10 Best Pet-Friendly Weed Killers in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Fumipets

Pet-Friendly Weed Killers

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The last thing you want to do is have to pick between your pet and your lawn since you both adore them. However, if your lawn becomes overrun with weeds, you could feel pressured to weigh the benefits of applying a strong herbicide to preserve your yard.

Fortunately, there are various pet-friendly weed herbicides available on the market now, so there is a better option. These treatments are absolutely safe to use around dogs and will quickly put an end to weed growth.

However, not all of them are equally successful, and in the reviews that follow, we’ll share which ones we rely on to keep our yard spotless.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

	IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
BEST OVERALL		Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer	  Easy to use  No mixing required  Most pets will leave it alone
BEST VALUE		Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer	  Works quickly  Great value for the price  Made of corn-derived vinegar
PREMIUM CHOICE		BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed And Grass Killer	  Extremely powerful  Kills persistent weeds  Most weeds stay gone
		Natural Armor Weed And Grass Killer	  Includes sprayer  Works within 48 hours  Kills over 250 types of weeds
		ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer	  Safe  Odor clears up quickly  Extremely effective against poison ivy

The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Weed Killers — Reviews 2023

1. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer — Best Overall

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The last thing you want to do if you have pets at home is expose them to a lot of harmful substances. The allure of a weed killer like Doctor Kirchner Natural stems from this.

This recipe combines salt water, food-grade vinegar, and soap in place of toxic pesticides. Although it doesn’t seem very menacing, the mixture destroys weeds instantly.

You don’t have to worry about your pet eating treated grass since there are no hormone-disrupting chemicals within either. Since the vinegar is usually a significant deterrent, they probably wouldn’t eat it otherwise.

There is no need for mixing or measuring, making the method simple to use. Simply pour it into a spray bottle, then attack your yard.

The major problem is that although though it really kills weeds, it need a lot of it to do so. A bottle will be used quite fast, but it’s a little amount to pay for making your yard more attractive to pets.

The most effective weed killer that is also pet-friendly is Doctor Kirchner Natural. What more could you want? Your dogs will be secure around it, but the weeds won’t.

Pros

• Completely natural formula
• No hormone-disrupting chemicals
• Easy to use
• Most pets will leave it alone
• No mixing required

Cons

• Takes a large amount to be effective

2. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer – Best Value

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Green Gobbler is a “biopesticide” that is remarkable for what it lacks as much as what it provides.

There are no phosphates, sulfates, phosphates, chlorine, or any other potentially hazardous substances within. Just 20% of the vinegar is made from grain.

It kills plants well and has four times the strength of conventional table vinegar. So be cautious where you spray it since it will definitely destroy your vegetation as well.

Weeds are eliminated by the mix in less than 24 hours. It is really easy to use; all you have to do is insert the included sprayer head into the jug and start shooting.

The sprayer is well-made and does not leak or trickle. You have the option of a stream or a mist.

Given the cost, the overall quality of the product is fairly unexpected. Our choice for the finest pet-friendly weed killer for the money is one of the least priced “natural” herbicides available.

Don’t spill it since it may ruin concrete and other surfaces in addition to harming grass. Additionally, we advise keeping it out of reach of your pet while storing it.

There aren’t many better than Green Gobbler if you’re looking for a potent, economical natural weed killer.

Pros

• Made of corn-derived vinegar
• Works quickly
• Comes with high-quality sprayer
• Great value for the price

Cons

• Kills grass too
• Can deface surfaces

3. BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed and Grass Killer – Premium Choice

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The BioSafe Systems 7601-1 weed killer is the one for you if you want something that works really rapidly and are ready to spend more for it.

Almost every plant it touches perishes, and often within an hour. This item should be your first choice if you need to quickly clean up your yard.

Even tough and tenacious weeds will fall victim to this. This should work if you have any plants that you are unable to get rid of.

The majority of the things you kill with it remain dead. It often destroys plants right down to the roots. This prolongs the formula’s shelf life, considerably reducing its expensive cost.

However, you may be hesitant to use it near your pets given its immense strength. Generally speaking, it’s secure, but you shouldn’t allow your dogs handle it until it has completely dried. Additionally, it might harm helpful insects like bees, so try to keep it away from them.

If you want the most potent all-natural weed killer available, BioSafe Systems 7601-1 is a costly but worthwhile solution.

Pros

• Extremely powerful
• Often works within an hour
• Kills persistent weeds
• Most weeds stay gone

Cons

• Fairly expensive
• Kills bees and other beneficial insects

4. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer

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In addition to killing weeds and other undesirable plants, Natural Armor is a fantastic technique to stop them from ever appearing.

It may be used to line flower beds or sidewalks and will prevent any new growth from appearing. You should know fast whether it will solve your marijuana issue since it often starts working within 24 to 48 hours.

