The Best Grass Potty Pads for Urban Dog Parents

Urban dog owners often face a valid problem when it comes to the availability of green outdoor spaces for their pups to go to the potty. Even if there are parks nearby, some of them are off-limits to doggos, while other owners live in high-rise apartment buildings and simply are too busy to take their pooches out several times a day. And even if you do have lots of free time and live in an area with dog-friendly parks, you might just be tired of having to use dog waste bags multiple times a day. Likewise, you may be trying to potty train your new puppy, or you have an older dog that has bladder and bowel control issues and struggles to go outside.

That’s why grass potty pads can be a real lifesaver for many pet parents. They’re basically patches of natural or artificial grass that you can place in a corner of your apartment or balcony. That way, your doggos can do their “business” without having to go outside every single time. We’ve evaluated countless indoor potties to create this list of the best grass potty pads. Scroll down to find one that will work for you and your best friend.

Whichever grass potty pad you pick, you’ll have to train your buddy to use it. Some pups learn fast, while others need more patience and encouragement in the form of biscuit rewards or even vibrating dog collars that can help with training. If your pooch has digestive issues, remember to use treats for sensitive stomachs instead of regular ones. Regardless of which pads and methods you use, consistency is always the key to success.

The Best Grass Potty Pads to Consider

Before you choose the best grass potty pad for your pooch, be aware that there are two types to consider, each with some pros and cons.

Natural grass pads are a more eco-friendly option because they usually come in a cardboard box, so both the turf and the box are biodegradable. This also means it’s easier to clean them up, as you simply need to pick up and throw away or flush your dog’s poop. When it’s time to replace the box, you can just compost it or throw it away and then open a new one. Plus, doggos usually don’t need much encouragement to use natural grass when they need to “go”, and it’s quite an intuitive learning process. On the other hand, grass pads generally need to be replaced every couple of weeks, so the expenses can add up over time.

Artificial grass pads normally feature plastic grass in a plastic tray. Both parts can be washed and reused over and over again, which means you won’t need to deal with extra expenses. If you do find that, over time, the fake grass starts to smell even after it’s washed, you can just purchase replacement grass mats instead of replacing the entire tray. The artificial potty version can last a long time, which makes it more affordable and, for some people, also more convenient.

Nevertheless, cleaning potty pads is often messy and unpleasant, and urine also needs to be drained often from the plastic tray. In the end, you’ll find yourself washing both the faux grass plus the tray and then drying them at least once weekly, if not more often, and that can be time-consuming. It’s worth noting that fake grass can sometimes fall apart, posing a health risk for puppies if they start chewing and swallowing it. Not to mention that these plastic products are not biodegradable, which can be a big problem these days.

Size is also something to consider. Obviously, bigger dogs need bigger patches, while puppies and small breeds can do just fine with smaller ones. What’s more, some pups need more space to perform their toilet habits than others. Males, for example, might find it more demanding not to “miss” the pad because of their leg-lifting manners. Females, however, may find it easier to use the potty because they squat. If you can’t find a patch that’s big enough for your furry beast, you can always buy two and place them next to each other.

Whichever grass potty pads you decide to pick, you’ll have to train your doggos to use them. Some puppies learn quickly, but others need more time and patience. Remember to reward your pooch with some nice treats for sensitive stomachs instead of regular ones. Regardless of which pads and treats you choose, consistency is always key when it comes to successful training.

Petmaker Artificial Grass Puppy Potty Pad for Dogs

Our top pick is this convenient artificial grass potty tray that features a three-layer system. At the top, it has a 1.25-inch deep grass mat with an antimicrobial layer that collects liquids underneath. The holes from this detachable grid layer allow liquids to drain to the durable plastic bottom base tray, so the grass mat is always dry and ready for use.

The bottom tray can be easily detached from the grid tray, so you can clean everything up without too much mess. Maintenance is pretty straightforward since you can just wash everything with soap and warm or hot water, rinse it, and leave it to dry.

The potty tray is available in three different sizes to suit various dog breeds, and it’s possible to purchase additional grass mats separately. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor spaces, but since it doesn’t have drain holes, you shouldn’t use it in spaces that are exposed to rain.

Pros:

• Reusable artificial turf
• Three-layer system to avoid mess and spills
• Three sizes available
• Easy to clean with water and soap
• Great for apartments, patios, garages, and porches

Cons:

• It takes some time to dry the trays
• The plastic material might get blown away if you place it in a spot with strong winds

Fresh Patch Large Real Grass Pee Potty Training Pad

If you prefer natural grass, your best option is this potty pad delivered in a cardboard box. Both the grass and the box can be disposed of and composted, making this a great biodegradable pick. Plastic trays can stay in landfills for decades or even centuries, while natural pads like this one minimize plastic pollution.

