Why You Should Never Use Cocoa Shell Mulch Around Pets

Cocoa shells are a relatively new mulch option on the market. Also called cocoa bean mulch, this byproduct of chocolate production offers many benefits. As you might expect, these cocoa shells are an attractive shade of chocolate brown and much like the beans they held inside, they contain many nutrients that will benefit the soil as it breaks down. With a slightly acidic pH level and the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, it may be tempting to switch from wood mulch to cocoa shells. But it's important to know that this mulch is toxic to pets.

The practice of using organic waste as mulch is something I fully support. As a long-time organic gardener, I've taught many classes on how to reuse, reduce, and recycle in the garden. When these byproducts end up in the landfill, they produce methane as they decompose, which results in greenhouse gas emissions. So, while I think the use of cocoa shell mulch is environmentally responsible, it must be used with caution.

Cocoa shell mulch is dangerous for pets for the same reason chocolate can make them deathly ill. These shells contain methylxanthines, which are chemicals found in caffeinated products including coffee, tea, and yes, chocolate. These substances are not confined to the bean but also contained in the shell. According to PETA, cocoa shell mulch also contains theobromine. The combination of these chemicals can cause trembling and vomiting when consumed in even small amounts.

The real danger of using this kind of mulch around your home is that despite being toxic to dogs, it is also appealing to them. The same reason your pooch may steal a chocolate bar when you're not looking is why they may make a meal of cocoa mulch –- it smells like tasty food! When a large amount of cocoa shell mulch is eaten it can lead to seizures and possibly death. While cats are also sensitive to these chemicals, they generally aren't as likely to eat the mulch. Still, if you have any pets, it's better to be safe than sorry and choose another option for your landscape or garden mulch.

The safest mulch choice for a space with pets is wood. The scent of cedar, pine, and cypress may deter dogs and cats, keeping them safe and away from your plants. While mulch treated with pesticides or dyes is unlikely to be harmful, it never hurts to steer clear of treated options and keep things all-natural. This is particularly true if you have a dog that likes to eat pieces of wood, like mine. 

Rock mulch is also another safe option and can help protect your garden from critters. Rock ground cover is free of pesticides and does not decompose. If you have dogs or other pesky animals that like to dig in your flower beds, they may lose interest if the surface is covered in rocks. For those with neighborhood kitties who use your landscape as their personal litterbox, rock mulch might send them elsewhere to do their business.