At Canophera, our Coffee Wood Stick Chews stand out as our original and most sought-after product. Crafted from exceptionally tight wood fibers, these sticks are notably more durable than their counterparts, making them a resilient choice for your canine companions chewing needs.
Are you wondering if those trendy coffee wood chews are actually safe for your furry friend? You’re not alone! As a dog owner myself, I’m always researching what’s safe for my pups to gnaw on Coffee wood chews have become super popular lately, and there’s a lot to unpack about their safety, benefits, and potential risks
The Short Answer: Yes, But With Important Caveats
Yes coffee wood chews are generally safe for dogs when used properly but they aren’t meant to be eaten or consumed in large quantities. They’re designed as chew toys rather than edible treats. The good news? These chews are
- 100% caffeine-free (the caffeine is only in the coffee beans and fruit, not the wood)
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Durable and long-lasting
- Beneficial for dental health
- Great for mental stimulation
But there are some important safety guidelines every pet parent should follow Let’s dig deeper!
What Exactly Are Coffee Wood Chews?
Coffee wood chews are made from the branches of coffee trees (typically Coffea canephora). These are usually harvested from older trees (around 20 years old) that have reduced productivity. Instead of being burned or shredded, these branches are repurposed into dog chews – a sustainable practice that’s good for the environment.
The manufacturing process is pretty simple:
- The branches are harvested
- They’re cleaned and dried
- The wood is cut and sanded to remove sharp edges
- No chemicals or additives are used in the process
The result is a 100% natural, vegan dog chew that’s free from artificial ingredients and preservatives.
The Splinter Myth: Do Coffee Wood Chews Break Into Dangerous Pieces?
This is probably the biggest concern for most pet parents. We’ve all been warned about giving dogs sticks or wood because of splinter risks. But coffee wood is different!
Unlike brittle sticks from your yard, coffee wood has an extremely dense, tight fibrous structure. When your dog chews on it:
- It doesn’t splinter into sharp, dangerous shards
- Instead, their saliva softens the wood
- It breaks down into small, soft, digestible fibers
- These fibers can pass through your dog’s system without causing harm
This unique property makes coffee wood much safer than random sticks or other types of wood.
Here’s a comparison to understand the difference:
| Feature | Dangerous Wood Splinters | Safe Coffee Wood Fibers |
|---|---|---|
| Breakage Pattern | Cracks into sharp, jagged shards | Softens and flakes into small, pulp-like pieces |
| Texture | Hard, sharp, and piercing | Soft, pliable, and fibrous |
| Risk | High risk of mouth injuries and internal punctures | Minimal risk; fibers are generally digestible |
| Behavior | Resists chewing until it snaps | Gradually wears down with chewing |
Benefits Beyond Just Chewing
Coffee wood chews offer some impressive benefits for your pup:
1. Dental Health Superstar
Coffee wood acts like a natural toothbrush for your dog. As they chew:
- Plaque and tartar get scraped away
- Their gums receive a gentle massage
- Jaw muscles get strengthened
- Bad breath can be reduced
2. Mental Stimulation & Stress Relief
Chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs. Having an appropriate outlet for this urge:
- Reduces boredom and anxiety
- Triggers calming endorphins in your dog’s brain
- Prevents destructive chewing of your furniture and shoes
- Provides hours of entertainment
3. Eco-Friendly Option
For environmentally conscious pet parents:
- Made from sustainable, recycled coffee wood
- Reduces waste from the coffee industry
- No trees are cut down specifically for these chews
- No harmful chemicals or manufacturing processes
Your Safety Checklist for Coffee Wood Chews
To ensure these chews remain safe for your pup, follow these guidelines:
1. Size Matters A LOT
This is super important! The chew should be appropriately sized for your dog’s weight. A chew that’s too small presents a serious choking hazard.
General sizing guidelines:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Small chew
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Medium chew
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): Large chew
If your dog is an aggressive chewer, go one size up to be safe!
2. Supervise Every Chew Session
Never leave your dog alone with a coffee wood chew, especially when it’s new. Watch how they interact with it and make sure they’re not trying to swallow large chunks.
3. Know When to Replace It
These chews are durable but not indestructible. Once it’s worn down to a size that could be swallowed, throw it away and replace it. A good rule of thumb: if it can fit completely in your dog’s mouth, it’s too small.
