If you don’t want to take your new puppy outside every hour, have long workdays, or live somewhere without a yard, artificial grass for dogs is a convenient and washable potty solution. You can place it on your patio, balcony, or even inside your home, like in the kitchen. Plus, some artificial turf comes in rolls, making it easy to replace lawn areas damaged by dog urine.
Certified professional dog trainer Susie Aga of Atlanta Dog Trainer, who has trained dogs in high-rise apartments to use artificial grass, recommends choosing a textured surface over soft potty pads that feel like blankets or beds. She stresses the importance of cleanliness and size:
“It should be large enough for your dog to turn around comfortably, similar to the space inside a crate. Make sure it’s not too small so your dog feels at ease.”
Our Top Picks for Artificial Grass Dog Potty Solutions
- Best Overall: PetGrow Pet Pad — Amazon, $74
- Best for Potty Training: Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch — Amazon, $63
- Best Budget Potty Training: Petmaker Artificial Grass Potty Mat — Amazon, $24 (on sale)
- Best for Outdoor Space: SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass — Amazon, $197
- Best Grass Alternative: Bark Potty Disposable Dog Potty — Amazon, $38
- Most Attractive: City Loo Premium Potty Solution — Amazon
- Best Roll-Out Option: Goasis Lawn Artificial Grass Turf — Amazon, $139
Best Overall
PetGrow Pet Pad
CREDIT: AMAZON
What We Like
- Realistic grass appearance with four natural color shades
- Four durable layers for strength and comfort
- Soft enough for bare feet and paws
- Available in many sizes to fit different spaces
- Easy to cut and customize to fit your area
What We Don’t Like
- No small pre-cut pieces available
The PetGrow Pet Pad stands out with its lifelike look, thanks to four woven shades of green and thatch that mimic real grass. Its four-layer construction includes a drainage bottom layer for easy cleaning, making it both sturdy and comfortable for your dog’s paws. A rubber backing prevents slipping, and pet owners report it’s simple to install whether you’re placing it in your yard, on a porch, or indoors.
The turf comes in rolls ranging from 4×7 feet up to 13×82 feet, allowing you to trim it to fit smaller spots like balconies, decks, or even kitchen corners. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need a separate tray underneath to protect your floors. While artificial grass can sometimes get hot, many users say this pad stays reasonably cool. Cleaning is hassle-free with a garden hose or an enzyme-based cleaner.
Sizes: Multiple available
Materials: Polyethylene, polypropylene
Pile Height: 1.37 inches
Best for Potty Training
Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch
CREDIT: AMAZON
What We Like
- Available in four convenient sizes
- Comes as a three-piece system for easy setup
- Includes a washable pee pad—eco-friendly and budget-friendly
- Simple to clean and maintain
What We Don’t Like
- Can develop odors if not cleaned frequently
The Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch is a durable, realistic-looking potty solution that’s perfect for indoor or outdoor use. This well-rated set includes artificial grass, a washable pee pad (a great alternative to disposables), and a sturdy tray to catch liquids. You can select the size that best fits your dog and your available space.
All parts are built to last, making it suitable for patios or balconies. However, like other artificial turf, it can trap odors if not cleaned regularly. To keep things fresh, consider swapping in disposable pads when needed or clean the washable pad often.
Sizes: 35 x 22.6 in, 41 x 26.8 in, 45.1 x 29.1 in, 47.6 x 29.2 in
Materials: Plastic
Pile Height: 1.4 inches
Best Budget Potty Training
Petmaker Artificial Grass Potty Mat
CREDIT: AMAZON
What We Like
- Available in three practical sizes
- Offers both three-layer and four-layer system options
- Ideal for indoor use
- Perfect for small spaces like apartments, balconies, and patios
What We Don’t Like
- Can hold onto urine odors if not cleaned regularly
The Petmaker Artificial Grass Potty Mat (also sold as Pet Adobe and Pet Pal) is a simple and affordable way to introduce artificial grass potty training for your dog. It’s especially suited for indoor use and tight spaces like apartments or patios.
You can choose between a three-layer system—with a base pan, drainage layer, and artificial grass—or a four-layer system that adds an odor-resistant cloth mat for extra freshness. The grass mats are washable, but like all synthetic turf, they may retain urine smells, so frequent cleaning is important. Some pet owners keep a spare mat handy for easy rotation, while others place a puppy pad underneath to protect the tray.
Sizes: 16 x 20 x 1.2 in, 20 x 25 x 1.25 in, 30 x 20 x 1.25 in
Materials: Synthetic plastic, hard plastic
Pile Height: 1.25 inches
Best for Outdoor Space
SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass
CREDIT: AMAZON
What We Like
- Available in many sizes to fit any space
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Fire-resistant for safety
- Realistic look with multi-color blades and curly fibers
What We Don’t Like
- Can become hot during warm weather
If you’re looking to create a comfortable outdoor potty area—from a small deck patch to a full backyard—SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass is an excellent choice. Its multi-shaded green and yellow blades with curly fibers give it a lifelike appearance that blends seamlessly into outdoor settings. Plus, it’s non-toxic, fire-resistant, and lead-free, ensuring a safe space for your dog.
SunVilla grass comes in a wide variety of sizes, from a convenient 28 x 40-inch mat to large rolls up to 13 by 25 feet, allowing you to customize the area to your needs. One thing to keep in mind: like many artificial turfs, it can get warm in hot weather, so test the temperature before letting your dog use it.
