Picking the right chew isn't just about the ingredients. Size matters just as much, and it's one of the most common mistakes new pet parents make. A chew that's too small for your dog can be swallowed whole, and a chew that's too large can be tough for a small dog to get any grip on. This guide walks through how to size a yak chew correctly, so your dog gets a chew that's both safe and satisfying.
If you haven't already, our [pet parent's guide to dog chews] covers the broader safety basics worth knowing before you buy any chew, not just yak chews.
Why Sizing Matters More Than People Think
A chew that's undersized for your dog is one of the most common causes of choking incidents. As a chew wears down, it eventually reaches a size where it can be swallowed in one piece rather than chewed further. The bigger and more determined your dog's jaw, the sooner a chew reaches that danger zone.
On the other end, an oversized chew isn't dangerous in the same way, but it can be frustrating for a smaller dog who can't get enough leverage to actually work on it, or intimidating for a puppy still learning how to chew.
Getting the size right means your dog gets a chew that lasts, engages them, and doesn't need to be taken away halfway through for safety reasons.
Sizing by Weight and Breed
As a general guideline:
|
Weight Range |
Example Breeds |
Recommended Size |
|
Under 15 lbs |
Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle |
Small |
|
15 to 35 lbs |
Beagle, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer |
Small to Medium |
|
35 to 60 lbs |
Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Standard Poodle, Bulldog |
Medium to Large |
|
60 to 90 lbs |
Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer |
Large |
|
90+ lbs |
Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Rottweiler |
Large to Extra-Large |
Sizing by Life Stage
Puppies Puppies have smaller mouths and are still developing their bite strength, so a size below what their adult weight will eventually be is usually the safer starting point. Introduce chewing gradually and supervise closely, since puppies are also more likely to attempt swallowing pieces that are too large.
Adult dogs Adult dogs can generally handle the standard weight-based sizing above, adjusted for chewing style.
Senior dogs Older dogs may have less bite strength or dental sensitivity, so a slightly smaller or softer chew can be easier on aging teeth and gums, even if their weight would suggest a larger size.
When to Replace a Chew
No matter the starting size, every chew eventually wears down to a point where it should be taken away. As a rule of thumb, once a chew has worn down to roughly the size of your dog's mouth or smaller, meaning it could realistically be swallowed in one bite, it's time to swap it out for a new one.
Always supervise chew time, especially the first few times you try a new chew with your dog, so you can see how quickly they wear through it and adjust sizing on the next purchase if needed.
Shop by Size
Ready to find the right fit? Our [Original], [Blueberry], and [Mango] yak chews come in a range of sizes to match your dog's weight and chewing style. Browse the [Yak Chews Trial Pack] to find the right fit for your dog.
Still getting familiar with chew safety basics? Start with our [pet parent's guide to dog chews] for the full rundown.
