The very notion of artificial grass comes off as unseemly for many people. After all, isn’t the point of having a big backyard to connect with nature is some small but still significant measure? The problem is, it is all well and good to mythologize nature, but when it comes down to it, we are talking about a small strip of land that creates quite a few problems for homeowners with dogs:
- unseemly splotches of dirt, due to urine or drought
- muddy ground after every rain
- requires vast amounts of water waste
- attracts unwelcome insects
Soon, you will realize that these problems far outweigh the desire to keep your backyard natural.
Inevitably, if you are opt-out to artificial grass for dogs, you will end up with a barren piece of land that not only doesn’t look pleasing but also causes you the additional problem of your dog bringing dirt in the house. If you don’t want your dog going outside becoming an “event” every single time, continue reading.
Petgrow · Artificial Synthetic Grass Turf
When you consider all the factors and leave all doubts behind, you will find that Petgrow’s Artificial Synthetic Grass turf goes far and beyond the rest in terms of aesthetics, maintenance, and durability. In addition to that, it has the most flexible size selection.
However, if you are confined to an apartment or a smaller house with barely any yard, you will find that Petgrow’s offering is less suitable. In that case, you should consider indoor grass mats with integrated trays for liquid collection and disposal.
Health Concerns for Artificial Grass for Dogs Have Been Long-Resolved
As with most things when people hear the term “artificial” or “synthetic” in the context of supplanting a common object in nature, safety issue arises. In many cases, there is conflicting information to be found, but when it comes down to artificial grass for dogs, it is inherently safe due to the application of modern, non-toxic materials.
The materials developed for synthetic grass have been extensively tested in many other products. They are most commonly polyethylene and polypropylene, rated non-toxic, and especially non-toxic when you compare it to a chemically treated grass. With that said, some older synthetic grass has lead in its backings, so be sure always to check if it is labeled as lead-safe, lead-free, or non-toxic, which will be almost all modern artificial grass product lines. Therefore, you can count on both your kids and pets to safely enjoy the fake grass as long as they want to.
Comparison Table
How Does Fake Grass Deal With Chemical Treatment?
With artificial grass, you only need to worry about straightening its stalks with a brush once in a while and washing away pet urine and other dirt. Rain is usually sufficient to do this cleaning for you, but if you don’t want to wait for rain, you can use a dash of diluted vinegar or a special artificial turf spray that serves as a mild, non-toxic detergent. It is more than enough to get rid of all the potential bacteria and the urine smell.
Natural Grass Is Not So Natural
You are far more likely to encounter a chemically treated natural grass. It is often necessary to eliminate various pests and prevent new types of insects from coming in to settle. As a result, you get a toxic, yellowy, sparse natural grass that will have to be renewed from scratch within a year.
Fake Grass Eschews Chemical Treatment
It is important to use artificial grass sprays because they are specially designed not to damage the synthetic grass turf. These non-toxic sprays, along with baking soda and a diluted vinegar spray, will be your best tools to maintain your artificial grass, so it looks great all year long and doesn’t accumulate odors and bacteria.
Surprising Environmental and Safety Features of Fake Grass
When we talk about the introduction of artificial grass as a way to cover large swaths of land, as millions of homeowners buy it, we must also account for the environmental effect alongside its safety for pets and humans alike. Here are some of the major benefits of fake grass when compared to maintaining natural grass:
- Synthetic grass is free of pesticides for the obvious reason that insects and other animals are not attracted to non-organic material. Moreover, artificial grass doesn’t need fertilizers either.
- Easy and cheap maintenance. Although you could say that the initial price for a grass turf of the moderate surface area is rather high, it bears keeping in mind that you are cutting the cost of many expenses that come with natural grass: precious water usage, especially in certain geographic regions, pesticides, fertilizers.
- Even surface area, without unexpected holes, increases safety for both sports players and pets. Moreover, as rain doesn’t turn artificial grass into a muddy sludge, it’s safer to walk on. For educational and sports institutions, artificial grass turfs have proven vital in maintaining a regular training and play schedule.
