Dog Safe Slug Killers – Get Rid Of Slugs (2023)

Dog Safe Slug Killers: Before we get into more extreme measures on how to handle that pesky slug problem in that beautiful backyard of yours. Here are a few things you can try on your own to keep this slug problem at bay.

Tip#1: Creating a fence of highly rough terrain for slugs and snails can also do the trick. Broken seashells, lava rock, broken glass, and other rough substances can be used to make a fence around your precious plants, the slugs and snails find it difficult to pass through such hard surfaces thus this acts as a very good deterrent.

Tip#2: Placing small containers like tuna cans or sardine cans filled with beer. Slugs are attracted to the beer and will certainly fall into the cans.

Tip#3: Copper mesh has always kept snails out of a garden!

A slug infestation can cause considerable damage in your garden. Before you purchase some slug or snail baits, you should know that some products are poisonous to dogs. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take action to get rid of slugs and snails since this pest can transmit lungworms to your pet. Here is how you can find the best dog-safe slug killers.

Stay Away From Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is a common ingredient found in slug and snail bait. This chemical is very dangerous to pets, including cats and dogs. Metaldehyde can affect your pet’s nervous system and cause death.

These baits often contain molasses to attract slugs and snails. Your dog won’t be able to resist the sweet smell and will want to inspect the bait.

Get Rid Of Slugs Without Endangering Your Pet

You can rid of snails and slugs without using baits with metaldehyde, which can be dangerous for pets and children. Start by manually removing all the snails, slugs, and eggs you can spot to slow down the infestation.

You can also plant lavender, mint, rosemary, and other companion plants that keep snails and slugs away.

Diatomaceous earth is another way to keep pests away. This is a soft sedimentary rock that naturally keeps insects and parasites away. It is non-toxic to animals and humans and works against many different types of pests.

Beer traps and grapefruit traps are other efficient ways to get rid of slugs. The beer or grapefruit will attract the slugs, and they will either drown in the beer can or get stuck inside of the grapefruit.

You can leave these traps overnight to get rid of slugs, but keep in mind that your dog might ingest a slug or some of the beer if you leave these traps out while your dog roams the yard.

The most efficient pet-friendly slug killers are iron phosphate baits. Iron phosphate is just as efficient as metaldehyde except it isn’t dangerous for dogs.

Is Iron Phosphate Entirely Safe?

The answer is no. However, it is a lot safer than metaldehyde. Iron phosphate works by damaging the stomach lining of slugs and snails.

This chemical doesn’t seem to have the same effect on animals and humans, but ingesting large quantities of iron phosphate can lead to iron poisoning.

Using iron phosphate bait in your garden shouldn’t be a safety hazard since quantities won’t be large enough to pose a threat to animals or humans.

It is still best to monitor your dog around the slug baits and to make sure your dog is not eating the pellets.

Leave the bait overnight and take them away in the morning if you are worried about your dog eating them. Watch for signs of iron poisoning in your pet, including vomiting and diarrhea.

A slug infestation can cause considerable damage in your garden. Before you purchase some slug or snail baits, you should know that some products are poisonous to dogs.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take action to get rid of slugs and snails since this pest can transmit lungworms to your pet. Here is how you can find the best dog-safe slug killers.

Stay Away From Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is a common ingredient found in slug and snail bait. This chemical is very dangerous to pets, including cats and dogs. Metaldehyde can affect your pet’s nervous system and cause death.

These baits often contain molasses to attract slugs and snails. Your dog won’t be able to resist the sweet smell and will want to inspect the bait.

Get Rid Of Slugs Without Endangering Your Pet

You can rid of snails and slugs without using baits with metaldehyde, which can be dangerous for pets and children. Start by manually removing all the snails, slugs, and eggs you can spot to slow down the infestation.

You can also plant lavender, mint, rosemary, and other companion plants that keep snails and slugs away.

Diatomaceous earth is another way to keep pests away. This is a soft sedimentary rock that naturally keeps insects and parasites away. It is non-toxic to animals and humans and works against many different types of pests.

Beer traps and grapefruit traps are other efficient ways to get rid of slugs. The beer or grapefruit will attract the slugs, and they will either drown in the beer can or get stuck inside of the grapefruit. You can leave these traps overnight to get rid of slugs, but keep in mind that your dog might ingest a slug or some of the beer if you leave these traps out while your dog roams the yard.

The most efficient pet-friendly slug killers are iron phosphate baits. Iron phosphate is just as efficient as metaldehyde except it isn’t dangerous for dogs.

Is Iron Phosphate Entirely Safe?

The answer is no. However, it is a lot safer than metaldehyde. Iron phosphate works by damaging the stomach lining of slugs and snails.

