Updated 29/09-2025 – Mulch keeps soil moist, suppresses weeds, and tidies up garden beds but if you share your yard with a dog, safety matters just as much as looks. This quick guide explains which types of mulches are generally considered dog-safe, which ones to avoid, and how to set up your garden so curious pups stay out of trouble.
Quick answer
Safer choices: Finely shredded cedar or cypress mulch, untreated natural wood/bark, leaf mulch, and composted bark.
Use caution: Be careful with rubber mulch (durable but not edible).
Avoid: cocoa shell mulch, pine needles, treated/coloured wood, and large, chunky pieces that pose a choking risk.
Mulches to avoid if you have dogs
- Cocoa shell mulch: contains theobromine (the same compound that makes chocolate unsafe for dogs). Even small amounts can be risky if eaten.
- Pine needle mulch: sharp, stiff needles can irritate the mouth and may injure the digestive tract if swallowed.
- Treated or dyed wood: may contain chemicals or colourants that are not ideal for pets or soil life.
- Large, chunky bark and sticks: increase choking and obstruction risk if chewed. Choose finer textures instead.
- Old, mouldy mulch: can harbour fungi or bacteria. Replace any mulch that smells musty or shows visible mould.
Note: Some decorative groundcovers such as large stones are not mulches, but they can still be a paw hazard or choking risk for dogs that like to mouth objects.
Stock note: Labrador Landscape Supplies does not stock cocoa mulch or pine needles. We carry a wide range of natural bark and wood mulches in different sizes and textures for safer, pet-friendly choices.
Dog-safer mulch options
Every dog is different. Even options considered safe can cause issues if a dog chews or swallows large amounts. Supervise your dog, choose a fine texture, and refresh beds regularly.
Untreated natural wood and bark – finely shredded
Simple, affordable, and widely available. Choose finely shredded pieces to reduce choking risk and keep beds tidy. Avoid pressure-treated offcuts and heavily dyed products.
Stocked examples: Pine Bark Fines 5 mm to 10 mm, Hoop Bark Fines, Tea Tree Mulch Fine.
Cedar-like option – cypress mulch
Finely shredded, fresh aroma, and generally considered non-toxic to dogs. Choose shredded grades rather than large nuggets.
Stocked example: Cypress Mulch.
Leaf mulch and composted bark
Great for soil health and usually low-interest to dogs. Composting reduces sharp edges and potential irritants. Keep the layer around 50 to 75 mm deep.
Stocked examples: Bush Mulch, Hardwood Chip.
Soft fall mulch for play areas
Designed for impact absorption in high traffic spaces. Non-toxic and practical where pets and kids may roam.
Stocked example: Takura Soft Fall.
Coloured mulches – use with caution
Attractive and tidy. Best used when dogs do not chew mulch. Choose products free from harmful treatments and always supervise.
Stocked examples: Red Mulch, Black Mulch, Redwood Mulch.
Dog safety comparison – mulches we stock
| Mulch type | Example products we stock | Pet safety rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finely shredded bark – natural | Pine Bark Fines 5 mm to 10 mm, Hoop Bark Fines, Tea Tree Mulch Fine | Safe | Fine texture reduces choking risk and looks neat. |
| Cypress mulch | Cypress Mulch | Safe | Generally non-toxic to dogs. Choose shredded grades. |
| Leaf and composted bark | Bush Mulch, Hardwood Chip | Safe | Improves soil and is usually low-interest to dogs. |
| Soft fall mulch | Takura Soft Fall | Safe | Cushioned underfoot in high traffic areas. |
| Standard bark – medium to large size | Pine Bark 1 inch, Hoop Bark 1 inch and 2 inch | Use with caution | Larger pieces can be tempting to chew. Supervise and consider finer textures. |
| Coloured mulches | Red Mulch, Black Mulch, Redwood Mulch | Use with caution | Choose quality products and supervise dogs that chew. |
| General garden blend | Bush Mulch | Safe | Good all round choice when kept tidy at 50 to 75 mm depth. |
| Cocoa shell mulch | Not stocked | Avoid | Contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. |
| Pine needle mulch | Not stocked | Avoid | Sharp needles can irritate mouth and gut if swallowed. |
| Old or mouldy mulch | Not applicable | Avoid | Replace any mulch that smells musty or shows visible mould. |
Full range we stock
How to choose the right mulch for your dog & garden
| Goal | Good choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pet-friendly & tidy beds | Finely shredded cedar/cypress, composted bark | Soft texture, fewer choking hazards, easy to rake |
| Low maintenance | Shredded natural wood, composted bark | Breaks down slowly and improves soil |
| High traffic/play areas | Finely shredded wood; consider rubber with supervision | Better impact cushioning; avoids sharp pieces |
| Best for soil health | Leaf mulch, composted bark | Adds organic matter and supports microbes |
How much mulch do you need?
- Depth: 50–75 mm is a practical range for most garden beds. Keep mulch 50 mm clear of plant stems and tree trunks.
- Quick calc: Area (m²) × depth (m). Example: 10 m² × 0.06 m ≈ 0.6 m³ of mulch.
Tips to dog-proof your garden beds
Freshly mulched beds can be pretty tempting to a curious pup, but with a few simple tweaks you can make your garden more dog-friendly without sacrificing looks. One of the easiest things you can do is stick to finely shredded mulch rather than big, chunky bark. The smoother texture doesn’t catch their attention as much and gives your beds a tidy, even finish that locks in moisture.
It also helps to give your garden some clear boundaries. A simple edge of pavers, timber, or even low logs creates a natural line that tells your dog where the lawn ends and the garden begins, while also discouraging digging. At the same time, make sure your dog has plenty of better outlets for their energy such as chew toys, puzzle feeders, or an extra game of fetch can go a long way toward keeping them from entertaining themselves in your flower beds.
When you’ve just laid down new mulch, give it a quick hose down. This settles any dust and tones down strong smells that might otherwise draw a dog’s nose straight into the garden. And finally, keep the area tidy by removing stray sticks, pruned branches, or shredded toy bits before they become too much of a temptation. With these small changes, you’ll have a garden that looks great and stays safe for your four-legged friend.
Signs of a problem & what to do
After laying new mulch, watch for coughing, gagging, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, skin rashes, or face/muzzle irritation.
If any of these show up, or if you think your dog ate mulch you need call your vet.
Remove the suspect mulch and replace it with a finer, pet-safer option.
FAQs
Is cypress mulch safe for dogs?
It’s generally considered non-toxic and is a common choice for pet-friendly gardens, especially in finely shredded grades. As always, supervise dogs that like to chew.
Is cedar mulch safe for dogs?
Finely shredded cedar is widely used around pets. A small number of dogs can be sensitive to strong aromas so monitor for sneezing or skin irritation and swap mulches if needed.
Can rubber mulch be used with dogs?
Many dogs ignore rubber mulch, but it’s not edible. Avoid it if your dog is a persistent chewer, and don’t use it where ingestion is likely.
What about pine needles?
Pine needle mulch can be sharp and is best avoided around dogs due to potential mouth and digestive tract irritation.
How often should I top up mulch?
Most organic mulches need a light top-up every 6–12 months to maintain a 50–75 mm layer. Rake and fluff compacted areas to improve water penetration.
Order mulch with pet-friendly advice
Need help choosing a dog-safe mulch and working out quantities? Labrador Landscape Supplies can recommend the right texture and volume for your garden and your pets. Phone 07 5537 2841 or request a quote online.