Can Puppies Have Yak Chews? Age, Size and Safety Guide

Puppies chew everything. Shoes, table legs, your hands — it’s all fair game, especially while their teeth are coming through. So it’s natural to look for something long-lasting and natural to give them instead. But are yak chews actually OK for puppies, and from what age?

Short answer: most puppies can enjoy yak chews from around 4 months old, as long as you choose the right size, keep sessions short and always supervise. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Age Can Puppies Have Yak Chews?

Most yak chew makers, including us, recommend them for dogs over 4 months old. Before that, puppies have small, sharp baby teeth and developing jaws, and a very hard chew isn’t the right fit.

Between roughly 3 and 7 months, puppies lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth come through. This is when the urge to chew is strongest. A yak chew can give them a safe outlet during teething, but because the chew is very hard, it’s worth taking a few extra precautions (below) while their adult teeth settle.

If your puppy has any dental problems, is a very small or toy breed, or you’re unsure, check with your vet first.

Why Owners Choose Yak Chews for Puppies

• Simple ingredients — our classic chews are made from Himalayan yak milk with a little lime and salt. No rawhide.
• Long-lasting — they wear down slowly, so they keep a puppy busy far longer than biscuits or soft treats. See how long yak chews last.
• A better target for chewing — giving a puppy something they’re allowed to chew helps steer them away from furniture and shoes.
• Little mess or smell — handy indoors.

Choosing the Right Size for a Puppy

Size matters more than anything. A chew that’s too small can be a choking risk, while one that’s too big can be hard for a young puppy to manage.

• Small and medium breed puppies: a medium yak chew is usually the right starting point. Our medium 4-flavour pack lets you see which flavour your puppy prefers.
• Large breed puppies: they grow fast and chew hard, so many owners move up to an XL yak chew once the puppy can handle it.

A good rule: the chew should be too big for your puppy to fit fully in their mouth. If you’re between sizes, go bigger.

How to Give a Yak Chew to a Puppy Safely

1. Keep the first sessions short. Start with 10–15 minutes, then take the chew away and store it. This protects young teeth and lets their tummy adjust.
2. Always supervise. Stay nearby while your puppy chews, especially in the early days.
3. Soften it if needed. If your puppy is teething or finds the chew too hard, soak it in warm water for a few minutes. This softens the outside slightly without falling apart.
4. Remove small pieces. Once the chew is small enough to be swallowed, take it away. The leftover end can be microwaved for 30–60 seconds until it puffs up, then cooled and given as a crunchy treat.
5. Provide fresh water at all times.
6. Introduce new treats slowly. Like any new food, give a little at first and watch for any tummy upset.

For more detail on the risks and how to avoid them, read our honest UK guide to yak chew safety.

Signs to Stop or Take a Break

• Bleeding gums or a cracked or broken tooth
• Vomiting, diarrhoea or a sore tummy after chewing
• Your puppy trying to swallow large pieces whole
• Your puppy getting frustrated because the chew is too hard

If you notice any of these, take the chew away and speak to your vet if you’re concerned.

Puppy Yak Chew FAQs

Can a 3-month-old puppy have a yak chew?

We recommend waiting until around 4 months. Very young puppies are better off with softer, puppy-specific chews and toys.

Are yak chews too hard for puppies?

They are very hard, which is why short, supervised sessions and soaking in warm water help. If your puppy struggles, wait a few weeks and try again.

How long should a puppy chew a yak chew for?

Start with around 10–15 minutes per session and build up gradually as your puppy gets older and you see how they get on.

Are flavoured yak chews OK for puppies?

Many owners use flavoured chews to find what their puppy enjoys most. As with any new treat, introduce one at a time and check the pack for ingredients if your puppy has a sensitive tummy or known allergies.

How should I store yak chews between sessions?

Let a chewed piece air dry, then keep it in a cool, dry cupboard. Our yak chew storage guide explains how to keep them firm for longer.

Final Thoughts

Yak chews can be a great chew for puppies from around 4 months old: natural, long-lasting and a far better target than your furniture. Pick the right size, keep sessions short and supervised, and soften them during teething if needed. If you have any doubts about your puppy’s teeth or health, your vet is always the best person to ask.