Our Favorite Pet-Safe Weed Killer Is Easy to Apply and Effective

It’s understandable to reach for weed-killing products when ugly weeds and grasses muscle their way into your yard and garden—but without pet-safe weed killers, your pets can be at risk for exposure to harsh chemicals. Animals can absorb toxins through their paws and skin, or they can eat plants that absorb those chemicals. Pet-safe weed killers protect furry family members by eliminating the invading weeds without harmful ingredients. We tested five of the top products and heavily researched the two other formulas we think are worth considering to help determine which stood out.

The best pet-friendly weed control products are usually made with natural or organic sustainable ingredients, such as vinegar or concentrated salts. These herbicides destroy plants by desiccation (drying the leaves) or disrupting their growth. They’re less likely to pollute waterways, disturb natural habitats, degrade the soil, or otherwise harm the environment. Pet-safe, eco-friendly weed killers can be an integral part of lawn care and are also less likely to affect human and wildlife health negatively.

Natural Elements Weed Killer rose to the top of the list for its easy application and quick (and complete) weed death. The products that made our best pet-safe weed killers list are hard on weeds but gentle on any furry visitors to your yard, so have a look.

1. BEST OVERALL: Natural Elements Weed Killer
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2. RUNNER UP: Mighty Mint Weed and Grass Killer
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3. BEST FAST-ACTING: Natural Armor All-Natural Weed and Grass Killer
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4. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eco Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer
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5. BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Sunday Weed Warrior Grass and Weed Killer
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6. HONORABLE MENTION: Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer
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7. ALSO CONSIDER: Just for Pets Weed Killer
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Before You Buy a Pet-Safe Weed Killer

Some people choose to try homemade weed killers before doling out money for one. Before making a purchase, however, it’s a good idea for shoppers to make sure the product doesn’t contain chemicals known to harm pets, people, and the environment. 

Look for natural weed killers that target the weeds and grasses that need to be eliminated. Selective weed killers will destroy only specific weeds or grasses and not other plants around them, making these a good choice for spot-killing. 

Nonselective weed killers destroy any kind of plant or grass they come in contact with. They’re better for larger areas where they can be sprayed or where granules can be scattered freely without worry that they’ll damage nearby edibles, flowers, turfgrasses, and other desirable plants. 

Our Top Picks

Healthy lawns and bountiful gardens need a quality natural weed killer or organic weed killer so people and pets can enjoy the outdoors without risk. Read on to discover why these products are among the best animal-friendly weed killers.

Best Overall

Natural Elements Weed Killer

See It

What We Like

• Easy application using a sprayer
• Noticeable effect on small weeds within 24 hours
• No unpleasant odor permeates the area

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t cover a large area

Specs 

• Application type Spray
• Available sizes 32 ounces with spray trigger, 1 gallon, case of 4 gallons
• Active ingredients Commercial-grade vinegar, saltwater, and soap

Our Ratings

Primarily comprised of commercial-grade vinegar and saltwater, Natural Elements’ weed killer is environmentally-friendly, contains no glyphosate, and banishes broadleaf weeds and grasses effectively. Nontoxic and organic, this weed killer can be sprayed on weeds until the leaves are wet, and the plants will start dying within 24 hours. If the outdoor temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, it may take less time to see results. At lower temperatures, weeds may take up to 5 days to die. 

We applied this weed killer in the (very) early Spring in temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. We sprayed it on grass, dandelions, and generally small weeds sprouting in a gravel driveway. We used a sprayer to apply the weed killer, so it was simple and quick. The sprayed weeds and grass yellowed within 24 hours. 

This formula from Natural Elements is nonselective, prediluted, and premixed. It’s especially effective on crabgrass, chickweed, dandelions, and thistles. To avoid harming grass, it’s important for users to apply it carefully to weeds embedded in lawns. This product is made in the U.S.

What our tester says: “I expected the Natural Elements weed killer to work well, but I was surprised by how quickly it took effect. The grass and weeds were yellowing within a few hours, and they were brown within 24 hours.”—Stacey L. Nash, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Natural Elements pet-safe weed killer at Amazon (1-gallon) or Natural Elements.

Runner up

Mighty Mint Weed and Grass Killer

See It

What We Like

• Killed weeds and grass within 24 hours
• Doesn’t have an unpleasant odor
• Sprayer included for those without a dedicated sprayer
• Ready-to-use formula

What We Don’t Like

• Sprayer sputters when doing large applications
• May require reapplication

Specs 

• Application type Spray
• Available sizes 1 gallon
• Active ingredients Sodium lauryl sulfate, spearmint oil, geraniol

Our Ratings

Comprised of essential oils and sodium lauryl sulfate, Mighty Mint’s Weed & Grass Killer is designed to target broadleaf weeds and grasses. The natural ingredients are safe for pets and children, and it’s fast-acting. We used it in dry, 55-degree Fahrenheit weather, and the weeds and grass were dying noticeably within 24 hours. 

We used the 128-ounce bottle that came with a sprayer. While the sprayer was easy to set up, it quickly sputtered due to air bubbles. Nonetheless, it got the job done. For those without a separate spray unit, the included sprayer will undoubtedly work. Still, those who already own a separate sprayer unit will probably be happier applying the Mighty Mint that way. 

We could tell this pet-safe herbicide contained essential oils as it smelled more like a light air freshener than a weed killer. It was a pleasant odor that dissipated within a few hours. The ready-to-use formula made it even easier to use. Some difficult weeds may require a second application, but we saw impressive weed killing after only one.

Get the Mighty Mint pet-safe weed killers at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Mighty Mint.

Best Fast-Acting

Natural Armor All-Natural Weed and Grass Killer

See It

What We Like

• No unpleasant odor
• Killed grass and weeds within 24 hours
• Sprayer included for those without a dedicated sprayer

What We Don’t Like

• Included sprayer may sputter during intensive applications

Specs 

• Application type Spray
• Available sizes 16-ounce with spray trigger, 1 gallon with or without spray trigger, or 2.5-gallon
• Active ingredients Sodium chloride, clove oil, citric acid, water, vinegar, glycerin, lemon

Our Ratings

A safe weed killer for pets, people, and the environment, Natural Armor’s weed and grass killer contains no glyphosate or other dangerous chemicals. And yet, the claims of weeds and grass dying within 24 hours are true!

This nontoxic weed killer can be used around flower beds, mulched areas, walkways, fence lines, pavers, cracks in driveways and sidewalks, and other areas, though two applications may be needed on large weeds or weeds with resistant roots. It’s also safe to use around wells and water systems.

Natural Armor is ready to use and eliminates over 250 kinds of weeds and grasses. This nonselective, pet-safe weed killer contains organic ingredients and comes from a family-owned and operated business. 

We sprayed it on grass and small weeds on a dry day at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While the included sprayer wasn’t a lot of help, the product itself was great. We’d probably skip the included nozzle and just use a sprayer instead.

Get the Natural Armor pet-safe weed killer at Amazon or Natural Armor.

Best Bang for the Buck

Eco Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer

See It

What We Like

• Pleasant odor if you don’t mind vinegar
• Noticeable results in 24 hours
• Easy to apply with a separate spray unit
• Ready-to-use formula

What We Don’t Like

• Tough weeds may require heavy spray volume

Specs 

• Application type Spray
• Available sizes 1 gallon (with or without sprayer), case of 2 gallons
• Active ingredients Acetic acid (vinegar), sodium chloride

Our Ratings

Safe for pets and other animals, kids, fish, livestock, and bees, Eco Garden Pro’s organic weed and grass killer works on contact within 24 hours. It can be used to eliminate poison ivy, clover, moss, chickweed, thistle, crabgrass, dandelions, dollar weed, and other weeds and grasses.

We tested it in dry, moderate temperatures on grass and dandelions. Within 24 hours, there was noticeable browning. It had a light vinegar odor (which we found pleasant) that dissipated within a few hours. In some areas, we used a light spray volume and heavier in others. The heavily sprayed areas died faster.

This organic weed killer’s ready-to-use formula is 100 percent phosphate-free; does not contain dicamba, glyphosate, or other toxic ingredients; and will not harm groundwater. Stubborn weeds that don’t die completely or that are prone to grow back may need a repeat application. Our application did not require a second spray. Like other vinegar weed killers, this one is nonselective and kills grasses, ornamentals, and other plants on contact, so users will want to make sure to apply it only to unwanted plants. 

