On the lookout for the best grass for your dog? We hear you! It would appear as if your fur friend has a knack for destroying your patio, therefore it becomes essential to have the right grass. As much as we love them, we have to recognize that dogs have a natural ability to wreak havoc on your yard and it’s pretty unavoidable. That’s why today we’ll be sharing with you the best grass for dogs.
It is well known that our fur babies can easily turn your once nice-looking yard into something completely opposite, however, is not entirely their fault, is just natural dog behavior. We have to keep in mind dogs possess hunting instincts, which summed to their playing antics, can translate into holes all over your grass, and a dismantled-looking front yard.
As you can tell by now, finding the right grass for dogs is the way to go, however, it can be quite the task, especially if this is your first time doing so. As a first-timer, doing a little research is always a good idea. When buying grass for dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind before making that final choice. Check out some of the best grass for dogs.
Best Grass for Dogs FAQs
Why do you need the best grass for dogs?
The type of grass you choose for your yard can have a big impact on its appearance and ability to withstand the wear and tear that comes with owning a dog. With the right grass, your lawn can stay lush and green despite your pup’s sometimes harsh treatment.
What to keep in mind when choosing the best grass for dogs?
- When choosing the best grass for dogs that will suit your yard, consider the climate you live in.
- The pH level of your soil
- The type of rainfall you expect (or watering schedule you can commit to); since some grasses are much more drought-tolerant than others.
What is the most durable grass for dogs?
Compared to other varieties, bermudagrass is the best grass for pets as it is tough against wear and tear and provides a great playing field for furry friends. Bermuda grass is anchored deep into the ground with strong, sturdy roots that are perfect for rough play.
What type of grass is most resistant to dog urine?
Ryegrass and Fescue are the most urine-resistant type of grass, while Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermuda are the most sensitive. Feed your dog a dietary supplement.
What grass is best for dog allergies?
Buffalo turf is a great choice for those looking to minimize the risk of allergies. With their low pollen rates, grasses like Kings Pride Buffalo, Sapphire Buffalo, or Palmetto buffalo grass are perfect options. By choosing the right grass, you’ll be doing your furry friend a favor.
Is fescue grass toxic to dogs?
Most tall fescue is infected with a fungus living within the plant, which is referred to as an endophyte. This fungal endophyte; Neotyphodium coenophialum, contributes to tall fescue’s environmental tenacity, and also makes tall fescue toxic to animals that eat it.
What qualities should the best grass for dogs have?
- Deep Roots: Grasses with deeper roots will be more durable. The grass will be less likely to be torn up by running or digging paws if it is anchored more deeply and strongly.
- Fast Growing: When grass does get damaged, fast-growing grass will heal these lawn wounds much more quickly. Slower growing grass will leave these blemishes visible for much longer.
- Climate Appropriate: Different grasses thrive better in different climates. You want to choose one appropriate for your specific climate. You also want to make sure that the grass is compatible with your sun exposure conditions.
How to protect grass from dogs?
- Prevent urine spots: The best way to prevent urine spots on grass is to keep your dog from urinating on it. You might try creating a specific area for your dog to do their business.
- Managing poop: Teaching your dog to go in a specific place is another surefire method of avoiding damage/infestation to your lawn, as is taking your dog on walks instead of leaving them in the yard to do their business.
- Minimize damage from playing and running: The more time an active dog spends on a lawn, the more damage that will be done to it. One way to minimize this damage is to try to distribute the wear and tear equally across the lawn rather than in concentrated places. Another tactic is to cordon off an area of the lawn from the dog using gates, fencing, etc.
- Digging holes in the lawn: The best prevention for lawn digging is supervision. If you keep an eye on your dog and don’t leave them alone for long periods, they are less likely to find trouble. If you see that your dog has started digging a hole in the lawn, cover it with a physical object like a hose reel or lawn chair.
Best Grass for Dogs
Perennial Ryegrass
It can grow and establish quickly, and it creates a fine-bladed lawn that can stay green throughout the year. This grass is an excellent choice whether you live in the south or the north as it can tolerate heat and cold.
The grass has a strong root system, so it can withstand a lot from you or your dog. It’s a very durable grass, but if it does get damaged, it does not recover as easily as some other grasses.
