Weeds can be a serious pain in the butt. They fight over space and resources with your beautiful flowers, mar your lush lawn, and can even be a spiky surprise on bare feet.
There are a huge number of weed killers on the market to take out those stubborn plants. But most of those contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets, or even you and your kids.
You don’t have to choose between the perfect lawn and keeping your pets healthy and happy anymore. For effective and worry-free weed solutions, check out our thoroughly researched reviews of the five best pet safe weed killers.
Top Pet Safe Weed Killers – Reviews
1. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
For quick, effective, and pet safe weed destroying power look no further than Green Gobbler. No nasty, hormone altering chemicals or toxic ingredients, it’s pretty much super effective vinegar. It works within hours, with full desiccation in under a day!
Specifications:
- Two ingredients: acetic acid and water
- No harmful chemicals like glyphosate and 2,4-D
- Certified for organic use
- Ready to use
- Sprayer included
Pros:
- Pet and environment safe
- Fast acting, effective
- Can dilute to extend use
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Highly corrosive, caution necessary
- Non-selective
2. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer
Pet owners who prize sustainable practices will love Doctor Kirchner’s weed killer. Made from ocean salt and just 3 other ingredients, you can protect your pets, your lawn, and the environment all in one go!
It works a little slower than some competitors but is less corrosive and safer to apply.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: water, salt, vinegar, soap
- No toxic chemicals like glyphosate
- Ready to use
Pros:
- Pet safe
- Sustainably made
- Easy to use
- Long shelf life
Cons:
- Non-selective
- Slower
3. Natural Armor 30% Vinegar
Those seeking more than just a safe weed killer will appreciate Natural Armor’s home and garden vinegar solution. At full strength it is an effective weed killer, and when diluted can be used for countless household chores.
It is inexpensive, but many report needing a considerable amount to fully kill weeds.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: vinegar and water
- Free of toxic chemicals
- Ready to use
- Sprayer included
Pros:
- Pet safe, eco-friendly
- Multiple household uses
- Effective
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Non-selective
- Large volume necessary
- Corrosive, use caution
4. Just for Pets Pet-Safe Weed Killer
Just for Pets is another trustworthy, pet safe weed killer that won’t break the bank. The company is committed to your pet’s health and happiness, and even donates part of the proceeds to support animal shelters.
It is less concentrated vinegar than competitors and is therefore slower to kill plants but a little safer to use.
Specifications:
- 8% vinegar solution
- No harmful chemicals
- Organic
- Ready to use
Pros:
- Pet safe, eco-friendly
- Supports animal shelters
Cons:
- Non-selective
- Moderately corrosive
- Slower
5. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
Epsoma may not actually be an herbicide, but it deserves honorable mention for truly effective, pet safe weed control.
You’ll need to kill the weeds first, then spread this organic, chemical free, weed inhibitor and fertilizer. Stop weeds coming back and provide soil with a long lasting nitrogen boost – win win!
Specifications:
- 100% corn gluten meal
- Zero harsh chemicals
- Organic
Pros:
- Pet and environment safe
- Safe to handle
- Fertilizes lawn
Cons:
- Not an herbicide
- Not for use on exiting weeds
- May attract birds and bugs
Buyers Guide
Though you should always be careful about allowing your pet to come in contact with any weed killer during application, some ingredients are more potent and harmful than others.
To get a better idea of how to assess whether a weed killer is a good option for use around your pets, first let’s look at the most common ingredients you should avoid.
What Common Ingredients in Weed Killers Are Not Pet Safe?
2,4-D or Trimec
2,4-D is a widely used herbicide. It changes the way plant cells grow and is mixed with other chemicals to produce a selective weed killer.
Though considered safe to humans when applied correctly, 2,4-D is most famous as one of the main ingredients in Agent Orange. And for our four-legged friends that may roll around in, eat, or generally rub their faces in the lawn you can’t be too careful.
