Are the rumors true about cocoa mulch and dogs?

ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question Are the rumors true about cocoa mulch and dogs?

Answer Yes and no. It is true that if dogs eat cocoa mulch it can cause them harmful effects. Cocoa mulch is basically a byproduct from processing chocolate beans for the food industry. This mulch is a blend of chocolate bean hulls and shells. Theobromine is the active ingredient in cocoa mulch which causes problems for dogs and other pets.

Known as the “feel good” ingredient in chocolate, theobromine is first cousin to caffeine. While it does not affect the nervous system like caffeine, it is a mild stimulant, diuretic, artery dilator and muscle relaxant. Medically, it is used to reduce fluid accumulation in cardiac conditions, sooth coughs, and reduce blood pressure. http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa090301a.htm This chemical also sticks around in your body much longer than caffeine. Endurance athletes are attracted to its ability to work for multiple hours.

Unfortunately, its slow metabolism is the problem with animals. People should never feed chocolate to pets. Chocolate candies have varying levels of theobromine. You may have gotten away without seeing harmful effects it in the past, but it is not worth the risk. If you feel the need to feed chocolate to something or somebody, then send it to me. Cocoa mulch has theobromine in levels high enough to cause severe reactions. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/10/cocoa_mulch.html

The internet legends about cocoa mulch have been around since the early 90s. The false part is the availability of cocoa mulch. Rumors say it is readily available at multiple do-it-yourself stores. That is simply not true. A homeowner will have a super hard time trying to purchase cocoa mulch. If you have a relative that works at the Hershey factory in Pennsylvania, you may be able to score some cocoa mulch. Otherwise, you may never lay eyes on it.

Cocoa mulch has a wonderful chocolate aroma. This aroma is supposed to attract hungry and/or curious dogs. While the smell is heavenly, the taste of pure cocoa and cocoa mulch is very bitter. I can easily understand why they would want to taste it, but I can not understand why they would continue to eat. Fortunately, the smell only lasts for a few weeks. Therefore, the aromatic lure of this exotic mulch would not be a long lasting problem.

If your dog is eating your existing mulch (pine bark, shredded bark or brick chips), you may consider feeding him more or buying one of those indestructible chew toys.

For more info about the benefits of mulch, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/FEATURE/backyard/benmulch.html If you don’t have internet access, then call 910-893-7530 or email gpierce@harnett.org

It has recently been discovered that theobromine is better than fluoride at strengthening tooth enamel. Tooth paste which tastes like chocolate will be on the market in the next couple years. We can stop the next urban legend before it starts – DO NOT let your dog use the new chocolate toothpaste to brush his teeth.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent