The Best Mulch for Dogs (Review) in 2020

Why You Should Use Mulch for Dog Bedding

If your dog sleeps in an outdoor kennel, has a day doghouse or spends a lot of time in the garden or yard, then a dog-safe mulch is an excellent choice to create a pleasant environment. Using mulch not only as a dog bedding but also as a ground cover can help to keep them comfortable, dry and warm, all year around. A quality mulch provides a safe surface to sleep, rest or roll around on and will cushion much harder ground. And the beauty of mulch is its versatility, keeping their doghouse warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A wood or rubber mulch bedding can help to reduce the risk of tick or flea infestations too, particularly cedar wood chips which repel the pests. Mulch is also a good outdoor surface for your pooch if they suffer from joint problems, as it is softer and kinder on their joints as they walk across it. But to keep your pet happy and healthy, you must choose a mulch that is non-toxic and totally pet-safe.

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Things to Consider When Choosing Pet-Friendly Mulch

Pet-safe mulch: It goes without saying that the mulch must be certified safe and non-toxic, for both pets and their humans. But the way the mulch has been processed also needs to be factored in. Wood mulch made from treated lumber can have chemicals which could be toxic to dogs as can any artificial colors or dyes. Also check for any potential allergens that could affect your pooch, particularly if they are on the sensitive side. We talk more about the types of mulch to avoid later on in this buyer guide.

The type of mulch: As well as being non-toxic and pet-safe, the type and quality of the dog-friendly mulch you buy is essential. It also needs to be effective in repelling those pesky fleas and ticks. Cedar mulch is one of the best mulches for dogs you can buy, as it is non-toxic and is despised by parasites as well as having a lovely reddish color and a pleasant smell. Other pet-safe mulches include pine and long-lasting rubber mulch, which has the added benefit of not absorbing water so easier to clean.

Structure: The size of the mulch pieces can also make a difference when choosing the right product for your pet. Wherever possible, look for mulch that has been shredded finely rather than a coarse mulch, especially if your dog is a chewer, as larger chunks of mulch can cause an obstruction and lead to gastro problems you really want to avoid.

 Best Mulch for Dogs FAQ:

Q: What type of mulch should I avoid for my dog?

A: As your dog is going to be in close contact with the mulch, when sleeping, playing, and rolling as well as potentially trying to eat it, there are some forms of mulch which are an absolute no-go when it comes to your pet. Here’s the lowdown on the ones pet owners must avoid:

Cocoa – made from the husks of cocoa beans, cocoa mulch is a definite no, just as chocolate is off the menu for your dog. And this is because cocoa beans contain a chemical called theobromine which is highly toxic to dogs. Consequences of your dog eating or swallowing cocoa mulch can be severe, from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures, heart irregularities and even death, if they were to eat enough.

Treated wood – while wood is generally a safe source of mulch for your dog, it must be untreated and chemical-free. Treated wood can contain a host of nasty chemicals, including a form of arsenic called chromated copper arsenate, or CCA, which is highly toxic for your dog or any other pets. If you are opting for a wood-based mulch, look for the Mulch & Soil Council (MSC) seal on the bag, so you can be sure the wood is untreated and CCA free.

Red and black cedar – while natural red cedar is an excellent mulch for dogs, some cedar mulches have added coloring to create a red and black affect. Whilst this may look aesthetically pleasing in your garden, it can pose a risk for your pet. If you are in any doubt, look for the MSC seal of approval on the bag, and you will know that it is safe for people and pets.

Pine needle – while pine bark is considered a safe form of mulch for pets, mulch made from pine needle is a different story. The tiny needles can easily be ingested by your dog and their sharp formation can cause damage to their gut as well as their stomach lining.

Q: What can happen if my dog eats mulch?

A: The first step is to try and prevent your dog from eating the mulch you have put down, or at the very least ensure it is non-toxic and safe for them to have the odd chew. It is also important to observe your dog when your first lay a new mulch down, not only to assess their likelihood of chewing (and stepping in if they are chewing too much) but to also see if they have any allergic reaction. If your dog has a reaction to the mulch, remove it immediately and look for an alternative product. However, if the reaction in your pooch is severe, get them to the vet pronto for a check-up. Large chunks of mulch can be dangerous and so should also be avoided, as these can entice puppies or a dog prone to chewing to have a chomp and can cause an obstruction if swallowed. And if you do suspect mulch poisoning (especially if your dog has chewed one of the types of mulch that's on our ‘avoid’ list), seek professional veterinary help.

Our Top Pick

In a good value bag, that expands to three times its volume, Kaytee Red Cedar Bedding lays down as our Best Choice pick. Made from quality, all-natural red cedar logs, that's been cleaned to reduce the dust levels, this wood mulch creates a fresh-smelling space for your pooch, that's kept tick and flea free thanks to the natural cedar oil. And with 20% more absorbency than similar products, this biodegradable mulch could well be your pooch's favorite place to settle down.