Why Do Dogs Eat Mulch?
- Advice
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Mulch, what does my dog love it?
Following Autumn and leading into Winter, mulch will be everywhere you walk as it's a combination of decomposition of leaves, fallen bark and anything else, typically washed up together beside the curbs.
Dogs eating mulch is actually a pretty common behaviour, and it can happen for a few different reasons:
Curiosity: Dogs are naturally curious creatures, especially when they’re puppies or younger dogs. Mulch might smell interesting to them, especially if it’s been freshly applied or has a lot of natural scents from trees or plants.
Boredom: If a dog isn’t getting enough mental or physical stimulation, they might turn to chewing on things they find around.. like mulch on walks. Chewing helps them release energy and can keep them entertained.
Texture: Some dogs like the texture of mulch. It’s not uncommon for dogs to chew on things like sticks, bark, or wood chips just because it feels good to their teeth. It couldd also be leaning into "Pica".
Nutrient Deficiency: Sometimes, dogs chew on non-food items if they're lacking certain nutrients in their diet, like fiber. If a dog is missing something in their food, they might try to get it from other sources.
Anxiety or Stress: Some dogs chew things when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This can be a way for them to self-soothe.
Although it's comforting to know that it's pretty common behaviour and that whilst eating small amounts of mulch isn’t typically harmful, it’s important to keep an eye on it incase it becomes a regular thing. Some types of mulch, like cocoa mulch, can be toxic to dogs if ingested, so it's a good idea to make sure your dog isn’t eating something dangerous. If it becomes a habit or you’re worried, it might be worth talking to a vet for advice.
If your dog does this often, here is the best way we recommend correcting this behaviour. First, book an appointment with your vets to get any bloodwork done to flag up deficiencies or medical conditions. Once these come back, either work on the Vet's guidance or if nothing comes up, begin to implement "Leave it" training, encourage redirection and increase their stimulation.
