Maintaining a lush lawn with dogs can be a real challenge. If your pooch likes to dig or has strong urine, you may be constantly dealing with brown spots and holes.
That’s why some people are turning to artificial turf for their pups. Quality products maintain a well-groomed appearance all year long. And there are pet-safe options available.
After evaluating more than 30 artificial grass for dogs, we chose the “WMG GRASS Premium Artificial Grass” as our favorite because this product is made in the USA and contains no lead or other toxic materials. It includes a low pile length and high density for extra comfort and durability.
But I understand you might have different needs, whether you’re looking for artificial grass for potty, or you’re on a budget. That is why I prepared a shortlist of our top favorite artificial grass products that address different needs.
In addition, there are some rules of thumb like material, permeability, pile height, and durability that you should consider. We used these guidelines to review 12 products on the market, to help you find the best artificial grass for dogs.
After discussing the reasons you should consider fake grass for your dog and reviewing what to look for when choosing a product, we’ll share our findings with you and answer common questions from dog parents.
The Good & the Bad of Artificial Grass for Dogs
Artificial grass is gaining popularity with landscapers and pet owners. In some climates, it helps ensure a lush green appearance. Fortunately, there are non-toxic options that you can install if you have dogs. Using pet-safe artificial turf also provides some health benefits for canines.
The Good: 4 Reasons Artificial Grass is Better Than Real Grass
It’s Eco-Friendly: Artificial turf is eco-friendly in several ways:
- You won’t have to water the lawn, so it saves water
- There’s no chemical treatment needed for either weed control or fertilizer
- There’s no mowing required, so there are no carbon emissions
- It’s recyclable and can be made from recycled materials
It Reduces the Risk of Fleas and Other Pests: Natural grass tends to harbor parasites like ants, fleas, and ticks that can jump on your pooch. It turns out that artificial turf isn’t a welcoming environment for these pests. So your dogs won’t be likely to pick up nasty bugs if you have fake grass.
It’s Allergen-Free: Yes, some dogs have allergies to the pollens found in grass. If your pup has patches of itchy skin, it may be a grass allergy. Unchecked, the symptoms can spread across the body. You could also see watery eyes and noses. To reduce the symptoms, the best thing you can do is limit exposure to the allergen. Artificial turf doesn’t have pollen. It can also help prevent the growth of other possible allergens like mildew and mold.
Artificial Grass is Super-Easy to Maintain: It can be hard work to maintain a lush lawn. Mowing, fertilizing, edging, aerating, and weed control require labor and investment. And that doesn’t include the potential for your dog to damage the grass through digging and urine scald. Artificial turf is so much easier.
- No more mowing required – Once you install the fake grass, you won’t have to mow the area. It only requires a hose-down once or twice a week and brushing every few months to remove leaf debris. Think about the time savings!
- No more urine spots – Dog pee won’t turn the lawn yellow or brown from scald. Just remember to hose off the turf every once in a while to prevent ammonia build-up. And if there’s a sticky number two, you can spot clean the area.
- No more digging – If you have a dig-happy dog, fake grass will help put an end to it. Pups can’t penetrate the pile with their feet. So, you won’t have to worry about turning an ankle because of dangerous holes in the yard. Your dogs also won’t come to the door with muddy paws – bonus!
- No more flat grass – When your furbaby stretches out on the lawn to sunbathe, he won’t be flattening the grass. Artificial turf bristles are designed to bounce back. And if they don’t, a little brushing should restore them.
- No more sprinklers – If you’re in an arid area or have hot dry seasons, you won’t have to water the lawn to keep it verdant. That means long-term savings.
The Bad: What to Avoid?
A 2007-2008 study conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJ DHSS) found that two of the twelve artificial fields they tested had lead levels significantly higher than safe soil lead levels for the state. A similar study in California revealed that 15 of 50 products contained lead. Because of these findings, reputable manufacturers put strict controls in place to keep lead levels in their products below acceptable limits.
Lead is toxic to both humans and pets. Particularly if your pooch likes to gnaw on the turf, stay away from products that may contain lead. That means you should avoid:
- lower-quality products
- Companies that can’t tell you what treatments they use and how they’re applied to the turf
- Products that were manufactured before 2008
- Imported products from nations that don’t have lead safety standards
Artificial Grass vs. Pet Turf: What should you pick?
Not all turf is equal today. When it comes to artificial grass, you can look for products that have specific applications, such as turf that’s designed for pets.