It will likely work on anything that is growing in your backyard since it will eliminate more than 250 different species of weeds. It comes with a sprayer, but utilizing it for large-scale applications is difficult, therefore it should only be used on limited areas.

Be cautious since it will stain whatever surface it touches, even concrete. It also has a strong smell that lingers for a few of days.

Natural Armor is a secure and reliable solution, however the alternatives listed are somewhat superior.

Pros

• Helpful for controlling new growth
• Kills over 250 types of weeds
• Works within 48 hours
• Includes sprayer

Cons

• Stains concrete
• Only suitable for small-scale applications
• Strong odor lingers for days

5. ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer

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ECO Garden PRO is the best option if protecting your pets’ safety is your top priority. You may spray it without worrying since it is harmless for all kinds of animals, including bees. You don’t need to be concerned about it soaking into the soil since it is also safe for groundwater.

It tends to eliminate that specific plant better than any other, making it a great poison ivy killer. Although there is a noticeable vinegar smell, it dissipates soon.

Although you should start to notice benefits in a day or two, you may need to reapply it to completely eradicate weeds that are stubborn. Keep the bottle nearby since the weeds will probably come back soon.

You’ll need to provide your own spray container as one is not supplied. When moving the liquid, it may make things messier.

ECO Garden PRO is a secure solution that effectively kills weeds, although it isn’t nearly as potent as the alternatives above.

Pros

• Safe
• Extremely effective against poison ivy
• Odor clears up quickly

Cons

• May require reapplication
• No sprayer included
• Weeds grow back quickly

6. Espoma CGP25 Organic Weed Preventer

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In contrast to many of the other choices on this list, Espoma CGP25 is intended to prevent the growth of weeds rather than to destroy already-existing plants.

It is easily put on your grass twice a year and is made from corn gluten meal. In addition to feeding the grass, it will also stop weeds from sprouting.

Your children and dogs may immediately play on the grass after treatment since it is completely safe.

Although the powder clearly aids in controlling growth, it is not infallible, so you’ll also need to get a spot-killer. You’ll need to purchase multiple bags in order to have any chance of successfully covering your grass and avoiding weeds.

Prior to setting these items down, be sure to check the weather prediction. Within a few days of application, if it rains, it will simply wash away.

Espoma CGP25 is a decent option if you’re searching for a strategy to feed your grass while also preventing weeds, but don’t anticipate magical results.

Pros

• Prevents weeds from cropping up
• Safe for kids and pets to play on immediately
• Nourishes grass

Cons

• Not 100% effective
• Takes several bags to treat lawn
• Can’t be applied if rain is in forecast
• Will need to be paired with a spot-killer

7. OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer

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You don’t need to keep your dogs off the grass for very long since OrganicMatters Natural dries so rapidly. However, if you miss, you won’t have much time to rinse it off your grass, which might result in dead patches on your lawn.

Unfortunately, grass usually stays dead while weeds quickly regrow. To last you a summer, you’ll need to purchase many bottles of this stuff.

Additionally, even though the liquid dries rapidly, the odor lasts for days. You may want to avoid the backyard for a few days following application since the smell isn’t very nice and is really pretty harmful.

You can have leaks in your garage or shed since the associated sprayer is prone to leakage as well. That can result in the location smelling very bad.

But since it won’t likely leave stains on surfaces, it’s a great option for getting rid of weeds that sprout up on your patio or sidewalk.

Although it has fewer applications than some of the other products on our list, OrganicMatters Natural is a fast-drying composition that performs well on household surfaces.

Pros

• Dries quickly
• Good for sidewalks and patios

Cons

• Weeds come back quickly
• Extremely noxious odor
• Sprayer tends to leak
• Kills grass too

8. Preen 24-63782 Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer

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Another spreadable weed preventer is Preen 24-63782, however this one is intended for use in vegetable gardens and similar areas.

You must reapply it every few months since each application only lasts for 4-6 weeks. However, you are free to use it as often as you wish as it is safe to use even while picking fruit.

Naturally, if something is safe enough to use on food that you’ll consume, it usually isn’t as effective as some other solutions, and in this instance, that is undoubtedly the case. Although it won’t stop all weeds, it should help keep the population under control.

If morning glory or other similar viny plants are your issue, you’ll need to find another solution since it isn’t very successful against them.

There is no use in applying at all if you don’t reapply since it is pricey and costly to do so.

Although Preen 24-63782 is a solid option for maintaining vegetable gardens in reasonably excellent condition, it just falls short of some of the other, higher-rated products available.

