Maybe you have heard of a Himalayan Dog Chew – it’s likely you’ve seen it on your favorite pet website. But have you heard of or tried yak’s milk? What’s the deal with giving your dog hard cheese to gnaw on?
There seems to be quite the craze going on, but why? And is it a safe treat to give to your dog?
We have put together a comprehensive Himalayan Dog Chew review that will answer all of your questions!
What Exactly is a Himalayan Dog Chew?
Himalayan Dog Chews (HDCs) are canine treats based on traditional hard cheese that originated in Nepal’s Himalayan regions. Himalayan Dog Chews, made from yak’s milk, cow’s milk, salt, and lime juice, are all-natural, full of protein, easy to digest, and incredibly long-lasting.
Simply put, Himalayan Dog Chews are a hard cheese chew that is an excellent alternative to other treats on the market, such as rawhide or pig ears. It’s free of gluten, dairy, grain, corn, and lactose – it’s just CHEESE. No additives or preservatives in this cheesy delight of a treat, so you can feel good about giving it to your furry best friend!
The History Behind the “Original” Himalayan Dog Chew
In 2007, two friends named Nishes Shrestha and Suman Shrestha emigrated from Nepal to the US and introduced their first dog treat, the Himalayan Dog Chew. Things took off from there, as the two friends went on to establish a pet treat manufacturing company, Himalaya Corp., in Mukilteo, Washington.
The company was the first to offer an alternative dog treat made from Himalayan hard cheese pet owners in the US.
Himalaya Corp. uses fair trade manufacturing and farming co-ops in Nepal. The yaks and cows graze on fresh grass in open fields, and their milk never has added hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals. Oh, and they have amazing views of stunning mountain ranges, which can only be a good thing!
Roughly 3,000 Nepalese farmers deliver the key ingredients needed to make Himalayan Dog Chews. The company also has a production facility in Nepal, where additional Nepalese employees create and transport the finished products to the US and other countries.
Himalaya Corp. uses fair trade manufacturing and farming co-ops in Nepal. The cows and yaks that create the milk graze in open fields or on fresh grass. They have no added hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals, which means you’re getting quality milk from them.
The History of the Cheese Used in HDCs
The cheese behind Himalayan Dog Chews originated in Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan and is known as chhurpi or durkha.
The traditional cheese can be hard or soft. Soft chhurpi is usually eaten with rice or another side dish.
Hard chhurpi, a smoked cheese, is typically chewed, up to two hours, and over time it will have a gummy, chewy consistency. In the regions surrounding the Himalayan mountains, people chew the cheese – it’s tangy and a bit smoky and is described as being similar to parmesan. Unlike some cheeses, chhurpi does not have a strong odor.
Hard chhurpi is 52% protein, contains high levels of healthy fats, and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Much of this is due to the yak’s milk found in chhurpi, which has more of those healthy fats than cow’s milk. Yaks spend their time in the beautiful Himalayan mountains and their natural, free-range diet results in healthy milk.
How Are Himalayan Dog Chews Made?
Himalayan Dog Chews are made of 100% natural yak cheese that is hardened using an ancient smoking process that can take up to three months.
Let’s take a look at exactly how those tasty, cheesy treats are made.
Himalayan Dog Chews contain the following all-natural ingredients:
- Yak Milk and/or Cow Milk
- Lime Juice
- Salt (for preservation)
These chews only contain three to four ingredients, none of which you have to look up to understand. And making the actual hard cheese treat is simple as well!
Himalayan Dog Chews are made through the following process:
- Yak milk and cow milk are boiled.
- Lime juice is added along with salt for preservation.
- The mixture is then dried or smoked over several weeks.
- The hardened, low-moisture cheese develops.
While not many ingredients make up this cheesy treat, when you go to buy Himalayan Dog Chews, there’s a possibility that the brand you are looking at is slightly different.
Therefore, as with any dog treat, be sure to check the ingredient list. You don’t want to end up buying a treat you can’t give to your pup due to allergies, or worse, give it to him and then have to deal with unwanted side effects.
Wait – Aren’t Milk Products Bad for Dogs?
While Himalaya Dog Chews begin with yak’s milk and cow’s milk, once hardened into cheese, the milk can be easily digested by dogs. Himalaya Dog Chews are lactose-free!
Who’s It For?
Himalayan Dog Chews are made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Whether you have a chihuahua or German shepherd, there’s a dog chew that is perfectly sized for your pup.
