Looking for a chew that’s natural, clean, and not full of weird stuff?
Yeah, same here. That’s how we ended up discovering coffee wood dog chews.
You’ve probably seen them around. Maybe you’ve wondered, “Is this actually safe for my dog?” Let’s talk about it — in real terms.
First, what is a coffee wood chew?
It’s not made from coffee beans. And no, it won’t make your dog hyper.
Coffee wood chews come from the pruned branches of old coffee trees. These branches are dense, dried, and shaped into solid chew sticks. No chemicals. No added smells. Just wood. One ingredient.
That’s part of why we like them. They’re simple. You know what you’re giving your dog. No guessing.
So… are they safe?
Here’s the truth:
No chew is 100% risk-free. Even the safest ones can cause issues if misused.
But when used right? Coffee wood chews are generally a safe option.
They don’t splinter into sharp bits like regular sticks. As dogs chew, the wood fibers soften and wear down gradually. Think of it like gnawing on a natural brush — not something that breaks into dangerous chunks.
And no caffeine. That part stays in the beans. The wood’s totally clean.
But let’s be real. There are things to keep in mind.
If your dog is a heavy chewer, you’ll want to keep an eye on them.
Like with any hard chew — antlers, bones, or dense wood — there’s always a tiny risk of cracked teeth, especially if your dog loves chomping down hard. That’s not a coffee wood problem. It’s a general chewing rule.
Also, watch for large chunks. Most dogs instinctively spit out wood fibers. But if your pup starts swallowing big pieces? Take it away.
Chewing should be relaxing — not a hazard.
5 Reasons Why Coffee Wood Chews are Safe for All Dogs
Are coffee wood chews safe for dogs? They are generally a safe and natural option, and here are five reasons why these chews will become your pooch’s safe and interesting toys.
Support Dental Health
A study by the University of New England revealed that daily chewing helps reduce dental deposits in dogs significantly. The tougher the chew and the longer the chewing time, the better their oral health.
Known for its durability, coffee wood stands out as a perfect dog chew toy, even for aggressive chewers. As your pooch gnaws on the chew, the firm texture will scrape away the plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth.
This hygiene prevents periodontal disease and other dental issues like swollen gums and smelly breath. Teething puppies also benefit from this toy because it can ease the pain and discomfort in their gums.
But what makes dog parents swear by coffee wood is its resilience. Mike, a US-based owner, shared: “My dog tore through a full box of toys in just 2 weeks. But this coffee dog chew can withstand her aggressive chewing for a long time without leaving a mess.” As mentioned, the longer your dog chews on the coffee wood toy, the better.
Stimulate Movements, Release Pent-Up Energy
A wood dog chew is more than just a small toy. It’s an unsung hero that takes care of your dog’s well-being. The toy can imitate a prey that triggers the pooch to catch, play with, and bite on it. These activities help burn excess energy while offering your chewers some much-needed workout.
Not to mention, chewing is linked to positive emotions in canines, releasing “happy hormones” like endorphins. This is a fun and effective way to escape boredom – the main culprit behind stress in dogs.
An Alternative Chew to Furniture
Do you have a naughty chewer who bites on furniture around the house? This is when a coffee wood chew comes in handy. Its compact size ensures your dog can gnaw on it comfortably without posing a choking hazard. Meanwhile, furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, which can hurt or scratch your chewer’s gum.
The rough texture is also more satisfying to chew on. Additionally, your pooch can carry the toy around to have fun anywhere and anytime. If you give your dog a coffee wood chew that ticks all these boxes, there’s no reason for them to continue chewing on tables, chairs, and other stuff.
A Training Tool
If you’re training your dog, a coffee wood chew will be a handy sidekick. It’s a good way to distract your pooch from destructive chewing. Whenever you notice your dog is gnawing on household items, especially when it’s left alone, throw the coffee wood toy away to grab their attention.
The chew also makes a great tool for “drop it” and “leave it” training or playing fetch. Whenever your dog follows your command or plays well, reward it with a high-value treat, like longer playtime with a coffee wood dog stick.
A Safe Toy Even When Digested
Choking is the biggest concern when letting our pooches play with a chew. But this is the last thing to worry about if you give them a coffee wood stick. When your dog bites on it, the wood only breaks into small splinters. The fibers can be softened by saliva and easily digested if accidentally swallowed.
