There’s a moment every puppy owner knows. You’re sitting on the couch, hoping for a quiet minute, and suddenly you hear it, crunch crunch crunch. You look over, and your adorable, wriggly pup is halfway into the leg of your dining chair.
Sound familiar?
Puppies chew like it’s their full-time job. And in a way, it is. But the real question is, what’s actually safe to give them?
Let’s talk yak chews. They’re trendy for a reason
These long-lasting, hard, cheese-based chews are all over pet store shelves. Natural, no rawhide, made from yak’s milk. Sounds like a dream, right?
And to be fair, they are a great option, for the right dog, at the right age.
So… can puppies have yak chews?
Yes. But not all puppies. Most vets and trainers recommend waiting until your pup is at least four to six months old, sometimes even older depending on their size and chewing style.
Why? Because those tiny baby teeth (called deciduous teeth) are fragile. Yak chews are dense and tough. Great for older dogs, not great for puppy teeth that are still figuring out how to fall out and make room for the big ones.
There was this pup at the dog park once…
A sweet little Aussie mix, just 12 weeks old, and full of fire. Her owner proudly pulled out a brand-new yak chew and handed it over. Within minutes, the poor pup had chipped a tooth.
No joke. The pup was fine in the end, but the vet bill? Not so much.
Point is, those chews are rock solid. Literally.
Why does the age matter so much, anyway?
Puppy mouths are busy places. Between three to six months, their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth start pushing in. It’s a sore, sensitive time. Giving something too hard can do more harm than good.
And once the adult teeth are mostly in and the jaw’s stronger? That’s when things like yak chews become way more appropriate.
Chewing needs don’t wait, though
Just because yak chews are too hard for the tiny pups doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Soft rubber toys, frozen carrots, puppy-safe nylabones, there’s a whole world of gentle chews that won’t turn teething into a dental emergency.
Think of it like baby-proofing. You give what their little mouths can handle, and save the big stuff for when they’re ready.
When the time comes, supervision is everything
Even when your pup’s older and ready for a yak chew, it’s not a “set it and forget it” situation. Always keep an eye out. These things can get small and become choking hazards real fast.
If it gets down to a little chunk, pull it. Don’t risk it. Some folks even microwave the end pieces and turn them into crunchy cheese puffs. Weirdly genius.
Choosing the right yak chew is part of the game
Not all yak chews are created equal. Some are so hard they could knock out a tooth in the wrong mouth. Others are softer, shaped thinner, and better for younger chewers transitioning from their baby teeth.
Look for ones labeled “for puppies” or “gentle chewers.” Or at least avoid the ones the size of a brick and labeled for large breeds. Your pup doesn’t need to gnaw on a cheese log the size of a loaf of bread.
Let’s not forget the upsides
When your puppy’s ready, yak chews are awesome. They keep them busy. They’re all-natural. They don’t stink like some animal-based chews. And they last longer than most things your pup doesn’t immediately destroy.
Also, they’re pretty solid for dental health, scraping off plaque as they chew. But they’re not a replacement for brushing or vet care. Just a good extra.
Don’t rush the process just because they’re “bored”
Puppies get bored all the time. That doesn’t mean they need a yak chew at ten weeks old. Rotate toys. Freeze treats. Play tug. Give frozen washcloths during teething weeks.
Yak chews are something to graduate to, not a quick fix. Waiting a bit could spare you a vet visit or a puppy with tooth pain you didn’t see coming.
A few things to keep in mind before buying one
- Wait until your puppy has most of their adult teeth
- Always supervise chewing sessions
- Choose size and texture based on their current chewing ability
- Remove small chunks or soft soggy bits
- Don’t use as a babysitter while you leave the house
If you’re not sure your pup’s ready, a quick vet check can clear it up. Every dog’s different, and some hit those chewing milestones faster than others.
Final thoughts
Yak chews can be amazing, but timing is everything. You want your dog to enjoy chewing, not regret it with a chipped fang or sore gums.
The good news? There’s no rush. Puppies grow fast, and before you know it, they’ll be able to take on those fancy Himalayan snacks like a champ.
So when that day comes and you’re standing in the treat aisle, yak chew in hand, will you know your pup’s truly ready for it?