{"id":35722,"date":"2023-06-12T17:11:23","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T00:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/?p=35722"},"modified":"2024-02-23T16:10:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-24T00:10:55","slug":"are-himalayan-chews-safe-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/are-himalayan-chews-safe-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Himalayan Chews Safe For Dogs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Himalayan chews<\/a> are hard cheese chews that are often referred to as safe rawhide alternatives for dogs, but how safe are they really?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s what I\u2019m here to talk to you about today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because although these chews can pose a health risk, I\u2019ve been feeding them to my pup for 3+ years, yet I don\u2019t plan on stopping anytime soon.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Wally<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Wally with a Himalayan chew<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, that doesn\u2019t make me a bad dog mom, it just means I know a thing or two you may want to be aware of as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That includes the ingredients this dog chew is made with, two particular safety precautions as well as what storing the chews in extreme temperatures does to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now without further ado, here\u2019s the scoop on Himalayan chews for dogs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is The Origin Of Himalayan Dog Chews?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It all starts with the milk from pastured yaks and cows from the majestic Himalayas in Nepal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why Himalayan chews are also known as Yak chews or Yak cheese chews<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make the chews, the milk is first heated to a high temperature. This helps to separate the fat and the whey, leaving behind a thick and sticky substance called curd. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: That\u2019s where the traditional Himalayan chew recipe ends, but some manufacturers also add a little lime juice and salt for natural preservation purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both are always listed last on the ingredient label, which means there\u2019s only very little of these in Himalayan chews, typically less than 1%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good to know:<\/strong> Ingredients on dog food and dog chew labels are always listed in descending order. They start with the ingredient that has the highest quantity and end with the ingredient with the smallest amount.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But either way, the curd is then pressed to remove any excess moisture, and the resulting solid is shaped into differently sized blocks or bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After that, the blocks are left to dry naturally for several months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this time, the chews become hard and dense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final result is a Himalayan dog chew<\/a> that is completely natural and free from any artificial additives or synthetic preservatives, regardless of the recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Shopping<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Shopping for Himalayan chews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Benefits of Himalayan Chews?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Himalayan chews offer a range of benefits that go beyond just being a tasty treat from abroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listed below you\u2019ll find the 6 major ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Dental Health<\/strong>: As dogs chew on these, the natural hardness and texture helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup from their teeth. This action promotes good oral hygiene, reduces the risk of gum disease, and keeps their pearly whites in better shape.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Long-Lasting<\/strong>: Himalayan chews are known for their durability, which is ideal for dogs that tend to get bored easily or have excessive chewing habits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Rich In Protein & Calcium<\/strong>: Himalayan chews are made primarily from yak and cow milk, which means they\u2019re naturally rich in protein and calcium, benefiting their bones, teeth and muscles. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Fully Digestible<\/strong>: Despite their hardness, Himalayan chews are fully digestible and soften when they\u2019re exposed to the dog’s saliva.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Allergy-Friendly<\/strong>: Himalayan chews are great for dogs with sensitivities to grains, gluten and artificial ingredients in general. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Lactose-Free<\/strong>: During the production of Himalayan chews, the milk is heated to a high temperature, causing the lactose to break down and become more easily digestible. Additionally, as the chews are dried over an extended period, any remaining lactose content is further reduced.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How Long Do Himalayan Dog Chews Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As far as their general shelf life is concerned, Himalayan chews<\/a> last around 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That\u2019s as long as they stay in the sealed bag they come in and are stored in a temperature-controlled environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Regarding the time one stick will last your pup compared to other dog chews like pig ears<\/a> or beef collagen sticks<\/a>, it really depends on:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n