Vigoro Mulch Safe For Dogs (2024)

FAQs

Is vigoro wood mulch pet safe? ›

Any wood-based mulch is safe for your dog.

Natural pine mulch, cypress mulch, and cedar mulch are the safest types of wood mulch. Pine straw is a safe mulch as it is all-natural, plus animals and pets do not chew on it. In any situation, natural and untreated mulches are preferred over man-made materials.

People ask questions all the time, like, “is black mulch safe for dogs” or “is mulch toxic to dogs”. You'll be happy to know that since the mulch is prepared using recycled wood and carbon-based dyes, it's safe to use in the yard, even when you have pets.

Because rubber mulch doesn't have much texture on its surface, it also prevents skin irritation and provides cushioning to protect against falls. It absorbs shock so pups won't hurt their paws if they run too fast on hard ground. The durability of rubber mulch also means it will last longer than wood.

Finally, avoid large, bark type mulch or big wood chips. Since these big pieces take a long time to decompose, and they end up depriving the soil and plants of nutrients.

Dogs that chew on small pieces of mulch or sticks can develop gum irritation from splinters that embed in the oral cavity. Large pieces of mulch, or large volumes of ingested material, can also result in gastrointestinal obstruction, which may require surgery.

Keep pets out of freshly mulched or seeded beds, or soft soil, by setting some thorny branches in the ground at regular intervals. Make a chicken-wire fence to protect entire beds. To keep it from being an eyesore, drive several tall stakes in the ground around the bed's perimeter.

But, generally, using organic mulch made from wood chips or bark will be the best choice. It's one of the easiest and least expensive ways to ensure the long-term health and fertility of your soil and the health of your trees and shrubs.

Potential Health Risks

Mulch is an attractive snack for many dogs, but it can also pose serious health risks. One of the most serious risks associated with eating mulch is the obstruction of the intestines. If a dog ingests a large piece of mulch, it can become lodged in the intestines and cause a blockage.

Some dogs may be bored or curious, while others may be attracted to the texture and flavor of mulch. Additionally, the scent of decaying organic matter may entice certain dogs. However, it's worth noting that in some cases, consuming mulch may also indicate an underlying medical condition, such as pica or anemia.

Why not to use black mulch? ›

This dyed wood mulch does not break down to enrich the soil as good mulch should. Instead, it leaches the dye along with the possible contaminants (chromium, copper, arsenic, and others) into the soil harming or even killing beneficial soil bacteria, insects, earthworms, and sometimes the plants themselves.

The dyes used to color your mulch those vibrant hues of red or cocoa brown can potentially be very hazardous for your dog. For instance, that chocolate-colored mulch actually contains cocoa bean, which has a compound that can be toxic to animals.

Rubber mulch is safe for pets and easy to clean.

In 2022, Lead Safe Mama tested "Vigoro," a recycled tire rubber mulch brand sold at Home Depot. The results of her investigation showed positive for trace levels of arsenic and lead. Lead Safe Mama also tested Rainbow Mulch, tire-free, non-toxic playground mulch.

It contains hazardous and toxic chemicals that do considerable damage. Once the mulch is laid down, the chemicals will leach into your soil, and destroy its health – along with damaging your plants! It can't be tilled into your soil. That means you'll be pulling weeds by hand.

Untreated wood mulch. Avoid wood mulches that are dyed and added with chemicals as they are not good for the environment and for your dogs. Cedar mulch. A popular alternative among pet owners, cedar mulch is a pet-friendly mulch because it is shredded finely.

The colorants in colored mulch are safe for people, animals and the environment.