This chemical doesn’t seem to have the same effect on animals and humans, but ingesting large quantities of iron phosphate can lead to iron poisoning. Using iron phosphate bait in your garden shouldn’t be a safety hazard since quantities won’t be large enough to pose a threat to animals or humans.

It is still best to monitor your dog around the slug baits and to make sure your dog is not eating the pellets. Leave the bait overnight and take them away in the morning if you are worried about your dog eating them. Watch for signs of iron poisoning in your pet, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Garden SafeSlug & Snail Bait, Granules, 2-Pound, 6-Pack
Monterey - Sluggo - Wildlife and Pet Friendly - Snail & Slug Killer, OMRI Listed for Organic Gardening - 2.5-Pounds
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 5lb with Powder Duster Included in The Bag
Garden Safe HG-4536 Slug & Snail Bait
Monterey LG6500 Sluggo Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
Garden SafeSlug & Snail Bait, Granules, 2-Pound, 6-Pack
Garden Safe HG-4536 Slug & Snail Bait
Monterey - Sluggo - Wildlife and Pet Friendly - Snail & Slug Killer, OMRI Listed for Organic Gardening - 2.5-Pounds
Monterey LG6500 Sluggo Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 5lb with Powder Duster Included in The Bag
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade

Reviews of the Best Dog Safe Slug Killers

Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait (UG-4536) (2lb)


These slug baits contain iron phosphate. You can use them in your garden without putting your dog, children, or wildlife in danger. Iron phosphate is also harmless to earthworms and other insects.

You can choose to purchase a single 2 lb. bag or stock up and get 6 bags at a time.

These baits attract slugs and snails. The pest eats the bait, gets full, and doesn’t eat your plant. Slugs and snails will become lethargic and die a few days later. If any of the iron phosphates are left, they will break down and turn into fertilizer for your plants.

Garden Safe HG-4536 Slug & Snail Bait, Granules, 2-Pound, 6-Pack, Case Pack of 6, Brown/A

Garden Safe HG-4536 Slug & Snail Bait, Granules, 2-Pound, 6-Pack, Case Pack of 6, Brown/A

Pros

  • Get results with a small number of baits.
  • Get rid of slugs without harming your dog or wildlife.
  • Doubles as fertilizer.
  • You can buy it in bulk.

Cons

  • You will need some water to activate the bait.
  • Slugs don’t die instantly.

Monterey LG6575 Sluggo Plus Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer, 1 lb

Monterey LG6575 Sluggo Plus Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer, 1 lb

Monterey LG6575 Sluggo Plus Wildlife and Pet Safe Slug Killer, 1 lb

Sluggo Plus is a highly effective slug killer. It is a pet-safe product. So you do not have to worry about your dog’s safety after purchasing this amazing slug killer. Sluggo Plus works against Earwigs, Cutworms, Sowbugs, Pillbugs, and Snails.

Sluggo Plus is an easy-to-use product for organic farmers. It is an OMRI-listed product. Sluggo Plus acts as bait and killer at the same time.

Even though Sluggo Plus carries iron phosphate, the amount is just enough for harmful slugs and snails. Iron phosphate in Sluggo Plus does not harm your garden and dogs.

Sluggo Plus is an easy-to-spread product because it comes in granular form. Sluggo Plus does not have an expiration date and lasts for a long time.

Pros

  • Highly effective
  • Covers a wide area
  • Lasts for a long time
  • Does not harm dogs
  • Organic product
  • Easy-to-use product
  • High value for money

Cons

  • Looks like a candy

Monterey LG6500 Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer 2.5 Pound

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Monterey LG6500 Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer (2.5 lb)

Sluggo is a great product that helps control snails and slugs. It is designed to bait and poison these pests. Being a two-in-one bait and killer, Sluggo is an alternative to traditional slug and snail baits.

This is a very affordable iron phosphate slug killer. You can choose to purchase a 1, 2.5, or 5 lb container depending on how severe the slug infestation is.

Iron phosphate baits are a safe way to eliminate slugs and snails without harming your pets, children, or wildlife. These baits won’t hurt other insects.

You can safely use these baits regardless of the growth stage of your plants and they will turn into fertilizers if left untouched for a few days. These iron phosphate pellets will still work even after rain or watering.

You can easily cover a 2,000 square feet surface with a pound.

Pros

  • An efficient and affordable way to get rid of snails and slugs.
  • Safe for pets, children, and wildlife.
  • Turns into fertilizer after a few days.
  • It still works after rain or watering.

Cons

  • This won’t eliminate other kinds of pests.
  • Some shoppers said the pellets left moldy spots after rain.

Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 4 lb w/ Free Powder Duster

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Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade

Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is composed of 100% ground freshwater DE, with no additives. The product is made of the naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae that forms in freshwater. These remains are ground up into a soft, fine white powder that carries many different uses.

