Artificial grass pads or grass turfs have been becoming increasingly popular among dog parents. This isn’t surprising considering that many new-age dog parents live in urban apartments that don’t have spacious lawns and gardens.
Nevertheless, if you ever run a Google search for “artificial grass pads for dogs”, you’ll be spoilt for choice. How would pile height and density affect the look and feel of my grass pad? What type of material should I select for the artificial grass pad? Should I choose a European manufacturer or a Chinese one?
The good news is that you’ll find a wide array of options in online stores, as well as offline retailers. But getting artificial grass for your home or balcony involves a significant financial investment. Also, you need to consider various factors, such as warranty and safety, before making the final selection.
In this blog, we have handpicked the best choices for this product. We hope you find the thing you are looking for.
- Why Should You Use Artificial Grass Pads for Dogs?
- How to Select the Best Artificial Grass for Dog Potty?
- Best Artificial Grass for Dog Potty: Our Top Picks
Why Should You Use Artificial Grass Pads for Dogs?
To begin with, artificial grass pads let you turn any section of your home into your dog’s play area. For instance, cemented surfaces on rooftops and balconies don’t provide the ideal conditions for growing natural grass. But with artificial turf, you can transform these inhospitable areas into a cozy playground for your pooch. Also, the extra padding from the grass pad eliminates the risk of injuries and bruises.
Artificial turfs particularly come in handy when you are potty training a new pup. Late-night bathroom emergencies may not give you enough time to take your pooch out on the street. Instead, having an artificial grass pad on your balcony means you just have to open the door and let your pooch out. They can comfortably pee or poop without soiling your home.
Most artificial turfs have an efficient drainage mechanism to soak and eliminate urine and rainwater. They also dry up quickly, thus keeping foul odors, dirt, and mud away from your living space. Apart from toilet training, grass pads can even be used at the entrance of your home. It’ll prevent your pooch from walking around with muddy feet after returning from a walk in the park.
Artificial grass pads are easy to install and maintain. Unlike natural grass, you don’t have to spray these pads with any fertilizers or pesticides. Also, they aren’t prone to insects, pests, and weeds. This, in turn, eliminates the likelihood of your dog getting infected with fleas, ticks, or harmful bacteria which will cause a lot of pain for your dog.
Now that you know the amazing benefits of using artificial grass pads, you must be ready to purchase one for your canine companion. But you should first have a clear idea of the factors you need to consider while scouring for artificial turf.
How to Select the Best Artificial Grass for Dog Potty?
The diverse assortment of artificial grass pads available in the market can be overwhelming, particularly if you are buying one for the first time. It is crucial to assess various available options and choose the artificial turf that suits your needs. To begin with, you need to consider the following factors:
- Pile length
- Pile density
- Material
- Aesthetics
- Drainage
Typically, plastic (polypropylene and polyethylene) or nylon is used as the raw material. Nylon grass pads are sturdier and more durable than their plastic counterparts. It is recommended that you look for a nylon turf that has a pile height of at least 22 mm to 35 mm.
Also, you should consider whether you want to create the appearance of a neatly manicured garden or a more natural one. It is going to impact your choice of raw material and pile density. Ideally, the turf you buy should have a pile density between 16,000 and 18,000 stitches per square meter. It will provide the turf with a natural look and ensure that it can withstand wear and tear as your pooch moves around.
Make sure the turf has in-built drainage holes to allow urine and other liquids to seep into the underlay or sub-base. Another crucial parameter you should keep in mind is safety. Check with the manufacturer to find out whether the product has been tested for the presence of toxic chemicals, such as lead, as well as fire safety. Lastly, ask the manufacture about what kind of warranty and installation support they are going to provide you.
Best Artificial Grass for Dog Potty: Our Top Picks
It is now time for us to take a look at the best options available in the current market. Let’s get started.
1. SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass
Image via Amazon
Are you looking for an artificial turf that closely mimics the myriad shades of green found in natural grass? Wouldn’t it be great if the grass pad came with an impressive array of sophisticated features, such as fire-resistance, UV-resistance, and self-drainage? Do you want to choose from a wide range of size options?
The SunVilla Artificial Turf is the perfect fit for your needs. Made using heavy-duty polyethylene, it comes with a 30-day return policy. Also, it features a sturdy latex backing to endure heavy foot traffic, be it from pets or kids. While it costs more than other available options, the outstanding durability and features justify the higher price point.
2. Downtown Pet Supply Dog Pee Potty Pad
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If you are looking for a compact and portable artificial grass pad for your apartment, the Downtown Pet Supply Dog Pee Potty Pad is just what you need. What sets it apart is its unique design and the inclusion of a detachable drawer below the grass pad that collects fluids and other mess from the top layer. This makes it easier to clean and maintain.
3. GL Artificial Grass Turf Lawn
You know an artificial grass pad is worth its salt when it has thousands of stellar reviews on leading e-commerce stores. The GL Artificial Grass Turf Lawn is durable, weather-resistant, and has built-in rubber-backed drainage holes. The high pile density gives it the appearance of natural grass and helps it withstand heavy foot traffic. It is suitable for larger outdoor spaces, such as lawns and terraces.
4. GOLDEN MOON Artificial Grass Turf Interlocking Tiles
If you are looking for a low-maintenance artificial grass turf that is super-easy to install, the GOLDEN MOON Interlocking Artificial Grass Tiles are a great choice. These nifty interlocking grass pads can be installed without any specialized adhesive or equipment. The pack includes six 1’x1’ tiles, with each tile having a pile height of 1.5”. It is designed to withstand UV rays and adverse weather conditions.
5. STARROAD-TIM Artificial Grass Turf
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The STARROAD-TIM Artificial Grass Turf offers all the essential features you’d expect from a standard artificial grass pad. Priced at less than $30, it includes two grass pads in a single pack. This makes it one of the more affordable options available in the market. It looks neat and natural and is fairly resistant to foot traffic. Also, you can easily clean it using soap water.
6. iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Turf Rugs
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The iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Turf Rugs comes in five different shades. Apart from green and emerald, you can also choose from unique colors, such as black gray, brown tan, and espresso. It is available in various sizes and can be easily folded and installed. It features non-fraying edges and is stain-resistant too.
7. Dog Grass Pee Potty Pad
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It won’t be fair to compile a list of the best artificial grass for dog potty without mentioning this nifty turf. Unlike regular artificial grass turfs, the Dog Grass Pee Potty Pad comprises three layers: a grass pad, draining grate, and container tray. This makes cleaning the grass pad a breeze. Also, it is portable and comes in handy for housebreaking new pet dogs. The best part is that it will cost you less than $30.
Artificial grass pads have come a long way in terms of design and durability. Modern artificial grass turfs are made using plastic or nylon, which, in turn, makes them extremely resistant to weather and rigorous wear and tear. While you will find various types of grass pads on e-commerce stores, it is crucial to select one that has the right pile height and density.
Apart from rug-like turfs, you can also use portable pee potty pads for more convenience. Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s warranty and certification to ensure that product is non-toxic and fire-resistant.