow it to cool completely before giving it to your dog.
The chew will expand into a light, crunchy cheese puff that many dogs love even more than the original chew.
It's a simple way to reduce waste while making the last piece safer to enjoy.
Always Provide Fresh Water
Chewing naturally makes dogs thirsty.
Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh drinking water whenever they're enjoying a yak chew.
Inspect the Chew Before Giving It to Your Dog
Before each chewing session, take a quick look at the chew.
Check for:
- Cracks that have created large loose pieces
- Damage from previous chewing
- Dirt or contamination if the chew has been outside
If the chew is excessively damaged or contaminated, it's best to replace it.
Keep Chews Clean
If your dog enjoys taking their chew outdoors, it's a good idea to inspect it before bringing it back inside.
A chew that's been sitting in mud, dirt or long grass can pick up debris that you don't want your dog chewing on later.
If the chew becomes dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly before offering it again.
Avoid soaking the entire chew, as excess moisture can soften it and reduce its lifespan.
Can Yak Chews Go Off?
Because they're naturally dried and low in moisture, yak chews have a long shelf life when stored correctly.
Like any natural product, however, they should be kept dry and used before the best-before date printed on the packaging.
If you notice:
- Mould
- An unusual smell
- Excessive moisture
- Significant discolouration
discard the chew and replace it.
Are Yak Chews Suitable for Every Dog?
Yak chews are suitable for most healthy adult dogs, but they may not be appropriate if your dog:
- Is still teething with baby teeth
- Has damaged or loose teeth
- Has been advised by a veterinarian to avoid hard chews
- Has difficulty chewing or swallowing
Before giving your young dog a Yakkity Zac's chew, read our recommendations and guide for Puppies & Yak Milk Chews.
If you're still unsure, speak with your veterinarian before introducing any new chew.
Quick Safety Checklist
Before giving your dog a yak chew, ask yourself:
✓ Is it the correct size for my dog?
✓ Will I be able to supervise them?
✓ Do they have fresh drinking water?
✓ Is the chew clean and in good condition?
✓ Will I remove it once it becomes too small?
If the answer is yes, your dog is ready to enjoy one of the longest-lasting natural chews available.
Helping Your Dog Chew Safely
Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chews are designed to provide hours of natural chewing enjoyment, but like any dog chew, they're safest when used responsibly.
By storing them correctly, choosing the right size, supervising your dog and puffing the final piece instead of throwing it away, you'll help your dog enjoy every chew safely from start to finish.
At Yakkity Zac's, we're passionate about providing Kiwi dogs with natural, long-lasting treats that are as enjoyable as they are simple. With just a little care, every yak chew can deliver hours of healthy chewing satisfaction.
Looking for the full overview? Read The Complete Guide to Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chews, covering ingredients, benefits, safety, sizing, puppies and how to use the final piece.