Yak Chews vs. Collagen Sticks for Dogs 🐶: Which One Deserves a Spot in Your Treat Drawer?
Key takeaways:
- Yak chews offer ultra‑long durability, low odor, high protein, and minimal ingredients—ideal for strong adult chewers.
- Collagen sticks are softer, digestible, and often formulated for joint, skin, and coat support—making them well-suited for puppies and senior dogs.
- Both are digestible treats but come with safety considerations. Use size-appropriate chews, supervise chewing, and rotate based on your dog’s needs.
🦴 What Are Collagen Sticks?
Collagen sticks are made from the inner layer of cow skin (called corium), not to be confused with rawhide. They’re processed and shaped into chewy sticks your pup can’t wait to sink their teeth into.
🌄 What Are Yak Chews?
Yak chews (aka Himalayan chews) are hard, natural dog chews made using an authentic recipe from the Himalayas using yak milk, cow milk, lime juice, and salt. That’s it.
They’re hand-pressed, sun-dried, and slow-smoked—nothing artificial added.
🧠 Quick Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Yak Chews |
Collagen Sticks |
|
Ingredients |
Yak & cow milk, lime, salt |
Cow corium (inner skin), sometimes flavored |
|
Protein Type |
Complete dairy protein |
Collagen (not complete, but supports joints/skin) |
|
Joint & Coat Support |
❌ Not specific |
✅ Yes—targeted support |
|
Chew Longevity |
✅✅✅ Ultra long-lasting |
✅ Short to medium lasting |
|
Digestibility |
✅ Yes (especially when chewed down) |
✅ Yes (but watch for gulpers) |
|
Flavor |
Mild cheesy taste |
Meaty or flavored options |
|
Odor |
✅ Odor-free |
❌ Can be smelly |
|
Suitability by Age |
Ideal for adults & power chewers |
Softer—good for seniors or puppies |
|
Added Fun Factor |
✅ Puffable into a crunchy snack |
❌ Standard form |
|
Ethical Sourcing |
✅ Small-scale Himalayan farms |
❓ Industrial meat byproduct (less transparency) |
🧠 What Veterinarians Recommend
According to Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, Chief Veterinarian at Petco:
Yak chews can be a great alternative to other more risky chewing options, offering a way to satisfy dogs’ chewing urges without danger to their gums or teeth. They’re not only safe, but also grain-free, gluten-free, and naturally free from preservatives and other additives.
This makes yak chews an appealing natural chew—especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
For collagen sticks, veterinarians like Dr. Morgan Hayes recommends choosing ones made with Type II collagen to support joint and cartilage health, particularly for senior dogs or those with mobility issues.
👃 Smell Test: What’s It Like in Your Living Room?
- Yak Chews: Virtually odorless—a win for indoor dog parents.
- Collagen Sticks: Dogs love the smell. Dog parents? Maybe not so much.
🧼 Mess & Safety Factor
- Yak Chews: No grease. No slime. Doesn’t splinter. And the puff trick at the end reduces choking risk.
- Collagen Sticks: Can get gooey. Some dogs swallow big chunks if unsupervised.
Both are digestible dog chews, but yak chews may have a safety edge due to their puffable feature.
💡 The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Pick?
Here’s the truth: both chews have their place.
🏆 Choose Yak Chews If:
- You’ve got a power chewer who blitzes through regular treats
- You want a low-odor, long-lasting chew bone
- You like simple, clean ingredients
- You care about ethical sourcing and minimal waste
- You want one chew that doubles as two (hello, puffed snack!)
- You’re looking for a meat, rawhide alternative for dogs that’s easier to digest
👍 Choose Collagen Sticks If:
- Your dog needs joint, coat, or skin support
- They’re a puppy or senior with sensitive teeth
- You want a quick, satisfying treat, not a marathon chew session
💬 Final Verdict
Both are great. But when it comes to chew time that’s satisfying, safe, and stink-free, yak chews get our vote.
They last longer. They’re cleaner. They’re fun.
And they’re made the old-fashioned way—with care, not chemicals. What's even better is that the yak chews are now infused with flavors with unique benefits, making them even better.
❓ FAQs
▼ Are collagen sticks safe for dogs?
Yes, they’re digestible and safer than rawhide. Just supervise to avoid gulping large chunks.
▼ Are collagen sticks good for dogs?
Definitely. They support joint, skin, and coat health, especially in aging or active pups.
▼ Can I give both yak chews and collagen sticks?
Absolutely. Rotate based on your dog’s needs and chewing style.
▼ How often should my dog have a yak chew?
2–3 times per week is a great rhythm. Just supervise and provide water.
▼ Do yak chews smell?
Nope. That’s one of their biggest perks—they’re basically smell-free.
▼ What size yak chew should I get?
Match the chew to your dog’s size and chewing power. Go smaller for puppies, XL for heavy-duty chewers.
Psst... Ready to upgrade your treat game?
👉 Check out our natural yak chews — for dogs who chew with purpose.