At $.21 per ounce, this weed killer offers a better deal than many of the formulas on our list. Please note that individual savings may vary based on the square footage sprayed and whether repeat applications are needed.

What our tester says: “Weeds didn’t stand a chance. The results (brown, shriveled weeds and grass) were apparent within 24 hours, and the weeds didn’t come back.”—Stacey L. Nash, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Eco Garden Pro pet-safe weed killer at Amazon and Eco Living Solutions.

Best for Small Spaces

Sunday Weed Warrior Grass and Weed Killer

See It

What We Like

• Easy to apply with the spray bottle
• No unpleasant odor
• Doesn’t stain concrete

What We Don’t Like

• Required a high spray volume in testing

Specs 

• Application type Spray
• Available sizes 32 ounces, 1 gallon with electric sprayer wand
• Active ingredients Ammoniated soap of fatty acids

Our Ratings

Sold in spray bottles or gallon-size refills, Sunday Weed Warrior is a glyphosate-free, ready-to-use weed and grass killer. Formulated to work quickly, it starts dehydrating and killing many weeds and grasses within 20 minutes of application, including algae, bluegrass, stinkweed, thistle, lambsquarters, lichen, crabgrass, dandelions, and more. 

This nonselective, pet-safe weed killer also kills anything it touches, so it’s important to avoid spraying it on turfgrasses or other desirable plants. It can be used in cracks in sidewalks and driveways without staining, and also around patios, gardens, flower beds, sidewalks, flower beds, and mulched areas. 

We tested the 32-ounce spray bottle in a gravel driveway with sprouting grass and weeds. While the spray bottle isn’t practical for large-area applications, it was quite effective for spot-spraying weeds. Weed death took about 48 hours, but the weeds and grass did die. A second application might be needed for large, difficult weeds. 

Listed by OMRI (the Organic Materials Review Institute) and approved for organic gardening, Sunday Weed Warrior contains a strong soap made from fatty acids that removes the waxy coating that protects most leafy green vegetation. For best results, users can apply it to target small, early-growth weeds less than 5 inches in size and repeat if needed. When it comes to preventative use, this nontoxic weed killer is effective for about 21 days, but it should not be used in vegetable gardens. 

Get the Sunday pet-safe weed killer at Amazon (2-pack of 32 ounces), Lowe’s (1 gallon), Walmart (32 ounces), or Sunday (2-pack of 32 ounces).

More Great Options

While we didn’t test the following products, we researched their ingredients and weighed their reviews before determining they were on par with our top picks.

Honorable Mention

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer

See It

What We Like

• Available with or without spray trigger
• Acts within 24 hours to eliminate weeds
• OMRI certified for users who prefer organic options

What We Don’t Like

• Odor may be disagreeable to some users
• Tough weeds may need more than 1 treatment

Specs 

• Application type Spray
• Available sizes 32 ounces; 1 gallon with or without spray trigger; case of 5-gallon refills
• Active ingredients Vinegar, corn derivative

Made from 20 percent acetic acid and ethanol distilled from corn grown in the U.S., the vinegar in Green Gobbler is four times stronger than regular table vinegar and kills weeds within 24 hours by desiccation (drying them out). It comes in a concentrate, so a little bit goes a long way.

Free of glyphosate and other potentially toxic chemicals, it’s a nontoxic weed killer that is also pet-friendly. Certified by OMRI, this organic weed killer works efficiently on the most common weeds and grasses. It can be used on crabgrass, dandelions, white clover, creeping Charlie, oxalis, musk thistle, crabgrass, and broadleaf plantain. It’s available as a ready-to-use 32-ounce or a 1-gallon container, and users can stock up on the 1-gallon or 5-gallon refill options also on offer. While it can be used around food crops and ornamentals, it’s nonselective, so any overspray will kill any plant it touches. Weeds with large, strong roots may need repeat applications.

