As dog owners, we are always on the lookout for safe, healthy, and engaging treats for our dogs.
Yak cheese dog chews and antler chews are two popular options in the dog chew market.Â
Each offers unique benefits and characteristics, serving the different needs and preferences of both dogs and their owners.Â
Here is a comparison between yak cheese dog chews and antler chews and which you should choose for your dog, depending on your and your dog’s preferences.
Yak Cheese Dog Chew vs Antler Chews: A Detailed Comparison
Here is a detailed breakdown of comparison into these key points:
- Ingredients
- Nutritional Value
- Durable/Long-Lasting Nature
- Satisfying Chew Time
- Variants and Flavors Available
- Messiness and Odor
- Additives
- Environmental Impact
- Potential Health Hazards
- Suitability for dog breeds
1. Ingredients
Yak cheese dog chews are usually made using four ingredients: yak milk, cow milk, salt, and lime. The traditional manufacturing process of yak cheese dog chew involves boiling, coagulating, and drying the yak milk to create a hard, long-lasting cheese chew.
Know in detail: How are yak chews made?
Antler chews are sourced from the naturally shed antlers of deer, elk, or moose. These chews are collected and processed without any additional ingredients, maintaining their natural composition. They are single-ingredient products with no additives.
Both products are natural and minimally processed, but for being purely natural with a single ingredient, antler chews take the point!
2. Nutritional Value
Yak cheese dog chews are rich in protein and calcium, thanks to their milk content. They also provide essential nutrients that are beneficial for your dog's health.
Antler chews are also high in protein and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. These nutrients contribute to healthy bones and teeth.
Both chews provide unique nutritional values for dogs, so it is considered a draw !
3. Durable/Long-Lasting Nature
Yak cheese chews are highly durable and long-lasting yak bones, which are an excellent choice for aggressive chewers. They can keep your dog busy for hours or even days.
Antler chews are also known for their impressive durability, as they are naturally sourced from the hard material of animal antlers. They are considered one of the toughest chews available. They can last longer than yak chews.
For their superior longevity, antler chews win this category!
4. Satisfying Chew Time
Both yak cheese dog treats and antler chews offer a satisfying chewing experience because of their hard textures.
The chewy texture and resistance of yak cheese treats can keep dogs engaged for an extended period. They achieve their hard texture through the cheese drying process.
Antler chews also offer a satisfying chewing experience, with their hard and durable nature providing dogs with a challenging and engaging activity. Antler chews naturally have a hard, rough texture.
This one is a draw as both products offer a satisfying chew time for dogs.
5. Variants and Flavours Available
Yak cheese dog chews come in various sizes, flavors, and levels of hardness. They are available as hard cheese sticks for aggressive chewers and softer cheese puffs, for puppies and senior dogs with soft teeth. They are also available in flavors like turmeric, strawberry, etc.
Antler chews on the other hand are primarily available in their natural form, with no added flavors or varieties. However, they may be available in split and whole antlers, to adjust to different dog sizes and chewing strengths.
For offering more specific variants like cheese puffs and flavors, yak cheese dog chews take the point!
6. Messiness and Odor
Yak cheese dog treats have minimal odor and do not leave stains on carpets or furniture. They are a clean and convenient option for indoor chewing.
Antler chews also have little to no odor and do not create a mess. They do not typically leave behind strong smells or stains, making them a more appealing option for indoor use.
This one is a draw as both products are low-odor and mess-free.
7. Additives
Yak dog chews are mostly additive-free and one of the best all natural dog chews. They do not contain grain or gluten and are a  healthy option for your dog.
Antler chews are a pure, natural product, with no added ingredients or additives. They are simply the dried and processed antlers of deer, elk, or moose, maintaining their inherent composition.Â
Both products are excellent in this regard, so this one is regarded as a draw!
8. Environmental Impact
Yak cheese dog chews are made from renewable resources, as they are made from yak milk and cow milk. They are a sustainable chew option provided that the milk is sourced ethically.
Antler chews are naturally shed, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly option. They do not involve harming the animals and can be collected without negatively impacting wildlife.
Considering the lesser environmental impacts of both chews, this round is considered a draw.
9. Potential Health Hazards
All dog chew might pose a choking hazard, therefore it is best to supervise them while giving yak chew or any other dog chew.
Yak cheese dog chews are hard, and in rare cases can chip and splinter. If they do, they are likely to pose a choking hazard or cause digestive upset.Â
Antler chews, due to their extreme hardness, can cause tooth fractures in dogs, especially with weaker teeth. They have a high possibility of forming sharp edges that could cause cuts or lacerations in the mouth.
Given the potential for severe tooth damage with antler chews, yak cheese dog chews take this point!
10. Suitability for dog breeds
Yak chews can be enjoyed by every dog breeds as they come in different sizes and have variations in hardness as well. Yak chews are lactose-free, but they may not be ideal for dairy intolerant dogs or dogs with highly sensitive stomachs.
Antler chews are best suited for dogs with strong teeth and a tendency to chew persistently. They may cause dental harm in puppies, senior dogs, or those with dental issues.
Since dental issues are more common in dogs than dairy intolerance, yak chews win this round.
Verdict
Here are the results based on the points:
- Yak chews: three points
- Antler chews: two points
- Draw: five points
Both yak cheese dog chews and antler chews have their strong points and drawbacks. Yak cheese chews excel in terms of nutritional value, suitability for various dog breeds, and lower potential health hazards. Antler chews, on the other hand, stand out for their durability, natural composition, and nutritional value.Â
But based on the above comparison, yak cheese dog chews stand out as a better product than antler chews. However, the best choice depends on your dog's individual needs, preferences, and chewing habits. Consider your dog's size, chewing strength, and health status when deciding between these two chews.
FAQs
How long do Yak Cheese Dog Chews last?
Yak cheese dog chews can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the dog's chewing strength and the size of the chew.
Are Antler Chews safe for puppies?
Antler chews can be safe for puppies if appropriately sized, but softer chews are often recommended to avoid potential tooth damage. It is always safe to supervise your dog while chewing antlers and watch out for broken pieces or splinters.
Can Yak Cheese Dog Chews cause digestive issues?
Yak cheese dog chews are generally easy to digest, but dogs with dairy intolerance or very sensitive stomachs may show signs of digestive issues. This may also be common while introducing a new chew to your dog.
What are the signs that a dog chew is no longer safe?
Signs that a dog chew is no longer safe include significant wear, sharp edges, cracks, and pieces that have become small enough to pose a choking hazard. Replace the dog chews with a new one if any of the signs are visible.