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Ice melt is a tricky product to test and review. Some of the most potent formulas are also the harshest and most corrosive. Finding a balance between performance and environmental friendliness isn’t easy. I could certainly have chosen the fastest-melting formula, but I value having concrete that is unstained and intact after winter.
Moreover, finding a formula that is both pet-safe and child-safe, not to mention mild when it contacts concrete, grass, and the surrounding environment, was important. I am a dog owner and also enjoy having a mudroom floor that isn’t covered in chlorides. If you need industrial-strength ice melt and don’t mind patching outdoor surfaces every couple of seasons, other options are available in bulk buckets, but if you prefer to protect the lawn, driveway, and pets’ paws, opt for a mild but effective alternative.
After testing numerous ice-melt products, including pet-safe brands, I found that Natural Rapport pet-safe ice melt stood out as the frontrunner. Like any ice melt, it’s best applied before the ice forms, but it still melted already-formed snow and ice quickly. I tested it on grass, gravel, pavers, and pavement with great results on every surface.
Natural Rapport Ice Melt: At a Glance
Rating: 9/10
Specs
- Quantity: 10, 18, and 35-pound packages
- Chemical makeup: Uses proprietary ProtectRx organic formula
- Packaging: The 10-pound option comes in a hard plastic container with a spreader lid
Pros
- Packaging for 10-pound product helps spread and apply ice melt easily in small spaces
- Pet-safe formula lessens worry about effect on dog and cat paws
- Made with organic compounds that actually support soil and plant growth
Cons
- Some say green dye can leave a temporary stain on surfaces, but that didn’t happen in our tests
- Individual salt pieces are fairly large
- Spreading large quantities is easier without the spreader lid
Get Natural Rapport pet-safe ice melt at:
What is Natural Rapport ice melt?
Natural Rapport is a pet-focused company that manufactures several products for dogs, birds, horses, and more. It makes only one ice-melt formula, and it’s focused on being pet- and people-friendly. The signature ingredient is its proprietary ProtectRx organic compound that reduces corrosive properties in the ice melt.
Corrosion is a major issue with ice-melt products. It can eat holes in metal, concrete, and other hard surfaces. It’s also hard on lawns, roads, and infrastructure in general. The ProtectRx organic compound is designed to reduce corrosive activity and avoid harming when the product contacts organic materials like grass and flower beds, and in fact even helps.
I observed the product side by side with other brands and noted that it melted snow and ice quickly. My dog walked over the ice melt without any reactions and never had irritation in her paws. I like the green color because it’s easy to see on the ground and I always knew when it was time to add more. My testing environment had single-digit temperatures and plenty of snow and ice. The Natural Rapport product kept my walkways ice-free throughout the lowest temperature periods.
How to Use Natural Rapport Ice Melt
Application of any ice-melt product is relatively easy. Ideally, you can spread ice melt on a clean surface before a storm arrives. Many ice-melt products are packaged in buckets or heavy-duty bags. You can store them in a garage or covered area to prevent contact with moisture. The larger quantity options for Natural Rapport also come in bucket versions.
I used the 10-pound product size, which comes in a hard plastic container. The container has a convenient handle, so it’s easy to carry. The round screw-top lid can be removed completely if desired, but for easy application, simply open the hinged section of the lid. A series of slots are there to distribute the product easily and evenly.
Many ice-melt products come in bulk containers with no spreading system. While using a simple cup is sufficient, having the spreader lid and a good 10 pounds of material was very handy. The label says that 10 pounds of ice melt can cover 500 square feet. I only needed coverage for about 100 square feet of problem areas and pathways, and I had plenty of product left after the initial use and continued applying as needed every couple of days.
How well does Natural Rapport prevent ice buildup?
The minimized corrosive properties and pet-safe makeup of this product are fantastic; however, this is still about melting ice. Ice buildup is dangerous, and shoppers are looking for a product that will prevent falls and help manage areas where ice continually forms throughout the cold months.
As mentioned, I tested this during a very cold period. It snowed for several days and the snow went through freeze-thaw cycles for several more days. I used the ice melt on a concrete path, pavers, and grass. I even spread some on a snow-covered piece of plywood just to see the results.
The ice melt worked surprisingly fast and was on par with the fastest-melting brands I tested. It also lasted for a few days at a time. The larger granules seem to hold out a little longer before everything is dissolved. Ultimately, it kept my problem zones ice-free and served the intended purpose.
Some reviews do mention staining, which is worth noting. The ice melt has a green dye added for visibility, but I didn’t notice any green staining left behind. If you do have any staining, it should wash away with a hose or pressure washer after the winter ends.
Is Natural Rapport ice melt worth the money?
Overall, the price is competitive with similar products. It seems that roughly $25 is the sweet spot for 8- to 12-pound containers of ice melt. Most brands come in large quantities as well and the prices are relative. Those who have a large driveway or substantial area to keep ice-free might want to consider the 35-pound bucket.
I feel that the Natural Rapport pet-safe ice melt is worth the money for anyone living in areas where ice is prevalent. Falling is a serious health issue and liability for businesses. Using this ice melt can help prevent slipping while maintaining a safer walking and driving environment. Moreover, the peace of mind that comes from knowing that it’s easier on pets and the environment makes it a product worth buying over many other ice-melt brands.
Should you buy Natural Rapport ice melt?
If you have pets, a lawn, a garden, or pavement, this is a great product for you. It can give you the confidence to walk outside without slipping on ice. It’s especially useful on steps and walkways where foot traffic is heavy.
I really liked using the Natural Rapport ice melt, but it was far from the only effective and environmentally friendly option. There are several other brands worth considering, which we cover in our best ice melts guide. Check it out to see the full test results and other brands that worked well.
Green Gobbler pet-safe ice melt worked very well and had a similar appeal. The Snow Joe enviro blend was also a top performer. Redmond Ice Slicer uses an all-natural formula for folks with especially sensitive pets and children present. It doesn’t have any dyes, which can make it a bit invisible. The upside is a lack of staining and residue left behind. It’s definitely another brand worth trying.
When you start shopping for ice melt products, the options quickly become overwhelming. Focus on those with positive reviews and an environmentally friendly formula. Natural Rapport pet-safe ice melt is a leader in the field, and there are plenty of others to try as well.
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Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter products and snow equipment. With more than a decade of professional writing experience, he also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com.