According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), 2,4-D can cause serious reactions when ingested. It is most dangerous in its liquid form, but the fumes may also cause irritation and upper respiratory difficulties.
Symptoms dogs and cats present after ingesting 2,4-D:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Staggering
- Convulsions
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is one of the widest used weed killers in the entire world and can be found in a variety of brands, including Roundup.
It works primarily by destroying essential enzymes in plants called EPSP synthase. Since humans and animals don’t have these enzymes, they shouldn’t be in danger though, right?
Unfortunately, it isn’t quite that simple. Though research conflicts, there are a number of dangerous side effects observed from contact with glyphosate.
Digestive upset, respiratory issues, and even death have been observed in some cats and dogs that came into contact with Roundup, a weed killer that contains glyphosate as its main active ingredient.
What’s more, based on their research the International Agency for Research on Cancer believes that Roundup and glyphosate may be carcinogenic to humans.
There are even countries that have banned the use of glyphosate altogether. Australia, Costa Rica, Sweden, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Malawi, and the UK – to name a few.
Pet Safe Alternatives to Chemical Weed Killer
Boiling water
Boiling water can be used to kill plants quickly and effectively. It is challenging to direct, however, and will kill anything in its path. For stubborn patio and driveway weeds it’s a great option, but not for lawns.
This method is super simple and requires no chemicals whatsoever. But it can still be dangerous. Wear protective clothing and make sure your pets are completely clear of the area before pouring.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another pet safe weed killing option.
In fact, many of the weed killers reviewed above use vinegar. But if you want to experiment yourself, you can spot spray weeds with pure vinegar and get great results.
However, you can’t use any old kitchen vinegar. Most vinegars found at the grocery store are watered down to around 5% acidity. You’ll want to purchase vinegar of 30% potency or more.
Salt
Safe for pets and easily found in the kitchen, salt can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to take out stubborn weeds.
Start with a solution of about 3-parts salt to 1-part water to spot-spray on weed. Adjust salt content as necessary.
Crowd out the weeds with other plants
If you plant other species that are better at competing for resources than those hated weeds, they won’t even have a chance. Permaculture experts give an in-depth look at this concept.
And in this video, AlboPepper explains 10 different species that he uses to crowd out weeds and keep his lawn and garden pretty & function.
Mulch
Mulch works simply: they cover the ground and prevent sunlight from reaching the weeds. Most people simply cover walkways, the bases of trees, flower beds, and garden area with mulch.
Cypress, pine straw, and pine bark nuggets are all pet safe options. Avoid dyed or unspecified material mulches, as they can be made from construction salvage.
Burn the weeds
Though it may sound a little over the top, burning weeds with tools like the Red Dragon Weed Dragon Propane Vapor Torch is another chemical-free option.
Exercise extra caution when using fire as dry areas and those with lots of brush and undergrowth can easily catch fire and get out of control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roundup a safe weed killer to use around my pets?
Evidence as to the safety of Roundup, and its active ingredient glyphosate, is mixed. Some studies claim it is safe, while other report dire side effects.
Due to the possible risks involved, we do not recommend Roundup as a pet safe weed killer.
Is Spectracide a safe weed killer to use around my pets?
No. The very first active ingredient in Spectracide is 2,4-D. This chemical is known to be highly toxic when ingested by dogs, cats, and other mammals.
Is there a pet safe weed killer that won’t damage grass?
Unfortunately, no. Our research was unable to turn up any 100% pet safe AND selective weed killers.
Conclusion
With the right information you don’t have to choose between keeping your furry friends safe and an effective weed killer.
For full on, weed blasting power at a reasonable price our top choice is Green Gobbler. We found it to be the fastest working of all the pet safe weed killers by a long shot!
Folks that are okay with the slow and steady approach, however, should consider Doctor Kirchner. We love the sustainable sourcing and non-corrosive formula.
Hopefully these reviews have helped you successfully navigate the lawn care product jungle and find the best pet safe weed killer for your home.
Happy weeding!
Table of Contents
