You know that moment when your dog has been happily chewing away, and all that is left now is a tiny piece of their yak chew? Their favourite yak chew has become too small to continue chewing on, but throwing it away also feels like such a huge waste?
Well, if you have found yourself in similar situations and had to ultimately throw it away, then here is a little trick you might want to try!
The leftover dog chew piece can be potentially transformed into a crunchy and puffed-up treat using a simple soaking and heating method. So, before you bid the final goodbye to your dog’s last piece of favourite yak chew, here’s what you should actually do.
When Is A Yak Chew Too Small To Keep Chewing?
Yak chew toys for dogs and puppies are designed to be long-lasting, but they are bound to last some time. As your dog continues to chew and works their way through the chew, it gradually tends to get smaller. Once it gets small enough for your dog to swallow as a whole, it is time to take it away. This is especially important if your dog is an aggressive chewer and tends to gulp down treats.
And always remember, as a pet parent, even a yak chew that is perfectly sized for your dog’s size and chewing nature can become a choking hazard as it wears down slowly. Hence, always keep an eye out on your dog throughout chew time and remove the leftover piece when it becomes too small to handle safely.
But does that mean that it has to go straight into the dustbin? Not necessarily.
The Yak Chew Hack: Turn The Last Piece Into A Crunchy Puff
Before using this trick or hack, ensure you check that your dog yak chew manufacturer confirms that its product is suitable for this preparation method. If the answer is positive, then here is how the leftover piece can be turned into a puffed treat.
Step 1: Save The Leftover Piece
Once your dog’s yak chew becomes too small for them to chew safely, take it away. Never let your dog continue chewing on it just to finish it completely.
Step 2: Soak It Overnight
Place the leftover piece in water and leave it to soak overnight, following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific product.
Step 3: Heat It As Directed
If the yak chew manufacturer recommends microwaving, then follow its instructions for the soaking time, heating duration and suitable portion size. Don’t assume that every yak chew will puff up in the same way.
Step 4: Let It Cool Completely
Heating up the yak chew can make the piece extremely hot, including in the center. Allow it to cool completely and check that there are no dangerously hard or sharp sections before considering it as a treat.
Step 5: Offer It Under Supervision
If the resulting puff is suitable for your dog, then offer it as an occasional treat and supervise your dog as they eat it.
Why Does A Yak Chew Puff Up?
Have you ever wondered how a small and dense piece of yak chew can puff up and turn into something so much bigger? Well, the entire process comes down to yak chew responding to moisture and heat.
When you expose the yak chew piece to suitable heating conditions, the moisture within the softened piece can turn into steam. This helps the tiny piece of the chew expand and develop a lighter and crunchier texture.
However, there is no guaranteed result to this. The result entirely depends on the yak chew’s ingredients, preparation methods and moisture content. Not every yak chew can puff up as expected, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions rather than experimenting with heating times.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
Before trying this yak chew heating hack, keep the following things in mind:
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Always Supervise Your Dog: Never leave your dog alone with a small piece of yak chew or puffed-up treat.
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Do Not Reuse Spoiled Chews: Discard any chew piece that has mould, an unusual smell or signs of contamination.
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Never Serve It Hot: Allow the piece to completely cool before offering it to your dog.
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Follow Product-Specific Instructions: Only use the soaking and heating method if the manufacturer confirms it's suitable for that yak chew.
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Keep Portions Of Appropriate Size: Even a puffed treat can pose a choking risk if it is too large.
If you are unsure about whether the prepared treat is safe or not, it is better to discard the leftover piece than take a chance.
Want to know more about what’s inside your dog’s favourite Zazu & Co’s yak chews? Read our What Is a Yak Chew Made Of? guide.
One Last Bite? One More Treat!
Yak chews can keep dogs happily occupied, but knowing when to take the last piece away is just as important as choosing the correct dog chew in the first place. If your particular chosen yak chew is suitable for heating in the microwave and puffing according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then you may be able to give the leftover piece a second life as an occasional crunchy treat.
FAQs
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Can you microwave the last piece of a yak chew?
Some yak chews can be puffed up using a soaking and heating method. But this always depends on the product. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before microwaving a leftover piece.
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When should I take a yak chew away from my dog?
Take the yak chew away once it becomes small enough for your dog to swallow it as a whole. Always supervise your dog while chewing to reduce the risk of choking.
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Can dogs eat puffed yak chews?
A puffed yak chew may be offered as an occasional treat if the manufacturer confirms that the preparation method is suitable. Let it cool completely, check its texture and supervise your dog while they eat it.