With that said, you should keep in mind to get those cheap artificial grass for dogs that are rated as non-toxic. In the last decade, tremendous progress has been made in this area, moving away from lead and zinc hazards that plagued the first generation of artificial grass. On another note, synthetic materials do tend to retain heat more than natural grass, but this is easily solved with planted trees and other ways to ensure plenty of shaded area at the hottest time of the year/day.
10 Best Artificial Grass For Dogs
With the benefits and most appropriate fake lawn practices out of the way, here are the 10 best candidates you should consider getting to completely transform your backyard both for yourself and your furry companions, from small in-apartment scenario specifically suited for dog potty training to large patches that can cover your entire yard. Without further ado, artificial grass for dogs reviews incoming!
Product Info
Brand name - Petgrow
Size - Many sizes
Price - $$
One of the most realistic looking artificial lawns that won’t disappoint in other areas as well. It owes its realism to a randomized 4-tone color and expertly assembled dense synthetic grass blades 0.8” inch tall. This is what you would imagine a grass would look like if maintained by a master gardener. Its bottom holds a drainage hole so it can drain quickly. You can even use it as an indoor mat if you like, but keep in mind that its blades are not short, like with some other models. Needless to say, it is UV-resistant, fire-resistant, and available in all sizes.
- Softly textured and bushy life-like grass
- The grass color is just right
- Simple to drain and maintain
- Cheap
- The drainage could be improved with more holes at the bottom
Product Info
Brand name - STARROAD-TIM
Size - 39.3 by 31.5 inches
Price - $$$
Coming at the surface area of 39.x 31.5 inches and with 1.2-inch blade grass height, this waterproof synthetic grass has been designed with dog potty training in mind. Accordingly, it is exceedingly simple to rinse with just a bit of soapy water. Suitable for smaller areas like balconies and porches. It has been rated as 100% non-toxic and lead-free. Unfortunately, the QA personnel should do a better job at vetting the product before shipping, as sometimes, the blades are not firmly assembled in place.
- Great for young dogs
- Resistant to all kinds of fluids
- Dense grass
- Super easy to clean thanks to plenty of drainage holes
- Messy packaging that sheds grass blades
Product Info
Brand name - Fortune-star
Size - 24 x 20 inches
Price - $
One of the smallest and cheapest versions available for dog potty training, at only 19.6x 23.6 inches. The grass is very thick, but the hue is not there to make it look as good as the real one. It should have been made brighter. Nonetheless, this constitutes the cheapest option to put on top of your pee pads as you train your dog to pee. Furthermore, a strong rain could severely damage it, so it’s safe to assume that this fake grass was not designed for outdoor ventures, as more of a replacement mat for puppy training.
- Cheap
- Good for small dogs’ training if you place pee pads underneath
- Effortless sanitizing
- Not very durable for outside
Product Info
Brand name - PETMAKER
Size - 1.8 x 21 x 26 inches
Price - $$$
Encased within a well-ventilated tray, this mat is reminiscent of those sci-fi movies in which a golf player puts a ball on such mat to play golf in augmented reality. This mat has one purpose only – young puppies doing their business safely and comfortably. As such, it holds a three-tier system of sanitation that takes care of odors and bacteria: the grass, non-toxic mat on the top, detachable grid tray in the middle, and the collection tray that can be effortlessly removed and drained of all the accumulated liquids. Once that is over with, you only need to rinse the surface with soapy water. It is intended for only indoor use.
- Easy to clean thanks to the nifty three-tier mechanism, so no need for additional pee pads underneath
- Great potty-training solution for people lacking large backyards
- It needs to be thoroughly cleaned regularly, at least once per week, unless you want it to retain the odors permanently
Product Info
Brand name - AMASKY
Size - 39.6 x 27.6 x 1.37 inches
Price - $$
Available in three sizes, from the smallest at 7.6 sq ft to the largest at 16.5 sq ft, this tray-less mat can be easily rolled up, rolled out, and cut down to any size you prefer. The rubberized bottom is perforated with drainage holes, but, as it has no tray, it would be preferable to place some pee pads under. The grass looks surprisingly realistic for what is, really, a pad for dog potty training. Nonetheless, it is highly robust, well-made, great-looking, and resistant to sun, corrosion, and hale.