While this treat might be a perfect, healthy option for your dog, it may not work well for someone else’s pup.
Let’s take a look at what dogs might benefit from chomping on a Himalayan Dog Chew, and what dogs should find another healthy treat.
The Himalayan Dog Chew is perfect for:
- Pet owners looking for an all-natural treat free with simple, healthy ingredients
- Dogs that tend to chew through treats quickly – HDCs are long-lasting!
- Dogs that could use a little help cleaning the plaque from their teeth
- Dogs that could benefit from mental stimulation
The Himalayan Dog Chew probably isn’t suited for:
- A pup with a history of swallowing treats or choking easily
- Any dog with known allergies to Himalayan Dog Chew ingredients
- Dogs with dental issues, such as missing or cracked teeth, or sensitive gums
- Dogs that will not be supervised while chewing on the treat
It should take your dog hours to work through the end of a dog chew. Then, slowly, the treat becomes softened and small parts can be chewed off.
Himalaya Corp. found that approximately 10% of dogs suffered from digestive issues; however, any flatulence or diarrhea was short-lived.
Like any dog treat, Himalayan dog chews might not be suitable for your furry friend due to allergies or choking concerns.
Where Can I Find Himalayan Dog Chews?
Himalayan Dog Chews are widely available online. They come in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large.
Some of our favorite Himalayan Dog Chews:
- Himalayan Pet Supply Mixed Dog Treats – this three-pack of chews is sure to keep your pup busy for a long time. It is recommended to give to dogs that weigh under 65 lbs.
- Himalayan Pet Supply Natural Cheese Dog Treats in XL – An excellent, cheesy option for dogs 55 lbs. and over. If given intermittently, this treat should last weeks!
- Himalayan Pet Supply Natural Cheese Dog Treats – XS – This treat is a favorite for little dogs coming in at under 15 lbs.
There is a wide range of delicious cheesy treats just waiting for your pup to enjoy.
What We Like About Himalayan Dog Chews
There’s quite a bit to love about Himalayan Dog Chews. Let’s take a look!
First and Foremost…
Himalayan Dog Chews are an excellent alternative to other natural treats on the market. We can get behind companies that use fair trade and simple, natural ingredients. It’s becoming more and more important to pet owners to give their dogs treats that are healthy, natural, and safe, and HDCs are on top of the game in that respect.
The Health Perks!
The health perks are seemingly endless as chews are packed with protein, contain no additives or preservatives, boast healthy fats, and to top it all off – dogs LOVE them.
For pups on a limited ingredient diet, Himalayan Dog Chews are a great option. Really, just four ingredients make up HDCs – yak and cow milk, salt, and lime juice. That’s it! All ingredients you know and can actually read!
Himalayan Dog Chews Last Longer!
While Himalayan Dog Chews are a bit pricier than other treats, they last much longer. Of course, the length ultimately depends on the size of your dog and how aggressively he chews, but overall they tend to last longer than other alternatives, natural treats.
HDCs Come in all Sizes!
Of course, HDCs come in all kinds of sizes, from small to extra-large, so there’s likely an option that your dog will not be able to chew through too quickly.
Himalayan Dog Treats DON’T Smell Bad!
Pet owners often complain about how certain dog treats, such as pig ears, have a horrible smell. However, HDCs have a much milder, almost smoky, cheesy scent that is less intrusive smelling.
HDCs Won’t Leave a Mess!
Do you like to keep a clean house? Have you bought treats that leave behind residue and stain your carpet? Himalayan Dog Chews are much cleaner to up and do not leave behind any unwanted stains.
What We Don’t Like About Himalayan Dog Chews
While the benefits of Himalayan Dog Chews are extensive, there are a few downsides to the treat as well.
Choking Hazard
The main concern when giving your canine companion any treat is the risk of choking. Be sure to pay attention to the size of your pup’s Himalayan Dog Chew – when it gets small, it can be a choking hazard. However, you can microwave the small remaining piece of the chew, and it will blow up into a puffy, safe treat.
Cost
Dog treats range in price, and Himalayan dog treats are not the cheapest on the market. If cost is a concern, and you still want to try HDCs, look for bulk items or sales, and stock up on them then.
Himalayan Dog Chews are Indeed Hard
Himalayan Dog Chews are, in fact, hard. They can be tough for older dogs or dogs with dental issues, such as sensitive gums or missing teeth to chew.
