Are budget dog life jackets safe, or do I need to spend more?

Reviewers are split. Inexpensive vests like the Outward Hound Granby and EMUST earn strong volume-backed ratings for casual pool and lake use, while specialist gear writers and some r/dogs posters argue that premium options like EzyDog hold up better over years of heavy use. The consensus is that fit and a secure handle matter more than price for basic safety.