What Fertilisers Are Safe for Pets

Being a gardening enthusiast and pet owner is hard. You need to be extra cautious with what you are feeding your garden. Since pets love to roam outdoors, it is important to ensure that they don’t swallow toxic chemicals spread on the lawn.

Safety measures include using pet-friendly fertilisers. Let’s dig deeper to find out which fertilisers are safe and non-harmful for your furry pet. 

What Is A Fertiliser?

Any natural or artificial substance containing nutrients essential for the growth and productivity of soil or plant is called a fertiliser. Fertilisers come in different forms, organic or inorganic, and can be supplied via two methods – liquid or solid. 

nutrient-enriched fertilizer helps plants grow big and healthy
A nutrient-enriched fertilizer helps plants grow big and healthy

Generally, all available fertilisers will have certain essential nutrients required for soil fertility and proper plant growth. These nutrients are termed NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium). 

As much as it is good for your plant, most fertilisers contain chemicals that are toxic to your pet’s health. 

Pets love to explore places and swallow anything they find on the ground. In extreme cases, this may cause them to ingest chemicals that can pose serious health issues like upset stomach, diarrhoea, or even poisoning leading to fatality.

Can Organic Fertilisers Harm My Pets?

Although organic variants are hailed as the safer alternative to artificial ones, they may still not be 100% safe for your pets.

Their makeup is natural, but they may contain some substances with several harmful ingredients. Like any other fertiliser, it can cause serious harm if your pet ingests it.

Some organic fertilisers are made from natural meals like fish or bone meals. The smell of these natural foods may appeal to your pets, and they might proceed to ingest them.

If by any chance the organic substance is mixed with any other ingredient-your pet may be at risk of poisoning by two different substances. 

To not have to worry about this happening, look for safe and pet-friendly organic fertilisers like those available at Artktivate. These are made of beneficial microbes and are also not harmful to pets sniffing around and ingesting a bit of it.

Are There Any Pet-Friendly Fertilisers?

Yes! Pet-friendly fertilisers are your safest option easily available on the market. Unlike synthetic fertilisers containing chemicals, Arktivate fertilisers are derived from natural and organic sources. Organic fertilisers available at Arktivate are safe and pet-friendly. They can be used in both forms – liquid or solid.

Adorable fellows enjoying their time in the garden

Arktivate products are constantly screened through laboratory tests for pathogenic bacteria and chemicals which can harm your pet if ingested. 

Typically, you would want to wait a safe period of time before your pets are allowed to roam the land where you have sprayed the fertilisers. However, you will not have to restrict your pet for long.

It is always a good idea to wait a while for your garden to dry after spraying liquid fertiliser, and your pet can safely roam about.

List Of Fertilisers Safe For Pets

You must be worrying about which fertilisers are a safer option for your pets. Keep reading to find out.

1. Manure

Manure is a product of decomposed natural resources like the faeces of domestic livestock or vegetable waste. An organic fertiliser rich in nutrients, manure is essential for your garden. 

Manure is full of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other naturally occurring minerals, all of which add fertility to the soil and improve moisture retention.

Using manure as a fertiliser has some amazing benefits, the most important of which is that it is safe for your pets. 

However, manure contains a certain odour that is stingy, of course. It may make your dog want to eat it. To remove the smell, make sure to let it compost for 3 to 4 months before use.

2. Compost

Organic materials that decompose over time turn into a nutrient-enriched mixture called compost. Compost is cost-effective and safe for your pets. The added benefits include providing essential nutrients to the soil and improving its structure. 

Compost is a good natural fertiliser that isn't as risky to use with pets around
Compost is a good natural fertiliser that isn’t as risky to use with pets around

Compost can be made at home by decomposing yard waste and food scraps. If you are making your own compost, keep the container away from your pet. 

Avoid adding substances that may be harmful if ingested by pets. These include food scraps such as citrus, garlic, or onions. 

3. Potash

Potash, commonly known as fertiliser potassium, is rich in nutrients essential for the plant’s healthy growth. Potash is available in liquid and granule forms, both of which are pet-friendly. 

You can combine a bone meal with potash for an extra boost of nitrogen nutrition while also keeping it safe for your pets. 

Some benefits of using potash as a fertiliser include increasing water retention in plants, providing nutritional value, and improving crop yields. 

4. Grass Clippings

The cut grass left behind or caught in the grass catcher when you mow your lawn is what grass clippings are. They are a source of nutrients in abundance. 

Grass clippings are enriched in nitrogen which ensures soil fertility and plant growth. A bonus is that grass clippings are completely safe for your pets, provided they don’t contain any toxic chemicals or ingredients. 

After mowing, leave short clippings (an inch or less) on the lawn. These will decompose and act as natural fertilisers. 

5. Slow Release Meal Fertiliser

Slow Release Fertilisers contain nutrients that gradually dissolve in water. In this case, the plants can extract nutritional value over time.  

Some natural options of slow-release meal fertilisers are bone meal, corn meal, cottonseed meal, and blood meal, all of which are safe for your pets. 

These will not harm your pet even if ingested by them. However, always double-check the ingredients before application to make sure it is an all-organic fertiliser without any synthetic additives. 

Bone Meal and blood meal have a delicious aroma which may cause your pet to dig up the application area. Avoid leaving any traces and keep the fertilisers out of reach. 

Safety Considerations

While there are fertilisers available that are safe for your pets, they too, require you to take some safety precautions. 

  • Always read the application instructions and ingredients. 
  • Keep the packets or leftovers out of reach of your pets.
  • Do your research before making any decision. 

In Summary

Fertilisers are extremely crucial to your garden’s health. At the same time, a garden is a pet’s favourite place. For a pet owner and a garden enthusiast like you, it can get overwhelming to manage both. 

Look for safe and pet-friendly options like manure, compost, potash, grass clippings, and meal fertilisers. 

Don’t forget to follow the application instructions before using these. 

Healthy Garden, Delighted Pet, Happy You!

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