If you’re a dog owner living in an apartment or a place without a backyard, finding the right indoor potty solution for your furry friend is important. Two common choices are real grass toilets and pee pads. At first glance, pee pads may seem cheaper, but when we look at the long-term costs—financial and environmental—real grass toilets often come out on top. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

???? Pee Pads: The Cheap but Wasteful Option

Pee pads are disposable sheets that you lay on the floor for your dog to use. They are sold in bulk, and the cost per pad might seem low, around $0.20 to $0.50 per pad. However, most dogs will need 2–4 pee pads per day, especially if they are home all day. That adds up to:

• 60 to 120 pads per month

• $15 to $60 monthly, depending on the brand

• $180 to $720 yearly

Besides the cost, pee pads create a lot of waste. Every used pad ends up in the trash, and they’re not eco-friendly. Most pee pads are made of plastic and synthetic materials that do not break down easily.

???? Real Grass Toilets: Natural and Reusable

Real grass toilets are made of fresh patches of grass placed in a box or tray. Dogs love them because they feel and smell like the outdoors, which makes potty training easier. A grass toilet can last around 2–3 weeks before needing to be replaced. Most companies offer a subscription where you receive a new patch regularly. On average:

• $25 to $40 per patch

• 1–2 patches per month

• $25 to $80 monthly

• $300 to $960 yearly

At first, the price looks similar or even slightly more than pee pads. But keep in mind, you use fewer units and clean less often. Also, real grass is biodegradable and safer for the environment. That’s a long-term benefit that helps reduce your carbon pawprint.

???? Hidden Costs to Consider

When comparing costs, think beyond just the price tag.

Odor Control:

• Pee pads often don’t absorb smell well, leading you to buy air fresheners or odor sprays.

• Real grass naturally absorbs odors better, saving you money on extra cleaning products.

Training Time:

• Many dogs struggle to understand pee pads and may take longer to learn where to go.

• Grass toilets feel more “natural,” which means faster and easier training.

Cleaning:

• With pee pads, you’re constantly cleaning around the area and changing pads.

• Real grass systems need less daily cleanup, especially if they come with a solid base tray. 

???? Which One Is Better Long-Term?

If you're looking for a simple, cost-friendly short-term option, pee pads might seem okay. But in the long run, the cost adds up, and they harm the environment.

On the other hand, real grass toilets may have a slightly higher monthly cost depending on usage, but they offer:

• Better odor control

• Easier potty training

• Less waste

• A more natural and comfortable experience for your dog

They’re especially worth it for people who want a cleaner home and a happy dog.

Choosing between pee pads and real grass toilets depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how much time you want to spend cleaning. If you want a sustainable, dog-friendly option that helps with training and smells less, real grass toilets are the smarter long-term choice. They’re a great way to improve your dog potty routine without hurting your wallet or the environment over time.