The Best Doggie Grass Patches

There are few things dogs love more than the feeling of fresh grass under their feet, but unfortunately, we can't let them roam free around the yard all day. Heck, some of us don't even have yards. So if you're looking to give your dog the joy of nature wherever they may be, get them one of these grass patches. Coming in both artificial and real varieties, they make the perfect relaxation spot for dogs who might not have regular access to grass, but also the perfect potty trainer for puppies.

What to Look For

The best grass patches for dogs must have a combination of three things: great absorbency, a suitable size for your pup, and a good drainage system. Our top pick, the Fresh Patch, is a disposable option, so it doesn’t require the same drainage level as reusable ones. It quickly emerged as our favorite since it offers convenience and quality in one package. It’s also designed to be extra absorbent without the use of sod, making it a great option for keeping your space dirt-free. However, if you want to go the artificial turf route, check out the pick from Petmaker, which offers a three-layer system for absorbency, drainage, and protection. Read on to check out our reviews of the best doggie grass patches on the market.

Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty with Real Grass

The real deal

With real grass, an absorbent base, and a disposable cardboard case, this grass patch makes potty training easy.
Top Pick

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Few options out there are as easy to set up, use, and throw away as the Fresh Patch, which is why we recommend it as our number one pick. The real grass is sprouted from a fresh sod mat and encased in a disposable cardboard base, so all you need to do is open the lid and place it down wherever you want your pup to do their business. And because the mat is fresh sod, it’s plenty absorbent, but it won’t create the kind of mess that real dirt might. It also comes in three different sizes, ensuring there’s something to fit your particular space and pooch.

Pros:

  • This patch is made from 100% natural, hydroponically grown grass that’s a natural odor-fighter that won’t leave muddy pawprints all over your space.
  • We love the disposable design for apartments and balconies where drainage becomes more of an issue.

Cons:

  • The patch needs to be replaced every one to four weeks.

DoggieLawn Real Grass Dog Potty

A size for any spot

This potty patch boasts natural fresh grass and in several different sizes too.
Runner Up

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The Doggie Lawn is made with soft, fresh grass that your dog will absolutely love, plus a cardboard base that makes it easy to toss the whole thing out after a week or two. That makes it perfect for apartments, condos, or any household that doesn’t have a yard or easy access to nature. It only comes in two sizes, which can limit where or how you use it, but it’s otherwise a great potty trainer for young dogs or even a lounge area for older ones who want to feel real grass on their coats.

Pros:

  • We try to avoid disposable products whenever possible, but this option is greener than you’d think. The grass is completely biodegradable, the cardboard is recyclable, and it’s locally sourced to keep the chain of production to a minimum.
  • The DoggieLawn is larger than many disposable patches on the market today, which is great news for those of us with bigger dogs.

Cons:

  • It’s not quite as absorbent as grass in real soil, so you might need to replace it fairly frequently.

Petmaker Indoor Artificial Grass Puppy Pad

Just like the real thing

Are you looking for an artificial alternative to real grass patches? This is your best bet.
Best Artificial Turf

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While nothing compares to real grass when it comes to potty trainer mats, not all of us want to deal with the mess and regular replacements that those products sometimes entail. For an artificial alternative to a fresh grass patch, get the Petmaker Bathroom Mat. It’s just like the real thing but features synthetic, non-toxic blades that won’t degrade over time and won’t need to be thrown out after a week or two. And rather than having sod to absorb the mess, it incorporates a bottom base tray that catches the liquid and can easily be wiped down and cleaned afterward.

Pros:

  • For a reusable option, this mat is a breeze to keep clean. The three layers wash up easily with regular soap and water so that you can be ready for Fido’s next bathroom break.
  • The small footprint and low-maintenance design is a perfect reusable option for compact spaces and petite dogs.

Cons:

  • Make sure you order both the mat and the tray so that your new patch is good to go as soon as it arrives.

Patio Pet Life Real Grass Potty

A premium potty

This hydroponically grown grass patch is one of the most absorbent options out there.
Best Premium

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If you’re looking for something a little more permanent than a disposable mat but still want to give your dog the feel and smell of real grass, you need the Patio Pet Life Potty. It’s one of the only grass patches out there designed to be used with a permanent plastic base, allowing you to keep the latter in your home and throw the former out whenever it’s ready. The hydroponically grown grass is fresh and soft enough to satisfy your pooch and make them feel comfortable. There is one catch, however: the base is sold separately.

Pros:

  • To us, this mat is the perfect middle ground between reusable and disposable options that gives you the convenient aspects of both systems with less waste.
  • We were pleasantly surprised to see how lightweight this patch is, especially considering its absorbency, adding to the overall ease of use.

Cons:

  • We wish the base were included with the patch, especially since it’s already on the pricey side.

Zen Garden PZG Premium Artificial Grass Patch

Ultimate convenience

The grass patch is a premium artificial mat for indoor or outdoor use. Plus, it's available in a wealth of sizes.
Best Drainage

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The Zen Garden PZG Premium Mat is one of the most realistic-looking and feeling artificial grass patches available. Each blade is carefully manicured to resemble an actual piece of grass, complete with a soft, uneven cut and a fescue-like four-tone color. The result is a lush bed of green that you can use inside or outside and that both you, your pet, and even your kids will love. It also comes in a large and spacious size, so you can cover a whole patio or porch if you want.

Pros:

  • Even aside from the natural-looking synthetic turf, the design is full of thoughtful touches — the perfectly sized drainage holes let water through easily, and the base’s rubber backing keeps the unit from slipping around.
  • Artificial grass tends to fade when exposed to the elements, which is why we were happy to learn that this turf was designed to be weather- and UV-resistant.

Cons:

  • This purchase only includes the pad itself, so you’ll need to grab an appropriate base to put it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a grass patch?

We all know dogs love grass. But unfortunately, not all of us can give them access to it. Whether you live in an apartment, a condo, or simply want to keep some extra grass inside for enjoyment, grass patches are the ideal way to bring a little of nature into your home. These patches are also great for potty training since grass is naturally odor neutralizing and the sod mats it grows on are naturally absorbent.

How do I maintain my grass patch?

Grass patches come in at least two different varieties — artificial and natural. Which type you have will determine how you should maintain it. In general, real grass patches need to be replaced every one to two weeks, depending on how much they’re used. By the same token, artificial mats should be cleaned at least once or twice a week.

About the Author

Chelsia is the proud owner of two long-coat Chihuahuas and an 11-year-old pit mix. She and her five kids enjoy roaming the rivers and forests surrounding her North Carolina home — and so do her dogs. Taking care of multiple pets can be a challenge, which is why Chelsia seeks to help fellow dog owners find the right products for their furry family members.

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