4. Age Restriction Is Important
Coffee wood is very hard and not suitable for puppies. Wait until your dog is at least 6 months old and has all their adult teeth before introducing these chews. Puppy teeth are simply not strong enough and could be damaged.
5. Provide Fresh Water
Always make sure your dog has access to clean water while chewing. The chewing process can be thirsty work!
Common Questions About Coffee Wood Chews
Are coffee wood chews digestible if my dog swallows pieces?
The small fibers that come off during chewing are generally digestible in small amounts. However, if your dog manages to break off a large chunk, take it away immediately as it could pose a choking hazard.
Is there any caffeine in coffee wood chews?
Nope! The caffeine is only found in the coffee beans and fruit, not in the branches used for these chews. Your dog won’t get a caffeine buzz from these toys.
How long do coffee wood chews last?
This depends on your dog’s size and chewing habits. For gentle chewers, they can last weeks or even months. For aggressive chewers, they might only last a few days. The quality of the chew also matters – premium brands tend to last longer.
Are coffee wood chews better than olive wood for dogs?
Neither is universally “better” – it depends on your dog:
- Coffee wood is harder and better for aggressive chewers
- Olive wood is softer and better for gentle chewers or seniors
- Both offer similar dental benefits
Can dogs get splinters from coffee wood?
It’s highly unlikely. The unique structure of coffee wood causes it to flake into soft pieces rather than sharp splinters. This is very different from regular sticks you might find at the park.
When to Avoid Coffee Wood Chews
While generally safe, coffee wood chews aren’t right for every dog:
- Puppies under 6 months: Their teeth are too fragile
- Dogs with dental issues: If your dog has broken teeth or gum disease, consult your vet first
- Dogs who gulp or swallow without chewing: These dogs might try to swallow pieces whole
- Dogs with sensitive digestive systems: Some dogs might experience mild digestive upset
Our Final Take
Coffee wood chews can be a fantastic, safe option for most adult dogs when used responsibly. They offer impressive benefits for dental health and mental stimulation while being environmentally friendly.
The key is following the safety guidelines: choose the right size, supervise chewing sessions, replace worn chews promptly, and wait until your dog has adult teeth.
By being a responsible pet parent and following these simple rules, you can give your dog a satisfying, natural chewing experience that’s good for their teeth, their mind, and the planet!
Have you tried coffee wood chews with your dog? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Remember: When in doubt about any chew toy or treat, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.
Understanding the Importance of Chewing
Chewing is an innate behavior for dogs, essential for their overall health and well-being. Beyond being a natural desire, chewing serves to calm nerves, induce relaxation, and keep our four-legged friends occupied. The act of chewing triggers the release of happiness-inducing hormones like dopamine and serotonin, contributing to your dogs overall contentment.
What sets Canopheras Coffee Wood Chews apart is their contribution to dental health. The fine wood fibers in these chews act as a natural toothbrush, helping to strengthen dental muscles and facilitate the natural cleaning of teeth. Its not just a chew; its a dental care solution.
Sourcing Coffee Wood Responsibly
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the sourcing of our coffee wood sticks. Vietnam serves as the primary manufacturing location, creating job opportunities and supporting local economies. Importantly, the use of coffee wood as a byproduct of coffee production ensures that no trees are uprooted or cut down solely for our products. By selling this byproduct, we contribute to additional income for coffee farmers in Vietnam, fostering a cycle of sustainability.
The above photos are examples of what a normal, chewed coffee wood stick looks like. This might look like splintering, but that is not what coffee wood does. Splintering is when your everyday stick breaks off into smaller, sharper pieces that can puncture soft tissue. When a dog chews on coffee wood, the dogs saliva softens the wood fibers making small pieces flake off. Because this wood becomes fibrous and soft when the saliva hits the wood, the flakes are not sharp, nor will it puncture soft tissue. The small flakes are even digestible and will not harm the dog, which means NO splinters from coffee wood, only fibrous flakes.
If you notice that a bigger piece has fallen off, or about to fall off (see the above right photo), simply cut off that piece and discard of it. The chew can then be safely given back to your dog to continue their chew experience. Remove any unwanted flakes with a broom or vacuum as needed.