Mulch is widely used in almost every landscaping project. There are many varieties to choose from, and that’s good because one you should probably avoid is cocoa mulch.
Also called cocoa bean mulch, cocoa bean shell mulch or cocoa bean hull mulch, cocoa mulch is a byproduct of chocolate production. In fact, it has a rich, brown color and smells like chocolate. Apparently, it tastes somewhat like chocolate, too, because some pets like to eat it. Just like chocolate, however, cocoa mulch can make pets sick. It contains the same toxins as chocolate, although in smaller amounts. If ingested in a large enough amount, these toxins–theobromine and caffeine—can cause vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, increased heart rate and seizures.
Since the dangers of cocoa mulch were first reported about 10 years ago, manufacturers have started using a process to reduce the amount of chemical residue in the mulch. It?s best, however, to play it safe and find a different kind of mulch to use in your landscaping, especially in areas where your pets may be left unattended, such as a fenced backyard area. Also, don’t let your dog eat anything she finds when you take her out for a walk or to an off-leash area.