Pros

• Safe for use on food

Cons

• Not as powerful as other options
• Requires frequent reapplication
• Not effective against morning glory or similar plants
• Extremely expensive

9. Just for Pets Pet Friendly & Pet Safe Weed Killer

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Given the name, it should come as no surprise that Just for Pets was created with your four-legged children in mind. You may use it around pets with no worries since it is quite safe to do so.

Pets are protected from it, and weeds are mostly safe too. To get results, you’ll need to spray weeds repeatedly; even then, some plants may not be killed.

But for some reason, it kills grass far more effectively than weeds. If you don’t apply it correctly, you risk having yellow streaks all over your grass.

You’ll need to provide your own sprayer and be cautious while storing the bottle since it might leak. You don’t want it to cover your garage since it doesn’t smell nice either.

Even while we like the motivation behind Just for Pets, the strategy still needs work if it wants to succeed.

Pros

• Completely safe for pets

Cons

• Not very effective against weeds
• Kills grass easily
• Bottle is prone to leaking
• Rank odor

10. Natural Elements Weed Killer

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A day or two after treatment, when weeds often begin to wilt, you may be surprised by what Natural Elements can do. However, until you return numerous times to administer the mixture, many don’t genuinely pass away.

You must soak them as well. They must be dripping with the substance if you want to have any impact; a mere spritzing won’t make much of an impact.

If you reside in a frigid environment, it could not be of any help to you at all since it operates much better in warm temperatures than cold. During the autumn and winter, you may store it as well.

Even if it does, the roots are unlikely to be destroyed, thus the dead weeds will eventually reappear. At most, you’ll have a short reprieve.

The substance doesn’t have much drift, which means it won’t spread beyond the region where it’s applied, which is excellent news. Your landscape should be secure, as should your pets.

For safeguarding your grass, Natural Elements is an excellent spray, but we wouldn’t depend on it to control weeds.

Pros

• Won’t spread beyond area in which it’s sprayed

Cons

• Not very powerful
• Requires frequent reapplication
• Plants really have to be soaked to die
• Doesn’t take out roots
• Not effective in chilly climates

Buyer’s Guide

You probably don’t know what to look for in a weed killer that won’t also harm your dogs unless you’re an expert in lawn care. In order to help you locate a solution that eliminates weeds without harming your animal pals, we’ve put up a guide below that will take you through what to look for.

Which Ingredients Should I Avoid?

Traditional herbicides have more potentially hazardous components than we are able to mention here, but the “big three” to watch out for are glyphosate, Trimec, and sethoxydim.

A 2012 research found that the main component of RoundUp, glyphosate, doubles the probability of canine cancer. But it’s well-liked since it destroys almost everything it comes into contact with, including, supposedly, your dogs.

Trimec is a hormone produced by plants that makes weeds grow oddly and improperly until they die. Despite the manufacturer’s assurances, many pet owners are naturally hesitant to employ a substance that disrupts hormone production near their animals.

It is considered “somewhat hazardous” to use sethoxydim. It is said to only irritate the eyes, skin, or throat of your pet if they come into touch with it. Even if the harm is limited to that, you definitely don’t want your animals to be rolling about in it.

How Do Weed Killers Safe for Pets Work?

Most substitute vinegar for a hazardous chemical as their main component. The weeds shrivel up and die as a result of vinegar’s ability to pull moisture out of them.

Dish soap, a surfactant, is a common ingredient in natural weed killers because it prevents the spray from being absorbed by the plant, which speeds up the process of killing weeds.

Some products, which often include corn gluten, are designed to stop weeds from sprouting in the first place. Since corn gluten inhibits roots from developing after germination, seeds are never given the opportunity to become true weeds.

Pet-friendly weed killers: Do They Have Any Drawbacks?

Yes. They just aren’t as effective as strong herbicides like RoundUp, but many pet owners are ready to make that compromise if it ensures the safety of their animals.

Numerous vinegar-based remedies may gradually raise the soil’s salt level, which may result in brown patches on the grass. They also do a poor job of eliminating root systems, which is why weeds often reappear quickly.

The majority of organic weed killers are also nonselective. This implies that they will destroy whatever plant they come into touch with, including your lawn and veggies. You must thus use caution while administering them.

Numerous treatments may also stain surfaces like metal or concrete.

Conclusion

Doctor Kirchner Natural is our preferred pet-friendly weed killer since it is both very effective and completely secure. The best part is that the majority of pets won’t bother them, so you won’t have to worry about them becoming sick while your weeds are dying.

Take a look at Green Gobbler if you want something affordable. You’ll have a ton of dead weeds and a good financial account on your hands since it’s reasonably priced and effective.

It may be difficult to choose a weed killer that works well around pets, so we hope that our evaluations have helped you make a more educated decision. The products listed above can all eliminate weeds without hurting your pet, and they are all preferable than using a hoe while standing outdoors in the sweltering heat.

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