Bone meal is an organic fertilizer derived from animal bones, typically from cows, which are steamed and then ground into a fine powder or granules. Gardeners prize this byproduct for its high concentration of phosphorus and calcium, two macronutrients that support strong root development and healthy blooming. However, the product’s organic origin means it retains a scent highly attractive to many animals, creating a significant risk of unwanted garden disturbance and potential harm to pets. Therefore, the simple answer is yes, bone meal attracts animals, making careful application a necessity.
Why Bone Meal Draws Animal Attention
The primary reason bone meal acts as an attractant is its composition and the residual organic compounds it contains, which serve as a powerful olfactory trigger for scavengers. Although the bones are sterilized through steaming and processing, the resulting meal often retains a faint, meaty odor. This lingering scent is easily detectable by animals, signaling a potential food source and overriding an animal’s normal warriness.
Bone meal is fundamentally a processed animal product. While it is mostly mineral, it can contain residual proteins and fat, especially in less refined varieties. These organic components are highly palatable to many mammals, making the fertilizer appealing beyond just its odor. The high concentration of phosphorus and calcium also draws animals instinctively, as these minerals are essential components of their natural diet.
The chemical makeup of the fertilizer is often described with an NPK ratio, such as 3-15-0, indicating a high phosphorus (P) content. This nutrient is derived from the mineral structure of the bones, which animals are biologically programmed to seek out. The combination of a residual organic scent and the mineral content creates a powerful double-attraction, causing animals to confuse the fertilizer with an easy meal.
Which Animals Are Most Attracted and Why
The animals most frequently attracted to bone meal fall into two main categories: domestic pets and scavenging wildlife. Domestic dogs pose the highest danger because they are highly curious and prone to ingesting the product directly from the bag or the soil. The scent is highly attractive to them, and they will actively dig up treated areas to access the meal. Ingesting bone meal is dangerous for dogs, as the powder can form a solid, cement-like mass in their stomach, potentially leading to a life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage that may require emergency surgery.
Wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and rodents, are drawn by the lingering organic odor, which they interpret as the smell of carrion or a buried cache of food. Their response is to dig aggressively in the treated soil to find the source of the scent. This behavior causes significant damage to flower beds, newly planted bulbs, and vegetable patches as the animals churn up the soil. Foxes may also be attracted and exhibit similar destructive digging behaviors.
The problem is particularly pronounced because these animals are actively seeking to consume the fertilizer, leading to plant destruction and soil displacement. For wildlife, the attraction is a scavenging opportunity. For pets, the palatability and scent can trigger a dangerous consumption response, and this distinction informs the best methods for prevention.
Practical Steps to Prevent Animal Attraction
The most effective strategy for preventing animal attraction involves immediate and thorough incorporation of the bone meal into the soil upon application. It is crucial to mix the product deep into the planting area, ensuring no powder or granules remain visible on the surface. When planting bulbs or new transplants, it is best practice to mix the bone meal at least two to four inches below the root zone in the planting hole.
Following the application, a deep, thorough watering of the treated area is essential to help dissolve the fertilizer and start the process of moving the nutrients deeper into the soil. This action immediately helps to suppress the residual organic odor that attracts pets and wildlife, reducing the initial olfactory signal. Watering facilitates the breakdown of the product, making it less accessible to animals.
Another layer of defense involves masking any remaining surface scent by applying a thick layer of inert mulch, such as wood chips or straw, over the treated ground. This physical barrier helps to obscure the smell and discourages digging by making the soil less inviting. For areas where animal disturbance is a persistent problem, temporary physical barriers, like chicken wire laid flat over the soil, can be used until the bone meal has fully dissolved.
Proper storage of unused bone meal is a simple but often overlooked preventive measure. The product should always be kept in an airtight container and stored securely in a shed or garage, well out of reach of both domestic pets and potential pests. Gardeners may also consider using non-toxic, scent-based commercial animal repellents around the perimeter of the treated area as a short-term deterrent.