Does Cocoa Mulch Make Pets Sick?

If landscaping tops the to-do list, keep yard-loving pets in mind when selecting mulch. The temporary aroma and dark, fade-resistant color of organic cocoa mulch may appeal to garden enthusiasts - and curious pets.

What is cocoa mulch?
National Cocoa Shell, the self-proclaimed largest distributor of cocoa mulch, makes mulch from the discarded shells of roasted cocoa beans. The company claims the mulch with a "chocolatey scent" is a nutrient rich option for gardens, flower beds and landscaping.

The cocoa-based mulch is sold under many descriptions--cocoa mulch, cocoa bean shell mulch, cocoa shell mulch, cocoa bean mulch and cocoa bean hull mulch.

Regardless of the name, National Cocoa Shell claims the mulch retains moisture by creating an interlocking honeycomb pattern when applied 1-inch deep and moistened with water. The mulch also creates a protective insulating barrier for roots in cold climates, making it a desirable mulch option.

Pets and Cocoa Mulch
Pets who consume cocoa mulch risk the same type of poisoning induced by chocolate. The chemical compound theobromine, which is toxic to pets, naturally occurs in the cocoa bean and cocoa bean hull. Pets don't possess the enzymes to break down theobromine, according to famed chocolate manufacturers Hershey's.

Cocoa bean mulch may contain up to 0.19 to 2.98 percent theobromine, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Illinois.

Dogs that consume organic matter such as rocks, dirt and plants are especially attracted to cocoa mulch. Between January 2002 and April 2003, 16 reports of pet poisoning from cocoa mulch consumption were reported to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). None of the pet owners knew the exact amount of mulch consumed but pets described as consuming "large or significant" quantities exhibited the most dysfunction.

Symptoms of Cocoa Mulch Poisoning
Pets that have consumed toxic amounts of cocoa mulch may experience vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, tachycardia, hyperactivity, seizures, other neurological dysfunction or even death according to the ASPCA.

If you suspect poisoning from cocoa mulch or chocolate, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Monitoring the pet's heart and administering medication immediately increases chances of survival.

Sources and Suggested Additional Reading:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/cocoa-bean-shell-mulch.html

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center, Urbana, Illinois: Cocoa Bean Mulch as a Cause of Methylxanthine Toxicosis in Dogs
http://www2.aspca.org/site/DocServer/CocoaMulch-NAACT.pdf?docID=1201

Hershey: Your Pets and Candy
http://www.hersheys.com/nutrition/pets-candy.asp

National Cocoa Shell: Cocoa Bean Mulch
http://www.nationalcocoashell.com/index2.php

http://www.nationalcocoashell.com/faq/

Snopes: Cocoa Mulch
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp

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