Vigoro Mulch Safe For Dogs (2024)

FAQs

What type of mulch is safe for dogs? ›

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.

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.

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.

Large pieces of mulch, or large volumes of ingested material, can also result in gastrointestinal obstruction, which may require surgery. Some types of mulch contain herbicides to prevent weed growth. While most are relatively benign, some are toxic and may result in gastrointestinal upset.

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.

Here are a few of the best ground covers for dogs (all of these are flowering, dog-safe ground cover options): Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) Labrador violet (Viola labradorica) Silver carpet (Stachys byzantina)

A: ASPCA says pine mulch (and cedar mulch, hemlock bark) is safe for dogs--but probably depends on how pure the mulch is and free of contaminants like herbicides and insecticides.

The primary concern with colored landscape mulches is not the dyes used for coloring. Rather, it is about the sources of wood chips and the possibility of contamination with toxic substances.

The simple answer is “yes.” Quality rubber mulch is made 99.9% metal free, making it safe not only for pets, but also for children. The Environmental Protection Agency has studied rubber mulch and found it to be a safe, non- toxic material, posing no health hazards to pets or people.

Which is better rubber mulch or regular mulch? ›

Rubber mulch lasts much longer than regular mulch. Rubber degrades very slowly, which means it's going to be around for a while. Most manufacturers claim their products last up to 10 years. It is less likely to be scattered by wind or washed away by the rain because it is heavier than organic mulch.

Cedar Mulch

A popular choice for dog owners. Cedar mulch is pet-friendly because it is finely shredded. If your dog, for some reason, ingests the fibres, they can be easily digested. And cedar has natural bug repellent properties, perfect for your garden!

What if the mulch is dyed? Mulch colorants nowadays are made using either iron oxide (for red) or carbon black (for black), both deemed safe for use around pets and humans. In fact, iron oxide can be found in many cosmetic products while carbon black is virtually used in every consumer product that is made of rubber.

Mulch allergies in dogs are caused by an inhalant or contact allergic reaction to specific types of mulches. Since there are varying products within mulch, some dogs may be very sensitive to certain types. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

Rubber mulch has several advantages for pets. It's softer compared to sharp stones or wood chips, reducing the risk of injuries to paws. Its non-absorbent nature also makes it easy to maintain, as it doesn't get muddy or smelly. This means less cleaning for pet owners, especially after rainy days.

Perennial rye grass is known for its quick germination and dense growth, making it durable for high-traffic areas. White clover is also used, either with or without the rye grass, in dog areas because it's tough, low-growing, and withstands dog traffic well. It's also soft on paws and resistant to urine burn.

Rougher mulch: Purchase bags of Pine Bark Nuggets, a larger type of mulch that will be hard (but not painful) on their feet and dogs will typically find this material too uncomfortable to squat on. Chicken wire: This trick may not keep your dogs off the mulch, but it will most likely stop them for digging.