- It can be further cut down to best fit your needs just with a pair of scissors
- Very realistic looking, with even browner strands included
- None
Product Info
Brand name - Simple Green
Size - 32 oz
Price - $$
What more would you want in a sanitizer designed specifically to lend its soft touch to synthetic grass? It smells soapy and fresh, it doesn’t use chemicals but enzymes to dissolve the source of the odors rather than masking them, and it is orally safe for pets to boot. Best bought in bulk when on sale. It is extremely effective at eliminating all unwanted smells and potential bacteria pools, but you will become addicted to using it. Stock up before they run out of this powerful odor eliminator, which happens more frequently than they would like to admit.
- The ideal solution for odor removal without degrading synthetic grass in any way
- Lovely scent
- None
Product Info
Brand name - iMounTEK
Size - 25 x 20 x 2.4 inches
Price - $$$
Another 3-layer artificial grass system for puppy training inside smaller abodes. Like the previous model, this is an all-in-one potty-training solution for your puppy, without the need to buy anything extra outside the odor eliminator. Furthermore, it is the only one such solution suitable for living with a dog in an apartment. However, this 3-tier mechanism has a nifty trick that effectively removes retaining liquids than the other model mentioned above. The tray is slightly slanted, which makes all the fluids pour into the collection bin, so no lingering smells are collecting in the heart of the system. With that said, you do have to ensure your cleaning schedule is up to par.
- Outstanding potty-training solution for small dogs and small apartments
- A clever fluid delivery system that avoids the collection of fluids in the middle
- Not suitable for bigger dog breeds
Product Info
Brand name - A AYOHA HOME&GARDEN
Size - 28" x 40"
Price - $$
The tiniest artificial grass patch out of the 8 available sizes, Ayoha is exceptional when it comes to assembling a very realistic and dense grass at 1.38 in height. Premium material quality and build can be felt with every layer of this fake grass. The bottom that holds the grass blades consists of two layers with a special anti-aged weave manufactured in Dubai. Moreover, the entire bottom is perforated to create an effective drainage system that can drain liquids at 30 inches per hour per square yard. Of course, it is also UV and resistant to heat ignition.
- Excellent drainage system
- Premium quality throughout
- Exceedingly realistic
- None
Product Info
Brand name - LOOBANI
Size - 18 x 23 inches
Price - $$
Although some potty trainer trays pride themselves in having a good drainage system, the fact of the matter is that you can’t avoid the ravages of urine over time, no matter how diligent you are in your watering and rinsing duties. For this purpose, LOOBANI grassy water-absorbent pads are excellent to stock up with. They are compatible with any tray measuring at 20x25 inches, and you get two in the package. They can be placed indoors or outdoors.
- Cheap potty-training replacements
- Rapid-flow drainage for convenient cleaning
- It comes with two, so when one is drying from cleaning, the other one can be used
- It could be thicker
Product Info
Brand name - VIVOSUN
Size - 17 x 24 inches
Price - $$
A very durable piece of synthetic grass engineering consisting of four layers with the bottom latex (SBR) for solid adherence to slippery surfaces. Vivosun took extra care to make it exceedingly comfy, almost like a very thick luxury carpet. Additionally, it is an effortless chore to hose it with soapy water because of its great filtering design. Despite minimal maintenance, it can last for a couple of decades, no matter if you keep it indoors or outdoors, thanks to its UV protection.
- Durable
- Easy to drain
- Longevity
- None
Why Synthetic Turf Is a Solid Foundation
If you clean your synthetic turf with biodegradable or non-toxic spray detergents specially designed for your turf type, its maintenance will be a breeze. Otherwise, be careful not to use cleaning agents that are too alcohol or acidic-based to avoid any degradation. Once in a while, you should erect its blades with a brush to straighten them up, and that is pretty much all you need to worry about. A properly maintained synthetic turf will be as good as new for many years to come, not losing its color and appearance. Such aesthetic uniformity is practically impossible to achieve with natural grass outside with hiring a dedicated gardener who would have to live in the real estate.
To deploy artificial grass for your pets, you will receive additional benefits specific to dog’s rowdy behavior and habits.