Quality pet turf is made to hold up to animal activities like running and jumping. Pet-specific products shouldn’t have any padding or infill. Rather, it will have a permeable backing for rapid draining. The material is also able to stand up to the nitrogen in your dog’s urine.
10 Rules of Thumb When Buying Artificial Grass for Dogs
When you’re shopping for artificial turf, you want to find a product that’s safe and comfortable for you and your four-footed friend. So, what qualities should you be looking for? Let’s look at 10 rules of thumb you can use when you’re shopping for artificial grass:
- Pet Friendly/Lead-Free: This is the number one consideration. Check for statements that the turf contains no materials that could be harmful or toxic for your pooch. The company should be able to confirm that the grass and any treatments have no lead.
- Durability: Dogs like to run and play on the lawn. It’s important to have turf that bounces back and won’t show a well-worn pathway. Some materials are durable enough to last 20 or more years.
- Material: When considering the material, you want a safe product that’s also soft and durable. Commonly, the blades are made from nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Nylon is more durable while poly fibers tend to feel softer.
- UV Resistance: UV rays can break down artificial turf and shorten the lifespan. That’s why it’s important to check for UV resistance. Quality products contain additives that are blended with the threads during the manufacturing process. Check for turf that contains UV-resistant substances.
- 100% Permeable Backing: When you’re dealing with pet turf, you want backing and infill that will drain easily. That way any moisture, including urine, will quickly pass through to the soil underneath. Trapped waste can cause odors and may damage the artificial grass. Avoid products that are moisture-absorbent.
- Low Pile Height: A shorter pile makes it easier to spot and clean up pet waste. It also offers a soft, comfortable surface for your pooch. Look for products with a pile height of around one inch.
- Density: Density has to do with the number of fibers in the mat. Turf with high density will look more natural and stand up to heavy traffic. Look for about 1500-1700 stitches per square foot.
- Maintenance: If you’re installing artificial grass in a dog run or your yard, your pup will probably pee and poop on it. You’ll want materials that are easy to keep clean and require minimal maintenance. Look for a product that you can hose down, is easy to brush, and drains well.
- Warranty: You’re making a significant investment, so you want to know that the company will stand behind its product. Check to see if there’s a warranty and what it covers.
- Made in the USA: Not all countries follow the same manufacturing standards as the United States. To reduce the risk of purchasing a product that contains toxins like lead, check to make sure it’s made in the USA.
Our 2024 Top Favorites 12 Artificial Grass For Dogs
After reviewing more than 30 artificial grass products for dogs using the criteria mentioned above, we chose 12 that we think are the safest for your dog:
WMG GRASS Premium Artificial Grass
- Material: polypropylene and polyethylene fibers
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.4”
- Drainage: rubber backing with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year warranty; 30-day return policy
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Our: Top favorite pick
Made with high-traffic areas in mind, this dense artificial grass features durable polypropylene and polyethylene fibers. The blades have four-tone coloring to resemble a natural lawn. It’s UV and corrosion-resistant to withstand sun, harsh weather, and dog pee.
The permeable backing features non-skid rubber with drainage holes. Cleaning is easy because the mat is designed to divert moisture quickly to the ground beneath.
This turf is available in a wide variety of sizes to help you find the right fit for your space. It’s easy to install and maintain. The company backs it with a 10-year warranty.
What We Like
- It’s durable
- It’s easy to install
- It has excellent drainage
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s thick and lush
- It’s comfortable to lie down on
What We Don’t Like
- It retains urine odor
- It tends to lay flat
Fas Home Artificial Grass Turf 5FTX18FT (90 Square FT),0.8″ Pile Height
- Material: polypropylene fibers
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 0.8”
- Drainage: double-layer polyethylene mesh and rubber with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: No
- Made in the USA: No
- Best for: affordable price
Made in China with durable polypropylene fibers, this artificial turf has four-tone colors and high density. It has a blended thatch that mimics natural grass.
The backing features a double-layer with polypropylene fabric and a rubber button that’s perforated for easy drainage. With waterproof blades, the mat is easy to brush or hose to clean.
Available in a wide variety of sizes, you can find the right match for your needs. It’s easy to trim to fit and install.
