Clean Up After Your Pup Using the Best Dog Poop Bags
If you are a dog owner, the pain-staking task of taking care of dog poop every morning during your daily walk is all too familiar. Dog poop bags serve as the perfect solution. They are an important dog-walking asset, serving as a convenient and easy-to-use way to dispose of dog waste that will help keep the surrounding environment clean.
In essence, dog poop bags are waste bags designed to conceal both the sight and smell of dog waste. Available in both plastic and Earth friendly, often biodegradable material, these bags allow for convenient disposal. To help you figure out which dog poop disposal vessel is perfect for you, we’ve put together a list of the premium dog poop bags available on the market in 2023.
Buying Guide to the Best Dog Poop Bag Choices
If you are new to the world of pet care and are feeling a little intimidated by the task of picking up dog waste properly, then you have come to the right place. