Do you like cheese? Me too! And your dog? I suppose he circles the table at the end of the meal, with his sweet little eyes… He'd love to try some too, luckily we have an alternative!

You'll learn everything there is to know about the Chhurpi Durka (its real Nepalese name meaning resistant, hard to break). The yak is a large, domesticated, herbivorous bovine with a long fleece, whose females, like our good Norman cows, provide milk and, by extension, cheese.

For the well-being of our furry friend and his digestive system, let's forget about the bull's mate, whose milk is far too rich in lactose, and focus on the yak's mate, fed on wild grasses, grazing peacefully and drinking water of rare purity.

Yak cheese for dogs

Yak cheese has remarkable properties. Renowned as the hardest cheese in the world, it remains the most popular among indigenous peoples, enjoyed as a snack between meals. For our beloved canines, it is ideal for their chewing needs and for its nutritional value. This consistency comes in part from the preparation process.

But let's be honest... Given the exponential demand for these treats, there simply aren't enough yaks to supply that much milk! Even though several breeders have established yak herds in the United States and Europe, Western manufacturers of yak cheese (victims of its own success) have had to adapt. In our pet stores, the coveted treat is made with cow's milk... and not with Himalayan yak milk.

Truffe Délice uses traditional and time-honored methods to make yak cheese for dogs.

For centuries, in the mountainous heights of the Himalayas, the artisanal production and maturation of yak cheese or chhurpi has been very simple, even if it is intended to be demanding manually.

After milking the dris (female yaks), Nepalese farmers heat the milk until it boils, then add lemon juice and a pinch of Himalayan salt. Once the milk has curdled, it is stored in a burlap sack, rinsed with hot water, and then pressed for weeks. Matured and free of moisture and lactose, it slowly solidifies.

Following this evaporation cycle, the blocks of cheese are cut into bars, tied together, and hung in a warm place where they are dried and smoked for the next two or three months. This resulting firm paste is then shaped into sticks of hard cheese with an appealing aroma, and can be preserved for several decades, depending on storage conditions… Incredible, isn't it?

Chhurpi, the new appetizer for carnivores

Discovered in 2003 by brothers Suman and Sujan Shrestha, and commercialized in 2007 by American entrepreneurs following the Bellingham pet show in Washington, this treat is now exported, manufactured and available worldwide for our faithful companions.

The strength and durability of this Himalayan bone make it a delightful and fun activity , perfect for our furry friend who will absolutely love it! Not to mention the pleasant aroma imparted by smoking. Of course, the goal isn't to replace their regular food, but rather to introduce essential organic substances like protein, which are vital for their well-being and to encourage instinctive behavior.

This coveted chew toy with its tough paste, very popular in pet stores, easily replaces deer antler or other beef sinew, and will last a very long time. As it softens and our furry friend takes its time to chew on it, it contributes to their oral hygiene and health through its chewing action : self-cleaning of the teeth, reduction of tartar buildup , production of antibacterial saliva, thus eradicating bacteria responsible for gum disease , gum massage, tongue cleaning, and freshening of breath .

The actual chewing time depends, of course, on the individual dog, but it is seven times longer than a rawhide bone (which should be absolutely avoided). On the other hand, it presents a challenge even for the most enthusiastic chewers.

100% Authentic Edible Food

We all aspire to non-synthetic ingredients in our diets. It goes without saying that we want our pets to eat just as healthily. What does this yak cheese for dogs contain?

High protein content : for healthy muscles and skin
0 carbohydrates : unlike processed food
Minerals and amino acids : molecules at the origin of life
Vitamins A, B1, B12, C, D, D3, E, K: biological functions
Calcium : for a strong skeleton
Potassium : essential for the nervous system and blood pressure
Phosphorus : Blood pH
Magnesium : for energy and concentration
Rich in antioxidants : for the body
Omega-3 fatty acids : for the heart, retina and brain
Folic acid : for growth
Grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and corn-free : for good digestion
Lactose-free (no sugar found in milk): to avoid cholesterol
Low calories
All-natural ingredients : free from artificial colors, flavors, additives, preservatives, and GMOs

Isn't such a nutritional profile enticing? Especially since, being an excellent source of animal protein and vitamins, churpi is essential for a balanced diet, excellent physical condition, and undeniably strong immune defenses...

A culinary adventure or instinctive chewing?

Dogs possess a legendary instinct; their impulses can be formidable, and they act intelligently based on memory. Their innate and atavistic behavior within their own species is governed by various drives: predation, territoriality, play, and flight from danger. These inclinations compel them to relieve tension arising from the body in response to stimuli.

Your faithful dog's jaw is designed for grinding and shredding. Chewing is therefore important, as it is first and foremost a physiological necessity and, moreover, a direct way to reduce their potential stress level; it releases endorphins , neurotransmitters linked to feelings of satisfaction.

In dog training, physical and cognitive stimulation is essential. It's important to remember that biting, in moderation, is a completely hereditary need. If your dog regularly chews on a suitable toy, he'll be less likely to get bored, scratch, lick excessively, or even chew on your socks or fingers. By rewarding him with a tasty and smelly edible toy like the Chhurpi, you'll encourage him to relax while getting healthy exercise. Indeed, chewing is a pastime that requires patience and is an energy-intensive activity, fundamental for his proper development and physical balance.

Is yak cheese dangerous for dogs?

There is nothing safer and of higher quality (with controls and tests to back it up) for your furry friend than chewing on a yak stick .

Because it's very sturdy, it's unlikely to be devoured in an instant. While the bar softens from chewing and licking, your dog will be entertained and will also be able to clean its teeth.

Sometimes small pieces break off from the dripping treat; it's possible the size of the chew toy was underestimated relative to your dog's size or jaw strength. If any bits remain after the meal, your chewer might be tempted to swallow it all! While this treat is perfectly digestible, it's important to remember that it could cause digestive upset if swallowed whole. Keep an eye on it.

Can yak cheese be microwaved?

Absolutely! Collect the remaining fragments, place them in the microwave for 30 to 90 seconds, watch them as they puff up like popcorn and, once cooled, offer them again to your little player who will once again enjoy these crunchy, crumbly, honeycomb-like, delicious and fragrant treats, in complete safety.

No harm done to your adorable creature and... no waste! Plus, since it's dye-free, the chhurpi won't stain. Phew! The rug is saved!

Lactose intolerance or sensitive intestines?

In chhurpi , lactose (composed of two simple sugars, glucose and galactose, present in milk) is released into the whey during the heating process and the breakdown of the curd by enzymes. Yak cheese is therefore easy to digest.

Just like us, our pets differ from one another and don't all react the same way to what they eat. If yours has a problematic digestive system, or suffers from bloating (which is simply the accumulation of air and fluid), introduce chewing exercises gradually, in short bursts. There shouldn't be any adverse consequences. This treat is very easy to tolerate and helps combat constipation.

The lactose content in cheese is generally 1.2%. The vast majority of our dogs digest it quite well, except for older dogs. Indeed, older dogs and those with sensitive stomachs produce less lactase, the enzyme capable of breaking down this carbohydrate.

The lactose content in most dairy products varies depending on the production method. Here are a few examples per 100g of milk:

Powdered milk ≈ 37.50 g
Condensed milk ≈ 11 g
Plain yogurt ≈ 4.80 g
Sheep's milk, UHT semi-skimmed milk ≈ 4.60 g
Goat's milk, whole milk ≈ 4.35 g
Cottage cheese ≈ 3 g
Mozzarella, fresh goat cheese ≈ 2.5 g
Feta ≈ 1 g
Lactose-free milk (Matin Léger) ≈ 0.10 g

As far as we are concerned, throughout the entire process leading to the finished product, we naturally filter out the lactose, the level of which is further reduced during the cooking and drying stages, as detailed above. Furthermore, we do not use lactose-free milk, but filtered milk.

That being said, the amount of lactose absorbed during the chewing session is minimal compared to the volume of the entire item and your dog's intestines are spared.

What about calories?

The calorie composition of our yak cheeses is around 400 kcal per 100 g, while that of other chewable edibles, such as pig ears, bully sticks, dental sticks, is 185 to 450 kcal, but swallowed in one go and only in a few minutes.

The chewable yak snack turns out to be low in calories because it combines the small amount ingested in stages of grinding with the energy expended over hours, or even several days.

This should not prevent you from engaging in sporting exercises with your furry friend at 4 Paws: walks, fresh air, chases with his peers... This can only do him good, burning calories and improving his physical and mental health.

What size churpi is suitable for what size dog?

As you might expect, it all depends on the size of the dog, but also on its tendency to chew and the vigor with which it does so. If the dog in question is a voracious chewer, or if it has a wide jaw, then extra-large yak cheese will be the right choice.

Different sizes of yak cheese are available, depending on the dog's weight:

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Weight of the yak	25 to 40g	60 to 85g	100 to 120	130 to 150g	155 to 185g
Dog weight	1/5 kg	5/10 kg	10/15 kg	15/25 kg	+25kg

As a general rule, it's not recommended to allow your little one to play with objects that are too small for their snout, as they might inhale them; they could easily choke or suffer an intestinal blockage! The same goes for small pieces of cheese . And remember: the bigger the toy, the longer the playtime!

If, by chance, your little glutton were to gobble up a morsel of their nutritious toy, rest assured that dairy products are 100% digestible thanks to the gastric acid in their stomach. However, if the piece were too large, the discomfort would cause them to regurgitate.

Experiments have shown that an extract of chhurpi soaked in gastric acid for 8 hours softens and reduces by 50%. Thus reduced in the abdomen, the swallowed leftover food would then easily pass into the digestive tract.

In any case, always keep a close eye on things during the festivities... and if you have any doubts about the appropriate proportions, we will be happy to assist you. However, should your clumsy pet show signs of distress, loss of appetite, excessive restlessness, or repeated vomiting, it would be best to inform the veterinarian.

“Nutritious” and “excessive” rhyme, but do they make a good pair?

Yak cheese is particularly nutritious, and therefore these chewable delicacies are very rich in nutrients. These should in no way replace your cheese-loving guest's daily feast, but should be enjoyed in moderation, a maximum of 400g per week.

