Easy Recipes From The Garden

If you’re a pet owner, be sure to do your research before purchasing and using cocoa bean mulch. Cocoa bean shells are a byproduct of chocolate production, and frequently sold and used for residential landscaping. Some dogs find the mulch appealing and will ingest varying amounts.

In general terms, while unprocessed cocoa beans, which come from the Theobroma cacao plant, contain approximately 1-4% theobromine and 0.07-0.36% caffeine, the amount of theobromine in processed cocoa bean shell mulch can be anywhere from 0.19-2.98%. Dogs are very sensitive to these chemicals, called methylxanthines.

If a dog has eaten cocoa bean mulch, immediately contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Depending on the amount ingested and whether the dog is sick will affect treatment. The vet may suggest bringing your dog in for observation, inducing vomiting, and/or controlling a rapid heartbeat or seizures.

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