Get Green Gobbler pet-safe weed killer at Amazon (1-gallon), The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Also Consider

Just for Pets Weed Killer

See It

What We Like

• Ready-to-use formula
• Included sprayer for those without a separate unit
• Purchase benefits animal shelters nationwide
• Kills weeds within 24 hours of application

What We Don’t Like

• Some reviewers report the sprayer doesn’t work

Specs 

• Application type Spray
• Available sizes 1 gallon with or without sprayer, 2.5 gallons
• Active ingredients Sodium chloride, citric acid, clove oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, vinegar

Safe for pets and people, this eco-friendly weed killer made by Natural Armor contains no glyphosate and kills many weeds within 24 hours of application. It’s an organic weed killer that won’t harm bees; dries quickly; and can be used around shrubs and trees, flower beds, barns, edging, fence lines, foundations, gravel areas, walkways, paths, well and water systems, and more. It comes ready to use, so no premixing or diluting is required. 

This U.S.-made nonselective weed killer is effective on dandelions and clover, broadleaf weeds, and grassy weeds such as crabgrass. It’s made from all-natural ingredients, including vinegar, salt, clove oil, and citric acid. Portions of each sale are donated to animal shelters nationwide. 

Get Just for Pets pet-safe weed killer at Amazon.

Or, DIY Your Own Pet-Safe Weed Killer 

Your hands are the best pet-safe, natural weed killers if you can pull up the entire root system of weeds and grasses you don’t want. Tip: it’s easier to do this after a soaking rain. If you prefer weeding tools to DIY weed killers, opt for a Cobrahead weeder and cultivator hand tool, which is an ergonomically designed hand tool with a forged steel blade for digging, edging, and planting; a standing Fiskers four-claw weeder; or choose one of the best garden hoes. 

Concentrated vinegar can be used as a DIY weed killer. Whip up a homemade natural weed killer by mixing a gallon of white vinegar with a cup of salt and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Spray it on a dry, sunny day and weeds should die in about a week. Salt, sugar, bleach, and baking soda can also kill weeds more naturally. However, these DIY weed-killing ingredients can harm soil, poison small mammals, or, if sugar is used, attract undesirable pests and wildlife. 

Russell Taylor, vice president of Live Earth Products, a company located in Emery, Utah, that mines and manufactures ingredients used in a number of industries, including lawn care products, says, “It’s important to note that high salt content, which kills the weed, can hinder grass regrowth after weed removal. Consider drenching those dead spots with liquid humic acid to counter salt damage and maintain a pet-friendly, spot-free lawn.” Pouring boiling water on weeds also works, although they’ll regrow if the roots don’t die. It’s a good idea to wear shoes to protect your feet from splashes and handle the hot water carefully.

Bob Mann advises, “When in doubt, hire a professional lawn care company … Or if you decide to do it yourself: One, read the product label; two, read the product label; and three (you guessed it), read the product label. Everything you need to know to safely use any pesticide is contained on the label.”

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Pet-Safe Weed Killers

To find the best pet-safe weed killers, we researched 12 products, which consisted of vetting their websites, reviews, and ratings. We then tested five of those products ourselves. We avoided products containing synthetic or toxic chemicals and focused on sustainable, natural, or organic choices. We considered the effectiveness of pet-friendly weed killers, nontoxic weed killers, and homemade weed killers for pets; how long they take to work; and how long people and pets have to stay away from the treated areas. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Pet-Safe Weed Killer 

Look for weed killers labeled “pet-safe” that don’t contain harsh chemicals. Even if you use natural or organic weed killers, follow all directions to keep your pet safe. Check to see how long to keep your pets away from treated areas, and don’t store or leave any kind of weed killer within their reach. For a list of organic herbicides that are considered toxic to animals, see the Merck Veterinary Manual. You may want to protect yourself by wearing protective clothing and goggles when using vinegar-based or other strong-smelling herbicides. 

If a product doesn’t specify when people and pets can safely re-enter the treated area, a rule of thumb is to wait 48 to 72 hours—or until the spray is completely dry or absorbed (some products take less time.) We found that results vary depending on the weather, whether weeds are young or fully rooted, and whether they’re wet from rain or dew. Not all pet-safe weed killers are rainproof. The best time to apply weed killer is when weeds first appear, when rain isn’t expected, and on warm, dry, sunny days. 