The cows of Nepal and the dris of the Himalayas graze freely year-round under the watchful eyes of the farmers. The diet of these ruminants is healthy and organic, providing them with the vitamins and minerals necessary for their well-being and... their milk. This is far superior to that of our Western cattle, which, for commercial reasons, have limited access to pasture in favor of grain and pre-packaged hay. Furthermore, these Western cattle, being less active, suffer from serious nutritional deficiencies.

Dairy cattle in the Asian mountains, due to their characteristic lifestyle and type of grazing, influence the shaping of chhurpi , which benefits from precious organic substances that the body is not able to synthesize and has many macronutrients.

Indeed, if you buy dog food from the store, you will find that most of it is full of starches and contains a lot of carbohydrates, a load so high that it is practically not mentioned on the label!

Be careful with sugars, which are a disaster for weight gain and overall health! Diabetes has been increasingly prevalent in dogs for the past few years... Long live yak cheese , which is lactose-free!

The Chhurpi is the best choice for a weight-control diet for your dog: a ketogenic or keto diet (a set of processes leading to the synthesis of acetone in the liver). It will help your dog maintain a healthy weight without frustration, as the increased feeling of satiety will prevent untimely snacking throughout the day, which, as you know, is partly responsible for weight gain.

Furthermore, from a legal point of view, if this product is significantly less than 30% of the calories, relative to an original product (whole cheese), ours is low in calories.

Salt-free diet, or loose stools?

The sodium content in Dri's milk cheese is less than 0.25%, meaning less than 1g of salt per 90g bar: this applies to the entire treat. Generally, dog food supplements contain around 0.3% sodium per serving. In practice, the recommended daily salt intake for a 15kg dog is 2,000mg, and a 90g cheese stick can last for several days, even a few weeks.

It is possible, however, that your picky eater, after gorging itself on cheese from said ruminant at supersonic speed, may suffer from diarrhea... No worries: this dysfunction should subside within 24 to 48 hours.

The reason for this temporary discomfort is probably due to a change in diet or the introduction of this new, very appetizing and fun treat; your glutton's body isn't used to it yet. The chew bone itself isn't the problem, but rather Mr. Glutton's overindulgence in it too quickly and at once. Once your dog has enjoyed it regularly, this food toy will become an integral part of his diet, and your little glutton will no longer suffer from digestive issues. Besides, if the size of the chew is adjusted to his build, only very small amounts will be ingested.

However, if the symptoms persisted, the origin of her intestinal problems would need to be studied more closely.

If you have any questions about your pet's diet or bowel movements, ask us for advice or consult your veterinarian.

Resistance of Nepalese bone versus the strength of Western fang?

In particular, there's little chance your determined chewer will break an incisor licking a slice of yak cheese . Much less than with a commercial product. As we've already explained, the outer layer of the chhurpi softens after the many licks and nibbles of your favorite drooling pet.

On the contrary, the intensive salivation and texture of the yak snack contribute to cleanliness, dental and gingival strength by providing a preventive measure.

Yak puppy cheese? For or against?

However, we do not recommend it for puppies under 3 months old or very old dogs, as their teeth are fragile.

Preserving Indo-Tibeto-Nepalese delicacies?

Choose a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, whether they have already been nibbled or not yet opened.

Do not place them in the refrigerator, they will lose their moisture and become brittle.

This will help preserve their longevity.

From canine to human, isn't there only one canine tooth?

At the beginning of this blog, we told you how farmers in the Nepalese region made dri cheese , a cheese that has been very popular with villagers for their daily consumption for millennia. Its artisanal production using traditional ingredients still gives it its energy and nutritional value today. The locals would chew small, very stale pieces for a long time, much like we chew gum, to protect themselves from the cold during the harsh winters.

The Nepalese of that time frowned upon it when a guest offered a piece to a dog... who, incidentally, loved it! It is only since 2007 that the commercialization of chhurpi has developed for animals, all over the world.

So, yes! We can enjoy these cheese snacks ourselves. Especially since a milder version is made with cow's milk which, even though the process is identical to that with cow's milk, is more tender.

There are 2 forms of chhurpi : the soft one, similar to Paneer (Indian cheese), which is served as a hot dish under the name “chhur Singba” or “chhur Mingba” and the hard one, the one we know, “ chhurpi Durka ”.

And from canine to feline, the vibration of a vibrissa?

Originally, the cat fed on wet prey that it hunted in the desert, with which it played (cruelly) by stalking them and, if you have ever observed it, by throwing them in the air!

The cat is not, at first glance, an impulsive chewer. It devotes little time to this task and swallows its food quickly, leaving its stomach to initiate the digestive process, which is also very rapid. It is a nibbler that satisfies itself with small quantities several times a day.

The cat doesn't chew. Its special teeth slice and tear, but don't crush or grind. Chewing movements, although limited, are nevertheless necessary for the flexibility of its jaw joints and facial muscles.

Currently, no scientific study has corroborated this state of affairs.

In any case, it's perfectly fine to give churpi to your cat. Given its vitamin content, yak milk is quite beneficial for them. If your feline friend devours one of our yak cheese treats, let us know!