Meanwhile, toys made of plastic or harder wood can break into sharp, indigestible pieces that can hurt your chewer’s mouth and stomach. Many customers’ reviews have highlighted coffee wood chews’ superior safety.
The Origin of Coffee Wood Dog Chews
Coffee wood dog chews come from the world’s second-largest coffee exporter – Vietnam. The Southeast Asian country is home to multiple coffee hubs, but the majority of the coffee trees are planted in the Central Highlands, including Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum.
Every year, after the beans are harvested, old trees will be chopped down, giving room for new ones to ensure consistent quality. But instead of going to waste, those trees are given a new life, becoming coffee wood chews for dogs. This is a step toward sustainability by reducing waste.
How are These Coffee Wood Toys Produced?
Old coffee trees, typically over 25 years old, will be chopped down to produce dog toys. The trunk and branches will be cut into small pieces of different sizes.
The wood will then be cleaned, rubbed, and polished manually without being treated with scents, dyes, or other synthetic chemicals. This ensures the coffee wood chews are 100% safe for your dogs.
After that, the toys will be dried and vacuum-sealed to prevent mold and bacteria, which can harm your pooches.
3 Most Popular Coffee Wood Dog Toys
These three coffee wood toys are sought-after among dog owners:
- Coffee wood dog chews: These sticks are natural and safe, available in all sizes for dogs of any breed and age. Your pooch can chew, tug, toss, and play with it in many ways.
- Gorilla chews: These chews are a bit bulkier with more curves and ridges than standard ones. This design adds another layer of excitement to dogs while also cleaning teeth better. The sticks can also hold up to more aggressive chewers.
- Coffee wood tug toys: Coming with both wood and ropes, these toys are ideal for chewing and tugging at the same time. This will keep your dogs engaged for longer, especially when playing tug of war.
What are other dog parents saying?
We’ve heard a lot from folks using our chews.
One said:
“It’s the first chew my dog hasn’t destroyed in under 10 minutes.”
Another?
“My Boston Terrier puppy needs to chew all day. Coffee wood is the only thing that lasts. Plus, it doesn’t stink. And she doesn’t get bored.”
“Luckily, I found this coffee wood chew and it’s the only one that has stood up to my dude’s chomping. In fact, this chew is so good…I don’t know where it’s at. Monk likes to take his special toys and burry them in the backyard. I go out every few days to his “spots” and unearth his favorites. Eventually, I noticed that all the other toys were thrown around the backyard but not this chewing stick” Source
“I have a Boston Terrier/ English Bulldogge mix puppy who needs to be constantly chewing on something. This coffee wood is the perfect chew toy for her. It is highly durable for her strong chewing jaws, and gives her weeks of enjoyment. I am so happy with this “bone” and will continue buying more” Source
We love hearing stuff like that. Especially the ones about no mess — because yeah, these chews don’t smell weird, and they don’t leave gunk on the floor.
Some pet parents even use them as a hypoallergenic swap. If your dog can’t handle meat-based chews like beef or chicken, coffee wood gives them something plant-based to enjoy. It’s gentle. And it works for many sensitive pups.
Yes, coffee wood chews are safe — if you choose the right size, supervise when needed, and respect your dog’s chewing style.
They’re clean, simple, and natural.
And in a world full of plastic toys and artificial treats, that feels like a step in the right direction.
Want to know which chew size is right for your dog? Or how we source our sticks?
Reach out — we’re happy to help. We live and work right in Vietnam’s coffee highlands, and we care deeply about what goes into your dog’s mouth.
See more:
10 Reasons to Choose Coffee Wood for Dogs – A natural chew with a story behind it
Java Wood vs. Coffee Wood: Which Natural Chew Is Right for Your Dog?
Written by John Nguyễn – co-founder of FIVIVE GLOBAL CO., LTD.
Hi, I’m John, co-founder of FIVIVE in Vietnam’s Central Highlands—where coffee wood is everywhere. We turn leftover branches from coffee trees into natural chews, keeping things simple, clean, and honest. At FIVIVE, we believe in giving your dog something real—nothing more, nothing less.