What We Like
- It drains well
- It makes potty training easier
- It keeps the dog’s paws clean
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s comfortable
- It keeps the fleas and ants away
What We Don’t Like
- The surface gets hot in the sun
- It tends to fray at the edges
PETMAKER Artificial Grass For Dogs
- Material: synthetic plastic blades and mat
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.25” for grass mat and tray together
- Drainage: permeable mat and grid tray
- UV Resistance: unknown
- Warranty: No
- Made in the USA: Yes
- Best for: potty
Portable and easy to clean, the Puppy Pad from Petmaker looks and feels like natural grass. Whether you’re potty training or need to provide an indoor pee area for your pooch while you’re at work, this product can help.
The grass mat is made of synthetic plastic with a permeable backing for easy drainage. It fits into a grid tray and hard plastic base tray that’s designed to trap urine. Clean-up is easy. Just separate the three parts and wash with soap and water.
Made in Ohio, this product offers indoor and outdoor flexibility. Replacement grass pads are available separately.
What We Like
- It’s easy to clean
- It fits in a large crate with room to spare
- It drains quickly
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s easy to go potty on it
- It works great for an apartment
What We Don’t Like
- The grass can come loose easily – not good for a chewer
- The bottom tray is flimsy
Pet Pad Artificial Grass Turf 7′ x13′- Realistic Thick Synthetic Fake Grass
- Material: Polypropylene threads
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Unknown
- Pile Height: 1.37”
- Drainage: permeable backing with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 30-day return policy, 10-year warranty
- Made in the USA: No
Made in China by Pet Grow, this artificial turf uses polyurethane blades with a 4-tone green color and blade style that mimics natural grass. The product is UV resistant and has a density of 85,000 blades per square meter.
The permeable backing is athletic grade and has multiple layers to stand up to heavy use. With latex reinforced netting and drainage holes, it’s designed to dry quickly after rain or washing. The waterproof materials are easy to clean and maintain.
With the 7’ X 13’ size, this product will cover a sizable portion of your deck, patio, or lawn. There’s a 30-day return policy and a 10-year warranty on the product.
What We Like
- It’s easy to install
- It’s easy to clean and drains well
- It looks like natural grass
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s soft and lush
- It’s bug-free
What We Don’t Like
- It gets too hot in direct sun
- The color quality is inconsistent
GL Artificial Turf Grass Lawn 5 FT x8 FT
- Material: Polyethylene threads; polypropylene and latex net backing
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 0.4”
- Drainage: rubber backing with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 30-day return policy, 10-year warranty
- Made in the USA: Yes
Made with soft and durable polyethylene, this artificial grass from Goasis has a density of 63,000 threads per square meter. The low pile provides a natural appearance of a freshly-cut lawn.
The water-resistant blades and backing help to keep the turf dry after rain or a hose down. There are drainage holes to quickly divert water to the soil beneath. It’s easy to trim to fit your space, and the company offers customization.
With a 10-year warranty, this California-based company backs its product. It’s UV resistant for 8-11 years, eco-friendly, and non-toxic.
What We Like
- It’s SGS Certified to meet ISO standards
- It’s easy to keep clean with a vacuum or hose
- It’s easy to install and cut to size
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s comfortable to lie and roll on
- Paws stay clean
What We Don’t Like About It
- The pile is too short
- It has a strong plastic odor when you first take it out of the box
SavvyGrow Artificial Grass for Dogs
- Material: polyethylene and polypropylene
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.2”
- Drainage: rubber backing with drainage holes, no fill
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 30-day money-back return policy
- Made in the USA: Yes
With a combination of four different blade styles and four colors, this artificial grass is designed to look like the real thing. UV and corrosion-resistant threads help to keep the product looking like new for years.
This turf is easy to install and easy to clean. The rubber mat and drainage holes help the mat to dry quickly after rain or washing. It’s eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Available in a variety of sizes, you can select the right fit for your space. It’s also easy to trim to your yard contours.
What We Like
- It’s durable
- It’s easy to clean and low maintenance
- It helps with potty training
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s comfortable and soft
- It’s great for dogs with allergies
What We Don’t Like About It
- It gets really hot in direct sunlight
- There aren’t enough drainage holes – it drains and dries slowly
SunVilla SV7’X13′ Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass
- Material: polyethylene and polypropylene
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.37”
- Drainage: latex polypropylene net backing with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year warranty, 30-day return policy
- Made in the USA: No
Made with polyethylene and polypropylene threads, this artificial turf has four tones and two different blade styles to mimic natural grass. It’s UV-resistant to help prevent fading and breaking down in the sun.
The product has a design for easy drainage. With polypropylene backing, the mat has a waterproof latex sealant and drain holes to allow water to pass quickly to the ground. The blade length and high density provide a soft, natural-looking surface.