This product contains 100% diatomaceous earth. It comes in powder form so you can easily apply it in your garden. The bag comes with a powder duster so you can apply the product in hard-to-reach areas.

Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and for animals. It keeps insects away, which makes this product an ideal choice if you are dealing with slugs and with other types of pests.

Diatomaceous earth can repel slugs, snails, ants, cockroaches, and even fleas. Keep in mind that this product only repels insects but does not kill them.

The best dog-safe slug killer is Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait. These baits contain iron phosphate and will kill slugs and snails. The pest should stop feeding on your plants once they eat the bait. It will take a few days for slugs and snails to die, but they shouldn’t cause any more damage to your garden in the meantime.

Small quantities of Iron phosphate are harmless to dogs, cats, and humans, even when ingested. You can also use this product without endangering wildlife. Besides, the pellets will turn into fertilizer for your garden once they have been left out for a few days.

Pros

  • Keeps slugs away.
  • Pet-friendly and harmless to humans.
  • Won’t affect your plants.
  • Works against other types of insects.

Cons

  • Might keep beneficial earthworms away.
  • Repels slugs but doesn’t kill them.

Exterminators Choice Slug and Snail Spray

Exterminators Choice Slug and Snail Spray | 1 Gallon | Repels Most Common Types of Slugs and Snails | Natural, Non-Toxic Formula | Quick, Easy Pest Control | Safe Around Kids & Pets

Exterminators

Exterminators Choice Slug and Snail Spray

Slug and Snail Defense is a professional spray that can be used to eliminate slugs in your garden, yard, and home. Slug and Snail Defense is a good choice because it is an all-natural product.

Slug and Snail Defense is made from Cedar Oil, Pine Oil, Peppermint Oil, and White Oil. Slug and Snail Defense lasts longer than most other products of the same category. It provides value for money.

You can use Slug and Snail Defense after every two to four weeks. It does not harms your garden and does not produce bad odor. Slug and Snail Defense is an excellent choice for organic farmers. You do not have to worry about your dog’s safety after using the Slug and Snail Defense Spray.  

Pros

  • USA-made product
  • Highly effective
  • Highly efficient
  • Lasts longer
  • No bad odor
  • Organic product
  • Easy to use
  • Value for money

Cons

  • You have to follow the directions carefully.

Bonide Slug Magic Granules

Bonide (BND903 – Slug Magic, Garden Snail and Slug Killer Granules for Organic Gardening, Slug and Snail Insecticide/Pesticide (1 lb.)

Bonide Slug Magic Granules

Bonide Slug Magic Granules

Bonide Slug Magic is a highly efficient organic slug killer. Bonide Slug Magic works best in your garden. It comes in a granular form. You can spread Bonide Slug Magic over a wide area.

Bonide Slug Magic covers a wide area and lasts longer than many other products of the same category. Bonide Slug Magic can easily protect your fruits and vegetables. You do not have to worry about your dog’s safety while using Bonide Slug Magic around your garden and home.

It is an organic product because it carries Iron Phosphate as an active product. We like Bonide Slug Magic because it is made using a rainproof formula. It literally works like magic as it kills the slug population decimating your plants and vegetation.

On the downside, Bonide Slug Magic is highly appetizing for squirrels. So your squirrels may try to eat Bonide Slug Magic granules.

Pros

  • Highly effective
  • Highly efficient
  • Granular form
  • Organic product
  • Rainproof formula
  • Protects fruits and vegetables
  • Dog-safe product
  • Iron Phosphate as an active product

Cons

  • Squirrels may eat these delicious granules

NATRIA Snail and Slug Killer Bait, Granules, 1.5 lb

NATRIA Snail and Slug Killer Bait

NATRIA Snail and Slug Killer Bait

Natria Snail and Slug killer bait is a fantastic product for organic farmers. It works against the slug and snail populations. We love Natria Snail and Slug killer because it is a rainproof product.

It is an easy-to-use product. Natria Snail and Slug killer can be applied over a wide area. Natria Snail and Slug Killer is an effective product. How much time it takes to eradicate slugs depends on the size and health of the slug population.

I apply the product directly onto the soil so it works immediately. We got the product in its best form, and there was no granule “dust” at the bottom of the bag. It is an OMRI-listed organic product.

Natria Snail and Slug Killer is safe for your dogs. We like Natria Snail and Slug Killer because it is an EPA-approved product. It means that Natria Snail and Slug Killer will not likely harm the environment.

It covers a wide area and is easy to store and dispose of the product. You can use it in your lawn, garden, or backyard. One bag of Natria Snail and Slug Killer weighs around 1.5 Pounds. Its special formula enables it to last longer than other slug killers.