Just like outdoor turfs, this grass pad absorbs and eliminates liquids and odors, and there’s no cleaning required here. All you need to do is place the box in a space where you’d like your pup to go potty and, of course, teach the pooch how to use it. After a few weeks, throw the entire box away and replace it with a new one. No fuss at all.

The only issue might be predicting when to replace the pad. If you have a bigger doggo, you might need to replace it more often, while it can last longer with small pups. Three sizes are available, from 16×12 inches to 24×16 inches.

Pros:

• 100% real grass
• Fully disposable and biodegradable
• Soaks up liquids and odors
• Three sizes available
• Lasts for a few weeks, depending on dog size and usage
• No mess and cleaning

Cons:

• It needs replacement every few weeks
• Some dogs might dig in or even eat the grass

Pick for Life Dog Grass Portable Potty

This is another great artificial grass potty pad option, but this one features four layers. Under the top grass layer, there’s an absorbent reusable pee pad for odor control. Those two layers are supported by a plastic grid tray that elevates the grass mat and keeps it away from urine. At the bottom, the base tray collects and separates urine, making it easier and more convenient to clean regularly.

The drain hole runs through the entire lawn for strong permeability is strong, and the liquid can be easily discharged without staining your puppy’s paws. The pee pad is washable, adopting an anti-wicking technology and leak-proof backing. It provides good urine absorption, retaining liquids and locking away odors.

Due to all that, this potty is an excellent option for apartments and indoor spaces in general. You can choose between four sizes, depending on how big your pooch is.

Pros:

• 4-piece system
• Highly permeable and absorbent
• Four sizes available
• Pee pad with anti-wicking technology and leak-proof backing
• Reusable artificial grass turf

Cons:

• Cleaning and drying require some time
• Avid chewers might destroy the plastic, so you may need to train them not to chew

PetSafe Pet Loo Portable Dog Potty

Another excellent artificial grass option is this PetSafe potty pad that’s very easy to move and handle when you’re cleaning up. The urine drains through the upper grass layer into the slanted base that features a removable and disposable basin. This basin is called a Pee Pod and it’s full of absorbent Wee Sponge powder that traps urine, turning it into a neutral gel that contains liquids and odors. Solid waste will still need to be picked up by hand, but you can easily clean the grass with water and soap.

The tray comes in three sizes, and the biggest one is our favorite pick for large doggos. Although the entire unit can work well even without the pee pod, you can order replacement pods separately.

Pros:

• Covered waste bin and Wee Sponge powder eliminate odors
• Pee-Pod slides out of the base for easy clean-up
• Ideal for large dogs
• Easy to clean
• Great for both indoor and outdoor spaces

Cons:

• It’s expensive
• The disposable pee pod is polyethylene terephthalate plastic

Fresh Patch XL Real Grass Pee and Potty Training Pad

This patch of real grass is hydroponically grown and dirt free, and it’s a perfect choice for those who already have a plastic tray and just want to replace the grass. It’s recommended to get a new patch every couple of weeks, and it’s delivered rolled up in a plastic bag inside of a cardboard box, which can also work as a tray if need be.

Most doggos really love natural grass, plus it’s great at absorbing liquids and odors. It’s an ideal choice for apartments, balconies, and patios. Maintenance is not needed at all; just throw out the entire patch when it becomes too dirty. No mess, and no time spent on boring cleaning!

Pros:

• 100% real grass
• Ideal patch replacement if you already have a tray
• Highly absorbent
• Dirt-free
• Fully disposable
• No plastic

Cons:

• The cost of replacing the patches regularly adds up
• You need to purchase the tray separately if you don’t already have it

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you train your dog to use the grass potty?

If you want your pup to learn where to do their “business”, you need to take them to the potty repeatedly and reward them each time they use that spot for its intended purpose. Cuddles and verbal cues are great, but dog treats often work even better as additional positive reinforcement for training. It also helps to have your dog on a good schedule and monitor their water intake. In the beginning, you should try logging your pup’s bathroom activities daily and observe the patterns that will emerge over time. This way, you’ll know when it’s time for your pooch to “go”, and you’ll be able to take them to the potty before any accidents happen. After a while, they’ll get used to it and will intuitively use the grass pad to do their thing on their own, without your assistance.

Do grass puppy pads smell?

Natural grass puppy pads just smell like natural grass, but you will need to replace them every couple of weeks. Artificial versions have to be washed properly and regularly. Most pet owners do it at least once a week. Otherwise, they will develop an unpleasant smell. Whichever pads you decide to use, you’ll need to throw away solid waste every day. When it comes to artificial pads with plastic trays, you’ll also need to drain the urine daily to avoid nasty odors.

Why Trust Us

DogTime is a leading resource for dog owners & pet lovers. Our goal is to give every dog & pet a happy, healthy home by providing the best advice to owners.