What We Like
- It’s easy to install
- It’s low maintenance and easy to keep clean
- It’s sturdy and durable
What Dog Love About it
- It’s soft and comfortable
- It looks like real grass
What We Don’t Like
- It sounds crunchy
- The colors are inconsistent for different pieces
LITA X20 Premium Artificial 20 in x 24 in (3.3 Square FT)
- Material: polyethylene and polypropylene
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.37”
- Drainage: polypropylene net backing and latex bottom with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year warranty, 30-day return policy
- Made in the USA: Yes
Made in Southern California, LITA Premium turf meets ISO 9002 standards for product safety and quality. It’s non-toxic and free of heavy metals. The high-density, resilient turf is made of UV-resistant polyethylene and polypropylene threads.
The backing features polypropylene netting for sturdy blades and a perforated latex bottom that allows for rapid draining. This product comes with a 10-year warranty.
What We Like
- It’s easy to brush or hose clean
- It’s easy to cut to fit and install
- It’s a good value for the money
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s soft and comfortable
- It keeps the feet clean and dry
What We Don’t Like
- It gets really hot in the sun
- It doesn’t stand up to dogs scratching and chewing
SMARTLAWN PROFESSIONAL Realistic Artificial Grass
- Material: polyethylene and polypropylene
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.25”
- Drainage: double-layer polypropylene mesh and latex with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year warranty, 30-day return policy
- Made in the USA: Yes
With realistic colors and UV resistance, SMARTLAWN artificial grass is designed to look like a lush, well-manicured lawn. The blades are made from durable, soft polyethylene and polypropylene fibers.
Built-in drain holes help to keep the product dry after rain or washing. It has a double backing for durability and water resistance.
The product is non-toxic and eco-friendly. It comes with a 10-year warranty and is available in a wide range of sizes.
What We Like
- It’s easy to cut to size and install
- It’s lush and looks natural
- It makes potty training easier
What Dogs Love About It
- The blades are soft on the feet
- It’s comfortable to lie down on
What We Don’t Like
- The edges can fray
- It gets really hot in the sun
Deluxe Realistic Artificial Grass Turf 3.3FTX5FT, 70 oz Face Weight
- Material: polyethylene and polypropylene
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.37”
- Drainage: double-layer polypropylene mesh and latex with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year warranty, 30-day return policy
- Made in the USA: No
Rated as a high-density artificial turf, this product from Pet Grow is made to look and feel like real grass. The blades come in four tones and a blend of straight and curly blades to mimic a natural lawn. They’re made of resilient and durable polyethylene and polypropylene yarn.
Featuring a triple-layer backing, the turf has a polypropylene fabric, mesh middle, and perforated rubber for easy drainage. It’s designed to stand up to heavy usage.
This product is non-toxic and eco-friendly. It includes UV-resistant treatments to prevent weather damage. There’s a 10-year warranty.
What We Like
- It’s durable and well-built
- It looks real
- It’s easy to clean
What Dogs Love About It
- It keeps feet clean and dry
- It’s soft and comfortable
What We Don’t Like
- It has a strong chemical odor when you first unpack it
- It drains and dries poorly
Pet Grow · Artificial Synthetic Grass Turf 5FTX8FT (40 Square FT),0.8″
- Material: polyethylene and polypropylene
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 0.8”
- Drainage: double-layer polypropylene mesh and latex with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year warranty, 30-day return policy
- Made in the USA: No
With a lower pile, this durable turf has a high density and four-tone color blend. The mixture of different blade shapes helps to mimic the appearance of natural grass. This product can be used indoors and outdoors because it’s UV resistant.
Featuring a permeable polypropylene and latex back with drainage holes, this turf is made to dry out quickly after washing or rain. It’s easy to clean with a hose, vacuum, or broom.
This synthetic grass comes in a variety of sizes to fit your spatial needs. It’s easy to trim and fit the contours of your yard.
What We Like
- It’s easy to cut and install
- It stands up well to daily dog activity
- It’s easy to clean up poop
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s comfortable
- It helps keep paws clean and dry
What We Don’t Like
- The backing is too thin
- It retains odors over time
GOLDEN MOON Artificial Grass/Turf Tile 1×1 ft, 1.5 in Pile Height, 6 Pack
- Material: polypropylene fibers
- Dog-Friendly (Lead-Free): Yes
- Pile Height: 1.57”
- Drainage: double-layer polyethylene mesh and rubber with drainage holes
- UV Resistance: Unknown
- Warranty: No
- Made in the USA: No
These turf tiles come in one-foot squares that you can snap together to design a mat to fit your space. They feature eco-friendly and non-toxic polypropylene fibers that look like natural grass. It’s durable and designed for indoor or outdoor use.
