Whether you use it for potty training or a play area, the best artificial turf for dogs is a hygienic, low-maintenance solution. That said, you should make sure it’s non-toxic, self-draining, and durable enough to withstand both your dog and the elements. Lawn is an investment, so you want to make sure it’s worth it.
One study found that artificial turf is usually a safe option for humans and can even be more environmentally friendly than real grass. However, you should make sure that the brand of your choice is labeled as non-toxic and animal friendly. (The most popular options are made from polypropylene, a versatile plastic that is considered one of the safer.)
You’ll also want lawns with built-in drainage holes – and lots of them. Not only does this allow rainwater to flow through outdoors (avoiding puddles of mud), it also ensures that your dog’s urine flows through the mat and can be flushed clean. Fortunately, animal-friendly artificial turf tends to have more drainage and permeability than standard turf.
Finally, look for features that make the artificial grass more durable, especially if you plan to place it outdoors. This can mean UV resistance, a stable base, bound edges or a non-frayed construction. No matter what, you should make sure it can withstand the weather, traffic and litter from your dog.
These five options come in a variety of sizes, strengths, and styles, but all are pet safe and practical.
1. The best overall artificial grass for dogs
Goasis Lawn’s artificial turf has over a thousand reviews on Amazon, not to mention a total of 4.3 stars. It’s one of the most popular options because it’s affordable, weatherproof, low-maintenance, self-draining, and comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It’s also easy to install and can be cut to your preferred size without fraying. Because it’s animal friendly and can withstand moisture, UV rays, and flames, it’s great for training, dog runs, kennels, and mud protection. It doesn’t come with a mat underneath, however, so it’s not super portable.
- Material: polypropylene
- Available sizes: 2 x 8 feet – 13 x 82 feet
One reviewer wrote: “I used it to potty training my dogs. It worked WUNDER. I would recommend it to anyone. I like that I can choose the size of the artificial turf so I can cover my entire balcony. It made me surprised at how the artificial grass was very similar to real grass. All in all, it worked well for what I need it for. “
2. The best artificial grass mat
The PETMAKER bath mat is a portable pad and not a more permanent lawn liner. It’s a number one best seller in litter boxes on Amazon. It is available in two options depending on the size of your pet. Each has three different layers that resist odors, prevent bacteria from growing, and allow liquids to build up on the floor for easy cleaning. (While the manufacturer claims that the top layer is made of soft “synthetic plastic”, the actual material is not disclosed – but it’s non-toxic and animal-friendly.) After all, the top layer is non-toxic and looks and feels the same as these Real grass mat is a helpful tool for training your dog indoors, indoors or outdoors.
- Material: synthetic plastic
- Available sizes: small – medium
One reviewer wrote: “I couldn’t be happier with this purchase! I have an above-average Pomeranian with a matching bladder. […] It was used within 24 hours of initial setup! It’s also worth mentioning that we were able to move this potty to a cheaper location […] The dog was undisturbed and continued to use his new bathroom at his new location. ”
3. The most realistic artificial grass
If you want to be realistic in your garden or deck, choose SunVilla artificial turf. Yes, it’s more expensive, but the blades are longer and thicker than most of the other options. They also have a mix of green tones for the most natural looking lawn possible. In addition to appearance, this option is also durable: it is UV-resistant, self-draining, non-toxic, fireproof and animal-friendly. There are also over a dozen different size options to fit your space.
- Material: yarn, polyethylene, latex
- Available sizes: 28 x 40 inches – 13 x 25 feet
One reviewer wrote: “I can’t grow grass in my yard. It always looked messy and my dog got muddy when it rained. This is a perfect solution for my dog and my family. It looks so real!”
4. The best interlocking lawn tiles
Interlocking tiles are a great solution for those who don’t want to deal with installing strips of lawn. These from GOLDEN MOON have more than 400 nominal values as they snap into place with ease and no tools or adhesives are required. They’re also deep pile for a realistic appearance, self-draining for easy cleaning, and durable and non-fading for placement indoors or out in the garden. Each order comes with six 1-by-1-foot tiles.
- Material: polypropylene
- Available sizes: 6 1-by-1-foot tiles
One reviewer wrote: “I love this lawn and Harley, my dog. If we travel to the desert, I can set up your little piece of lawn in about 15 minutes. The pieces are strong and can be easily, very, but safely connected together.”
5. The most customizable lawn
If you are looking for options, iCustomRug is the place for you. These artificial turf carpets come in dozens of sizes and five different colors: black gray, brown brown, espresso, green and emerald. They are all made from 100% polypropylene, which is resistant to stains, UV damage, weathering and fading. They are also thin, light, and foldable for easy transfer and installation. However, because they have bound edges all around, they won’t fray or fall off.
- Material: polypropylene
- Available sizes: 4×6 feet – 12×26 feet
One reviewer wrote: “We don’t have a fenced yard, but we do have a large deck. We put this on the deck so the pups can do their business, and they got it right. I really like that the edges are tied like this, that they exist. ” No fraying and it is cleaned every time it rains which has been a lot lately. Good product and great price. “
Studies referred to:
Cheng H, Hu Y, Reinhard M. (2014) Environmental and health effects of artificial turf: an overview. Environ Sci Technol, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24467230/
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