Sizes: Wide range available
Materials: UV-resistant curled polypropylene, monofil polyethylene yarns, dual-layer polypropylene backing with latex rubber waterproof coating
Pile Height: 1.38 inches
Best Grass Alternative
Bark Potty Disposable Dog Potty
CREDIT: AMAZON
What We Like
- Available in two convenient sizes
- Replaces up to 60 puppy pads per unit
- Naturally odor-resistant and durable
- Fully recyclable and eco-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Training your dog to use it may take some time
- Some dogs may dig at the bark surface
Bark Potty offers a natural, disposable alternative to artificial grass for dog potty needs. Filled with odor-absorbing natural bark and covered with a mesh screen, it blends seamlessly into most home environments. Available in two sizes, the larger one is perfect for bigger dogs or those who need extra space for their bathroom breaks.
Designed to last about a month or the equivalent of 60 puppy pads, Bark Potty is not only durable with no leaks or damage reported but also easy to use once your dog is trained. While some dogs might take time to get used to it, the company provides access to a trainer for helpful tips and support. Be aware that a few dogs may be tempted to dig into the bark, similar to natural outdoor behavior.
Sizes: 24 x 16 inches, 30 x 20 inches
Materials: Natural bark
Pile Height: Flat (approximately 2 inches thick)
Most Attractive
City Loo Premium Potty Solution
CREDIT: AMAZON
- g 20 pounds or less
If you want an indoor dog potty that looks great on display, City Loo is one of the most attractive options available. Its fiberboard frame comes in either white or black, complemented by clear acrylic walls that help keep messes contained. You can use artificial grass with it or easily swap in a plastic or reusable pee pad if you prefer.
Though compact and designed for small dogs (up to 20 pounds), the City Loo weighs around 40 pounds, so it’s not the easiest to move around. Still, it’s easy to set up and comes with all the tools you need for assembly.
Size: 21 x 29.25 x 21.25 inches
Materials: Fiberboard, clear acrylic
Pile Height: N/A
Best Roll-Out
Goasis Lawn Artificial Grass Turf
CREDIT: AMAZON
What We Like
- Low-profile pile for a sleek look
- UV-, fade-, mold-, and mildew-resistant
- Non-toxic and lead-free
- Backed by a 10-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Minimal cushioning may feel a bit firm
The Goasis Lawn Artificial Grass Turf is a versatile, low-maintenance option perfect for both indoor and outdoor dog-friendly spaces. With widths ranging from 2 to 13 feet and lengths up to 82 feet, it’s easy to find the right size for patios, balconies, or even large backyard dog runs. You can trim it to fit exactly where you need it.
This turf is lightweight, drains well, and is easy to clean. While its low 0.4-inch pile might appear a bit shiny or less natural to some, it’s still soft underpaw and durable enough for daily use. Bonus: It’s non-toxic, safe for pets, and backed by a solid 10-year warranty.
Sizes: Wide range available
Materials: UV-resistant polyethylene yarn, polypropylene backing with latex
Pile Height: 0.4 inches
Final Verdict
Our top choice for artificial grass for dogs is the PetGrow Pet Pad. It stands out for its realistic look, four-layer durability, and range of sizes that can be trimmed to fit any space—perfect for patios, balconies, or indoor use.
If you’re looking for a great option for potty training, the Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch is another strong pick. It features a three-layer design with a washable pee pad, making it easy to clean and ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
What to Look For in Artificial Grass for Dogs
When choosing artificial grass for your dog, there are a few key features and terms to understand so you can find the safest, most practical, and long-lasting solution for your pet and your space.
Key Terms to Know
- Stitch Count: Measures grass density. A higher count means more durability and a more realistic look.
- Face Weight: Indicates turf quality and thickness. Heavier turf usually performs better in high-traffic pet areas.
- Backweight: Refers to the strength of the backing material. Look for a backweight over 26 oz for better durability.
- Pile Height: The grass blade height. Taller piles are typically better for bigger dogs and feel more like real grass.
Materials
Most dog-friendly turf is made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon—with nylon being the most durable but least soft. For a natural appearance, look for turf with multicolored thatch and UV-resistant fibers.
Importantly, choose artificial grass with drainage holes or fully permeable backing—this helps urine pass through, minimizing odors and mess.
Environmental Considerations
Artificial grass isn’t biodegradable and usually ends up in landfills. While it eliminates the need for watering or pesticides, it’s still a plastic-based product. If you’re eco-conscious, look for turf made from bio-based polyethylene—just keep in mind that it’s still energy-intensive to manufacture.
Installation and Infill
For larger areas, professional installation may be best, especially if you’re covering natural turf. You’ll need to prep the surface, add weed barriers, lay down base layers, and secure seams with tape. Infill (like silica sand or cooling granules) keeps turf blades upright, prevents matting, and protects paws. Some infills also have antimicrobial and odor-control features, which are ideal for pet use.
FAQ
Is artificial grass safe for dogs?
Yes—when used properly. Dogs can safely use artificial grass for potty needs. But young dogs should be supervised to avoid chewing or ingesting any part of the turf.
How do you install artificial grass?
Installation involves multiple steps: clearing the area, laying a proper base, trimming and securing the grass, and adding infill. For best results, watch a detailed guide or consider professional help.