Also, while you search for the right formula, here’s something to keep in mind: “Labeling something as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ does not tell you anything about the toxicity of that particular substance, and you shouldn’t assume that it is safe. In fact, the most toxic substance known to man, the Botulinum toxin, is 100 percent all-natural and organic,” says Bob Mann, senior director of technical and regulatory affairs at the National Association of Landscape Professionals, located in Fairfax, Virginia. He names poison ivy and mushrooms as examples. “An excellent (and completely free) source of information on all types of pesticides is the National Pesticide Information Center, which is based at Oregon State University and funded by the EPA. They’ll even hop on the phone with you to answer any questions about various product applications.”

Ingredients 

Most pet-safe weed killers contain organic or natural ingredients such as acetic acid, potassium, or sodium salts. Certain low-toxic ingredients recur in pet-safe weed-killer formulas. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says corn meal gluten, a byproduct of milled corn, is pet-safe, and it prevents weeds without being harmful to animals or people. Sea salt eliminates weeds and grasses and won’t harm pets or bees.

Selective vs. Nonselective

Selective weed killers are products that kill weeds but not desirable plants like ornamentals or turfgrasses. Nonselective weed killers destroy any kind of vegetation they touch, whether they’re liquid sprays or granules applied to the soil. If you’re trying to kill all the plants in a large area, you may want a nonselective weed killer. Choose a selective weed killer if you’re trying to kill small, weedy patches in a lawn or if you’re working near desirable plants. Be aware of where the product may wash onto or drift on the wind beyond the area you’re treating and take precautions if necessary.

Application

Most pet-safe weed killers come as ready-to-use liquids, though some come in a concentrate. Some are sold with spray attachments, and others are available as refills you can put in a sprayer you already have. Concentrated pet-safe weed killers must be diluted before you spray them. Liquid weed killers can be used as spot-killers or sprayed over areas of any size.

Weed killers are also available in granular form. Many are safe for pets immediately after application and can prevent weeds from growing around established plants that are at least 3 inches tall. However, these will not kill weeds that have already sprouted. For best results, existing weeds should be removed before applying pre-emergent, granular weed killers. Weed killers that come as granules should be applied to bare soil or added to mulched areas and gently raked or watered in. 

FAQs

Weeds and unwanted grasses often sprout up in lawns and gardens, robbing the desired plants of much-needed water, nutrients, and room to spread their roots. Some grow big enough to shade the intentional plants and block the sun. A weed killer that is safe for pets and is made with organic or natural ingredients can be an effective, sustainable way to banish them, but there’s a lot to know about different products. The following frequently asked questions may address any lingering concerns.

Q. Does vinegar kill weeds permanently?

Vinegar acts as an organic weed killer for lawns because it kills weed leaves; however, those weeds may grow back from their roots. Make a stronger solution by adding a cup of table salt and a tablespoon of dishwashing soap to a gallon of vinegar.

Q. How long does it take for weed killer to dry?

Drying time varies depending on the weather, the product, and how heavily it’s applied. A good rule of thumb is to keep people and pets off treated areas for at least 48 to 72 hours unless the label says differently.

Q. What do I do if my pet comes into contact with poisonous weed killers?

Get your pet safely away and immediately call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Tell them which weed killer your pet encountered, and have the label or original container handy. 

Q. Are pet-safe weed killers as effective as traditional weed killers?

Some are, but it depends on what you’re targeting. Some require repeat applications and take longer to work. Many gardeners don’t mind the trade-off to keep their pets safe.

Q. How long after spraying glyphosate is it safe for pets?

Manufacturers of products with glyphosate typically recommend that pets stay away until the spray dries. However, for safety, it’s best to avoid the area for 48 to 72 hours.

Q. Is pulling weeds a waste of time?

Weeding isn’t a waste of time. Pull young weeds when they’re small and when the soil is moist to make it easier to pull them out by the root.

Q. Is it better to dig up weeds or spray them?

Both methods can be effective. Spray works well when you don’t want to disturb the surrounding soil. Digging often works better for large weeds, though it can leave holes.

Meet the Tester

Stacey L. Nash has researched, tested, and reviewed products for BobVila for four years, focusing on home and garden products. She’s passionate about research and hands-on testing to find the products that add true value to homeownership and daily life. She lives on 12 heavily wooded acres, where she and her family put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bears and cougars. 

Additional research provided by Lynn Coulter.

 

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