Has this happened to you? You just finished your spring landscaping with a fresh layer of mulch. When you let Fido outside, he checks out the new materials and starts munching on a piece…
Is eating mulch ok? In this review, we’re going to examine why dogs eat mulch, the benefits of mulch, and the types of mulch that are dog-safe and the types that are dangerous or poisonous. Then we’ll review 12 products currently on the market to help you find the best mulch for dogs.
Top 12 Mulches for Dogs
EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch with Tack
What We Like About It
- It helps keep dogs from getting muddy feet
- It provides lots of ground coverage
- The chop makes it easy to apply
What We Don't Like
- Some customers said the product had seeds in it
- Some customers reported that it wasn’t tacky enough
Pet’s Pick Cedar Bedding
What We Like About It
- It smells great
- It’s easy to use and refresh
- It helps keep pests away
What We Don't Like
- It has a lot of tiny pieces that can blow away
Kaytee Red Cedar Bedding
What We Like About It
- It has a fresh aroma and helps to keep potty odors down
- You can use it for your dog run and for gardening
- It prevents muddy dog feet
What We Don't Like
- It’s not safe for some pocket pets
- There can be some difference in consistency between bags
Amish Aromatic Red Cedar Wood Shavings
What We Like About It
- The product is fresh and fragrant
- The chips are large enough to resist blowing in the wind
- It looks great around the yard
What We Don't Like
- It comes loose in the box - open carefully!
- There’s lots of dust
Natural Cedar Shavings (16 Quart)
What We Like About It
- It helps control insects in the garden
- It’s easy to use
- It smells great
What We Don't Like
- It’s a small amount for the price
Playsafer Rubber Nuggets
What We Like About It
- It looks great and retains its color
- It won’t rot or attract termites
- It’s durable and will last more than a year
What We Don't Like
- You can find small pieces of wire in the mulch
International Mulch Company NS8RW Redwood
Best Rubber Dog-Friendly Mulch
our Ratings:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- You don’t have to worry about termites or other wood parasites
- It looks good
- It won’t rot, so it lasts longer
What We Don't Like
- You may find steel shavings in the product
Thunder Acres Natural Wheat Straw
What We Like About It
- The straw is long and works well for bedding
- It’s easy to carry and spreat
- It comes in a convenient bag that you can carry right to the dog run or yard
- It won’t clump
What We Don't Like
- It’s dusty
- The straw is lightweight and can blow away if it’s windy
Cedarcide Insect Repelling Cedar Mulch
What We Like About It
- It works well to cut down the bugs
- It smells great
- It’s not irritating to dogs
What We Don't Like
- The shavings are tiny and can stick to dog paws
100% Natural Cedar Chips
Best Cedar Dog-Friendly Mulch
What We Like About It
- It works well as a bug repellant
- It has a great aroma
- It looks good in potted plants and in the garden
What We Don't Like
- The chips are really small
- It’s a small bag
AA Plus Shop 100% Natural Wheat Straw Grass
What We Like About It
- It’s easy to spread
- It fresh and has a pleasant aroma
- It works great for outdoors
- Dogs seem to like it and will roll around in it
What We Don't Like
- The stalks are short and can be dusty
- One owner found rocks in the bedding
Kaytee Pine Bedding for Pet Cages
our Ratings:
Price Range: $
What We Like About It
- The fresh wood scent helps keep pet odor down
- It’s a good value for the money
What We Don't Like
- It’s dusty
- It’s very lightweight and can fly away easily
Understanding Mulch for Dogs
Combining dogs and landscaping material can pose some hazards. If your pup is a munch monster, mulch or other yard improvements might be appealing to him. Why does fido eat mulch, and what can you do to keep your property looking its best while also keeping your furbaby safe? Let’s take a look.
Why Do Dogs Eat Mulch?
Most mulch is made from tree bark, and it has an attractive aroma for canines. Dogs are also natural chewers and some of them like to gnaw on wood. Even though most types of mulch are not poisonous to our furbabies, they still pose a risk for choking or obstructions.
Is mulch safe for dogs?
If your furbaby likes to munch on mulch, you may be better off to avoid using it in your yard. However, Fido may still encounter ground cover on walks. Keep your furbaby on a leash and steer him away from landscaped areas. That being said, some mulches are pet-safe and others may be harmful or toxic. Read on to learn which options are hazardous and which are ok to use in the yard.
Is Dyed Mulch Safe For Dogs?
What Are The Best Types of Mulch to Use With Dogs?
Cedar
Cedar mulch is considered safe for dogs. It doesn’t have any toxic chemicals but can still pose a risk if your pooch swallows large pieces. As we stated above, cedar also has some insect-repelling properties. This product has a pleasant aroma and attractive natural red color that can pop in your yard.
Pine
Another mulch that’s non-toxic and safe for dogs is pine. If your landscaping material includes pine needles, be careful. They can irritate or puncture the stomach if your pal eats them.
Untreated Wood
Natural woods that haven’t been dyed or treated are also safe for dogs. Even though dyes used today to color mulch aren’t toxic, the chemicals can leach into the soil.
Rubber
What Should You Avoid?
Cocoa Bean Mulch Can Poison Dogs: Warning! Toxic Mulch for Dogs
One popular type of landscaping material that people like to use is Cocoa Bean Mulch. It has a pleasant aroma and looks attractive in the yard. However, this product contains small amounts of theobromine. This is the compound found in chocolate that’s toxic to dogs. If a pooch eats large amounts of cocoa mulch, they can show signs of chocolate poisoning like:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Elevated heart rate
- Panting or rapid breathing
- Hyperactivity/restlessness
- Drooling
- Cherry red gums
- Tremors/seizures
It’s best to avoid this type of landscaping. If you have cocoa mulch in your yard and thing Fido may have eaten some, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Rocks
Another option for flowerbeds and other non-lawn areas is rocks. While most pups find stones unappealing, there are a few canines that will eat them. If your pal swallows a rock, it can cause an obstruction. The material can also dry out the soil and make it harder to maintain plants. If you choose to use stone in some areas of the yard, look for smooth rocks. They’ll be less likely to cut or injure your furbaby’s paws.
What’s the Best Mulch for a Dog Run?
If you’re setting up a dog run and want to line it with mulch, make sure you use a non-toxic material. Rubber mulch is a great option because it won’t blow away, it’s easy to clean, and it’s gentle on the feet. With rubber, you’ll have good drainage and you’ll be able to hose the run down for easy cleaning. If you prefer a natural substance, go with cedar. It provides warmth as bedding and can also help prevent pests.
How to Keep Your Dog From Turning Your Yard Into a Muddy Mess
When you have one or more energetic pooches, grass may not hold up to their activities. So, you may need to find other materials that are safe and practical. If you really want some lawn, section off dog-free areas and keep Fido off. For other parts of the yard, you can use:
- Pea gravel
- Wood chips
- Artificial turf
Before laying out the material, level the ground and cover it with plastic sheeting or landscaping fabric to discourage weeds.
Can Mulch Help With Flea and Tick Prevention?
Before you go all-in on a mulch investment, try some out with your pup. Some canines have allergies to plant material. If your furry friend starts sneezing or itching, you should try another material.
F.A.Qs
Best in Show: Our Top Pick