Resistance to Dog’s Playful and Instinctual Nature
One of the main causes of quick destruction of grass is that dogs have an instinct to dig, especially if they detect moles nearby! As you can imagine, this creates a dual effect for you: ruined grass and more dirt into your house, both of which eliminated by a good synthetic turf. After a dog grows accustomed to the new surface, not being able to smell the soil beneath it, it will lose interest in casual digging.
Dog Waste Requires Intervention
Dog poo should be removed after it is dropped, and the area rinsed with water and sprayed with the dedicated turf spray. You never want to leave dog droppings lying around unless you want them accidentally pushed into the surface. Likewise, you wouldn’t want it lingering around if you are a fan of a fresh-smelling air.
Resistance to Dog Pee
Fortunately, dog urine doesn’t degrade artificial lawns as it does to natural grass, discoloring it. However, to not have urine smell wafting around, it would be prudent to hose it down with water. This dilution should be sufficient to remove the odor and let the surface dry out.
Resistance to Insect Infestation
Because insects are attracted to a host of microbes that thrive on natural soil, an artificial lawn cuts this at the root. By covering the soil with synthetic turf, you are effectively preventing an entire insect ecosystem from naturally forming: ants, flies, mosquitos, gnats, spiders. With that said, try not to leave food leftovers on the ground as ants will seek it. Lastly, the biggest factor in preventing bugs from inhabiting your artificial lawn is properly installing it the first time:
- Avoid using sharp sand as the base to avoid the possibility of lacerating your synthetic turf with tiny holes through which bugs can crawl out.
- Ideally, use two layers of weed membrane for the base.
- Allow for the artificial grass to settle in place.
- To keep the artificial lawn securely in place, consider using ballast in the form of silica sand. This approach has a wide range of benefits: its fire resistance, improved drainage (for urine especially), and it evens out the grass fibers along the surface, thus upholding a uniform aesthetic.
When you are done, your dogs will love playing around on such even, clean, and dry surface that will stay in such desirable condition with the minimum maintenance effort. Something that one could never say about natural grass.
A Quick Overview of Relevant Info
How Much Does Synthetic Grass Cost?
Between $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the build quality and your soil preparation. The very cheap artificial grass for dogs comes in the form of small patches or encased within trays.
Is Artificial Turf Grass For Dogs Toxic?
Modern ones are not, which cannot be said for the first few generations of fake grass
Is It Easy to Maintain Fake Grass?
Very much so, as that is the main feature of artificial grass products. You would do well to clean it with diluted vinegar, baking soda, soapy water, or a specialized spray developed to be used for fake grass as the best option.
Is There a Proper Way to Install Fake Grass?
The best way to install it is one that doesn’t damage it and one that doesn’t leave it uneven with creases. In both cases, the silica sand foundation has proven to be ideal.
Is Artificial Grass Environment-Friendly?
Based on the fact that it can be recycled, it is. More importantly, because artificial grass removes the need for mass watering of lawns, it saves water.
Can Types of Shoes Damage Artificial Grass?
Yes, in particular, soccer cleats, which is why it is recommended to wear specially adjusted turf soccer cleats. Other than that, there is no need to worry about what shoes you are wearing when stepping on artificial grass.
What Is Fake Grass Made Of?
Most commonly, it is made out of three materials that have a track record of resisting corrosion, water, and harsh sunlight. These are polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. With high-end synthetic grass, polyester cords are used for the turf backing.
Final Word
There is no better way of alleviating yourself of the chore of maintenance than getting artificial grass for dogs. You will love the new luxurious and comfy aesthetic of your backyard, along with your kids and dogs. Petgrow has the best overall solution considering its great range of sizes, realistic appearance, liquid drainage, and solid build quality. If you are limited to an apartment, however, you would best do with smaller mats of synth grass with in-build tray systems, such as iMounTEK Grass Patch for Dogs.
For such smaller use-case scenarios, an appearance of artificial grass for dogs may not be as important, but you still have such an option with the AYOHA Artificial Grass. These 10 artificial grass for dogs reviews will impart the features currently present in the market, but if you are looking for artificial grass for dogs, always make sure it is lead-free and zinc-free. And don’t forget to apply the best maintenance practices!