Cocoa mulch contains the same theobromine and caffeine as chocolate — fatalities have been reported.
The sweet smell attracts dogs and a single handful can be enough to cause serious illness.
Cocoa mulch is made from cocoa-bean shells, which contain residual theobromine and caffeine. Concentrations vary by product but can be as high as 0.2–3% theobromine, much higher than milk chocolate. The methylxanthines cause the same toxicity as chocolate — hyperactivity, tremors and cardiac effects.
Sources
Toxic dose is the same as for chocolate: signs begin at ~20 mg/kg theobromine. Just 2 oz (60 g) of cocoa mulch can be toxic to a 25 kg dog.
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