Is bark mulch safe for dogs

Many dog owners wonder whether bark mulch is safe to use in gardens where pets roam. In most cases, bark mulch made from natural wood sources is considered safe, and it provides a practical way to keep beds tidy, suppress weeds, and lock in soil moisture. Dogs may occasionally sniff, dig, or even chew pieces of bark, but with standard mulches this rarely causes any harm.

The main concern lies with cocoa shell mulch, which should always be avoided. It contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Bark mulch made from softwood or hardwood, by contrast, does not carry this risk and is generally fine to use around pets, though it’s always wise to discourage chewing large amounts of any garden material.

If you are introducing bark into an area where dogs play, keep an eye on them at first. Most will lose interest quickly once the novelty wears off. Choosing a good quality bark, such as those supplied by AHS LTD, ensures you are using a clean product that’s free from additives or contaminants. With a little care, bark mulch can be both pet-friendly and highly effective in the garden.