Cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer is a substrate frequently used for landscaping. These shells are a by-product of chocolate production. Although the percentage of the toxic substance in chocolate, theobromine, is slightly lower in the mulch than in the chocolate itself, there have been reports of toxicity in dogs ingesting cocoa bean mulch. Symptoms of this toxicity include vomiting and muscle tremors due to the caffeine-like effects of theobromine. We would advise that pet owners avoid using this mulch around unsupervised dogs. |