While HDCs are extremely tough, larger dogs or dogs with strong jaws may be able to break off a piece and choke. Remember – always supervise your dog when they are enjoying a treat. Even the safest of dog treats have the potential to cause choking or result in dangerous side effects.
Dog treats range in price, and Himalayans are not the cheapest on the market. If cost is a concern, and you still want to try HDCs, look for bulk items or sales.
PROS
- Himalayan Dog Chews are a long-lasting treat for even the most aggressive chewers
- HDCs are all-natural, with no artificial flavors or colors or binding products, and are free of grain, corn, lactose, gluten, and soy.
- Himalayan Dog Chews promote healthy teeth and gum, naturally cleaning plaque off of dogs’ teeth.
- HDCs don’t have a pungent odor like some other dog treats.
- Himalayan Dog Chews are cleaner than other dog treats – less likely to leave behind residue, causing stains.
CONS
- HDCs, like all dog treats, pose a threat of choking. Always supervise your pup when you give them any treat! Make sure to watch for small pieces.
- There is a potential for allergic reactions. Always read the ingredients prior to giving your dog any treat.
- There is a potential for allergic reactions. Always read the ingredients prior to giving your dog any treat.
- Pet owners have reported teeth breaking due to the hardness of Himalayan Dog Chews. Even though the treat softens over time, it does start out hard.
Storing Himalayan Dog Chews
Proper storing of Himalayan Dog Chews is critical, as too much moisture can cause mold. Keep your chews in an airtight package at room temperature. You want to avoid keeping in chews in extreme cold or extreme heat.
After use, pat the chew dry with a paper towel or dishcloth and store the chew in a dry, airy place. Don’t use a storage bag to store your pup’s chew. It will not be able to dry properly, leaving room for mold to grow.
Himalayan Dog Chews Summary
Overall, Himalayan Dog Chews are a great alternative to traditional treats, such as pig ears or rawhide.
The delicious, cheesy treats contain no preservatives or additives, last longer than other alternative treats, and can provide your dog with hours of mental stimulation. Oh – and they are packed with protein and healthy fats, help keep dogs’ teeth clean and healthy, and don’t leave behind a mess for you to clean up.
Before introducing any new foods or treats to your dog, always consult with your veterinarian.
And be sure to monitor your loyal canine companion anytime you give him a treat.
Otherwise, a Himalayan Dog Chew might be your pup’s new favorite treat, and quite possibly yours as well!
FAQ:
- Are Himalayan Dog Chews good for dogs?
Overall, Himalayan Dog Chews are great for dogs! The chews are an all-natural, protein-packed cheese-filled treat that promotes healthy gums and teeth while providing mental stimulation.
Of course, as with any dog chew or bone, there are safety concerns with Himalayan Dog Chews. They are tough, hard treats, and like bones, there are inherent risks, such as choking.
- Do Himalayan Dog Chews become moldy? What’s their shelf life?
Like most foods, Himalayan Dog Chews do expire. However, they are able to last up to five years when properly stored.
If HDCs are exposed to too much moisture, they can become moldy. Make sure you are keeping your dog chews in an airtight container in a cool, dry area. For used chews, pat them dry and place them in a dry spot.
- How long will Himalayan Chews last?
HDCs are long-lasting, but the exact duration of time depends on the size of your dog and how long you let your dog chew on the treat. If you give your pup a timeframe to chew, it will likely last a while.
- What should I do with a Himalayan Dog Chew when it becomes a small piece?
When your loyal canine companion has gnawed the chew down to a small piece, don’t throw it away! Soak it in warm water for five minutes, pop it in the microwave for 45 seconds, and voila! You have a cheesy puffed treat. Just be sure to let it cool for at least two minutes before giving it to your dog.
- Is the cheese in Himalayan Dog Chews bad for my dog since it’s dairy?
No. Himalayan Dog Chews are lactose-free, and when served properly, should not pose any digestive issues for your dog.
- What’s the difference between yak’s milk and cow’s milk?
We are familiar with cow’s milk in the US, but what about yak’s milk? Yak’s milk is actually richer in lactose, protein, essential amino acids, and minerals. Yak’s milk has a higher level of healthy fats.
Himalayan Dog Chews (HDCs) are canine treats based on traditional hard cheese that originated in Nepal’s Himalayan regions. Himalayan Dog Chews, made from yak’s milk, cow’s milk, salt, and lime juice, are all-natural, full of protein, easy to digest, and incredibly long-lasting.
The post The Himalayan Dog Chew Review – A 2020 Deep Dive appeared first on Woof Whiskers.