Kentucky Bluegrass
The grass does very well during the winter, and some varieties can’t tolerate much heat. It doesn’t handle drought well, nor does it thrive in deep shade.
It can take a while to grow, so it may not be a quick fix for your yard if you don’t already have it. However, it can come back from damage quickly, so if your dog does its business or digs too much, the grass can go back to its healthy dark (almost blue, hence the name) green color.
Bermuda
Originally grown in Africa, this grass is great for warmer climates, and you can find it on more than just lawns. The grass can remain green in areas with warmer winters, and it will go dormant in colder spots. Bermuda is a high-maintenance grass as it grows aggressively and requires frequent mowing.
Centipede
Centipede is a low-maintenance turf grass with a coarse texture and a bright green color. You don’t need to use a ton of fertilizer or mow it often, and it can handle a bit of shade. It can tolerate a lot of heat, and it can take quite a bit of direct sun. It’s not as suitable in areas that get cold, and it’s sensitive to alkaline soil.
Zoysia
It can take a lot of heat but can also withstand a lot of foot traffic. The grass can look very good and is dense to help with durability. It’s a low-maintenance grass with minimal insect and disease problems.
Zoysia does great during the warm season, but it can also tolerate cold weather.
Fescue
It can absorb a lot of moisture, making it a great grass for your dog to use for their business. Fescue is also very resistant and sturdy, so it can handle almost anything from your dog.
The grass comes in different types, including fine and tall fescue. Fescue often contains endophytes, which is a fungus that helps make the grass more durable.
Artificial Grass
The upside to artificial grass is it doesn’t require regular maintenance like mowing, fertilizing, watering, and edging. And you’ll never have urine spots or worn-out turf. Artificial grass can last for decades if properly installed with a correct base and drainage system.
Best Grass for Dogs Options
Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix
Enjoy a new lawn in just weeks with Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix; grows up to 2x times faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate (subject to proper care).
A unique, proprietary combination of tall fescue seed and fertilizer mix results in full green grass that grows in just weeks; expect to see grass growing at a minimum of 11 days and a maximum of 21 days.
This tall fescue grass seed and fertilizer combination will change the way you grow grass; it’s the most complete solution for large problem areas in your lawn and establishing new grass.
Features:
- Tall Fescue
- Fall Planting Period
- Full Sun
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipede Grass
Scotts best high-performance grass seed; grows in scorching heat, full and partial sun, acidic soil, and on slopes.
Absorbs 6x its weight in water and expands to surround the seed in a moist protective layer. Exclusive controlled release technology feeds seedlings to jumpstart growth.
Helps keep seeds from washing away and keeps seedlings safe from harmful diseases that can attack newly planted areas.
Features:
- Partial Sun
- Centipede
- Easy to Spread
Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed
Zenith is medium-textured and has dark green leaves. It creates a dense, slow-growing, low-maintenance turfgrass that can tolerate traffic and wear better than most warm-season lawns.
Zenith is commonly used in both commercial and residential landscapes, sports fields, golf courses, roadsides, and medians.
Uniquely, it tolerates extreme heat and cold and is the best Zoysia for cooler climates. It’s well adapted for climates from the southern coast of the US to the upper transition zone.
Features:
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Zoysia
- Zones 10 and Colder
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix is a unique mix that performs well in high-traffic areas, under moderate shade, and in sunny areas.
It has the ability to self-repair from heat, drought, and high-traffic damage and is Scott’s most cold-tolerant grass seed mix.
Fine bladed texture with medium drought tolerance. The seed will begin to grow in 7 – 14 days. You can mow the seedlings when they reach 3 inches in height.
Features:
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Spring Blooming
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass
Scotts EZ Seed is a revolutionary seeding mix that takes care of the seed for you, so you can grow thick, beautiful grass anywhere.
Scotts’ unique growing material absorbs water like a sponge, expanding to surround the seed in a moist, protective layer. Just prep the ground, put it down, water, and let it go to work!
Scotts EZ Seed has a tackifier to reduce seed wash-away on sloped areas of your lawn! Use this EZ Seed product to protect against tough southern conditions like scorching heat and dry areas.
Features:
- Full Sun
- Fertilizer
- Tackifier