Pros

  • Effective
  • Value for money
  • Easy-to-use
  • Covers wide area
  • Organic product
  • OMRI-listed
  • EPA-approved

Cons

  • Effectiveness depends on the size and health of the insect population

Monterey Sluggo Max 3% Iron Phosphate Can,LG6542

Monterey Sluggo Max 3% Iron Phosphate Can,LG6542

Monterey Sluggo Max 3% Iron Phosphate Can,LG6542

Sluggo Max is similar to Sluggo Plus. There is a slight difference between Sluggo Max and Sluggo Plus. Sluggo Max contains more Iron Phosphate than Sluggo Plus. So if you feel your garden is wide and needs more concentrated granules to cover the whole area, you can apply Sluggo Max to solve the problem.

Sluggo Max is also an organic product. It is a rainproof, dog-safe product, so you will not have to worry about your dog’s safety or rain. Sluggo Max is a highly effective product; its effectiveness does not decrease after rain.

Pros

  • Highly effective
  • Highly efficient
  • Organic product
  • Covers wide area
  • Dog-safe product
  • Bait and killer product

Cons

  • Slugs hate it

Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer, 3.5 lb

Corry's Slug & Snail Killer, 3.5 lb

Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer, 3.5 lb

Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer works better than any other dog-safe slug killer. It is an easy-to-use product. You can use Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer in your garden, yard, and home. We like Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer because it remains effective even after rain.

You can use Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer around edibles. You do not have to worry about your dog’s safety after using Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer.

The manufacturer claims that it is safe for pets immediately after application. However, it is very appetizing for dogs. You should be careful while applying the product. It is pet-safe ONLY after application. So you have to keep your dogs and kids away from the area while applying the product.

It works as bait and killer at the same time. Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer stops snails and slugs from eating your fruits and vegetables. Slugs and snails leave your fruits and vegetables. They die in their own shelter. In other words, Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer keeps your fruits and vegetables clean from slugs and snails.

Generally, slugs and snails may die within three to six days. So you will have to wait for some time. But the product reduces plant damage to a large extent. It works better than the claims made by the manufacturer.

Unlike other dog-safe slug killers, Corry’s Slugs & Snail Killer uses Ferric Sodium EDTA as an active ingredient. So it works better than the iron phosphate in your garden. Metaldehyde is not deemed safe for dogs. So you have to be careful while using such kinds of products.

Avoid using kitchen utensils to apply the product. It works best if you apply it after every two weeks. High doses are required in heavily watered areas. Corry’s Slug & Snail Killer does not harm your bird population.

Pros

  • Highly Effective
  • Highly Efficient
  • Can be applied to edibles
  • Reduces plant damage
  • Pet safe after usage

Cons

  • Contains Ferric Sodium EDTA

Frequently Asked Questions – Dog Safe Slug Killers

Is That’s It Slug Bait Safe To Use Around Dogs?

That’s It slug bait contains a chemical called metaldehyde which is highly toxic to dogs. A dog who’s ingested metaldehyde should be taken to a veterinarian immediately as this chemical affects its nervous system.

Symptoms of ingestion include seizures, muscle tremors, and difficulty walking/standing. Even small amounts are toxic, so even if you aren’t sure if your dog has eaten any, you should seek veterinary care ASAP. If you have a dog, it’s recommended to avoid this type of slug bait.

Is Eliminator Slug and Snail Killer Safe To Use Around Dogs?

Eliminator Slug and Snail killer should be avoided if you have dogs. The ingredient in the product that kills slugs/snails is called metaldehyde and it is considered neurotoxic, meaning it can lead to seizures, muscle tremors, and even death. If your dog consumes Eliminator products, seek veterinary care as soon as you can.

These slug baits contain iron phosphate. You can use them in your garden without putting your dog, children, or wildlife in danger. Iron phosphate is also harmless against earthworms and other insects.

You can choose to purchase a single 2 lb. bag or stock up and get 6 bags at a time.

These baits attract slugs and snails. The pest eats the bait, gets full, and doesn’t eat your plant. Slugs and snails will become lethargic and die a few days later. If any of the iron phosphates are left, they will break down and turn into fertilizer for your plants.

Pros

  • Get results with a small number of baits.
  • Get rid of slugs without harming your dog or wildlife.
  • Doubles as fertilizer.
  • You can buy them in bulk.

Cons

  • You will need some water to activate the bait.
  • Slugs don’t die instantly.
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Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Jackob Evans

Hi, I’m Jacob. I’ve been a professional blogger for over six years, and in that time, I’ve written countless blogs that have helped millions of people worldwide. A DVM by profession, I have treated and cured thousands of dogs, if not millions.

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