With polypropylene fabric and perforated rubber backing, the product is made to drain quickly and keep the surface clean and dry. You can clean it with a brush or broom if indoors and with a hose if outdoors.
There are six tiles in a pack. Installation is easy and requires no adhesive or tools.
What We Like
- It’s versatile – you can snap it together in any shape or size
- It’s easy to keep clean
- It’s stable and durable
What Dogs Love About It
- It’s soft and comfortable
- It stays cool in the summer
What We Don’t Like
- It’s hard to snap together
- You can see the seam lines between tiles when after it’s put together
Common Questions from Dog Parents
Real Grass vs. Fake Grass: What’s the difference?
Sure, real grass has that cool, springy feel on a hot summer day. And I, for one, love the aroma of fresh-cut lawn. But today’s artificial turf is a close second. Well-made products have blades that vary in color, width, and texture to closely mimic the real thing. So, what are some other differences between the two?
- Maintenance: We mentioned above that maintenance is lower for artificial grass, and you won’t have to worry about burned spots or holes in the lawn. Artificial grass also keeps bugs and mud to a minimum as compared to the real McCoy.
- Chemicals: When it comes to natural turf, you often need to add chemicals like fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides to keep it lush and healthy. Quality fake grass often has an antimicrobial treatment on the backing to prevent mildew, mold, and bacteria.
Is Artificial Grass Safe for dogs?
Yes. Provided that you select a non-toxic product, artificial grass is a safe alternative for dogs.
How do you clean poop off of artificial grass?
Solid poop can be removed with a pooper scooper or bag. If the feces are soft or runny, allow the waste to dry before removing it. You can scrub off any remaining residue with mild soap and water.
How do you clean artificial grass?
When outdoors, you can remove solid waste then hose down your grass to clean it. If there’s a residual odor, treat the area with a one-to-one vinegar and water solution then rinse clean.
How do you remove dog fur from artificial turf?
To remove pet hair, use a broom with synthetic bristles and brush against the pile direction. Collect the hair in clumps for easy removal.
Will dogs try to dig a hole through the artificial grass?
Most dogs will not try to dig through artificial turf because it’s harder to smell the soil underneath the mat. The backing will also discourage any attempts. However, it’s best to discourage any attempts at digging.
How do you deodorize fake grass?
To eliminate pet odor from fake grass, hose it off at least once a week. If there are lingering scents, you can spot clean problem areas with mild soap and water. For persistent smells, you can spray the area with a one-to-one vinegar and water solution. Allow it to sit for an hour then rinse. If none of these methods work, you may need to invest in an enzymatic cleaner that’s specifically made for artificial turf.
Do weeds grow through artificial grass?
Weeds will not grow through artificial grass if it’s properly installed by a trained professional. However, you may see some surface weeds that sprout from seeds that land on top of the mat. These are easy to extract without damaging the turf.
How long will fake grass last?
The lifespan of your turf will depend on the original quality of the product, how it’s installed, and how well you maintain it. With proper care, some varieties can last 10 to 20 years.
Does artificial grass require maintenance?
As compared to natural grass, artificial turf is low maintenance. However, you will need to:
- Regularly spray it down with a hose
- Brush the pile to remove dust and leaf debris
- Clean any spots with mild soap and water
- Remove any weeds
Do dogs like synthetic grass?
Quality artificial turf has the look and feel of natural grass, and many dogs take to it right away.
How long does artificial grass last with dogs?
Well-maintained artificial grass may last a decade or beyond.
What can I put under artificial grass for my dog?
The typical infill to use under artificial grass is crumb rubber or silica granules(sand).
What happens if dogs pee on artificial grass?
When a dog pees on artificial grass, the urine will drain away.
Does artificial grass smell when dogs pee?
If there are any residual urine odors, you can neutralize them by sprinkling the area with baking soda and spraying it with vinegar then rinsing the area.
The Final Woof
As we reviewed the above products, we recommend WMG GRASS Premium Artificial Grass as the best artificial grass for dogs.
This product is made in the USA and contains no lead or other toxic materials. It includes a low pile length and high density for extra comfort and durability.
With UV protection and a 100% permeable backing, this turf is easy to maintain. It also comes with a 10-year warranty.
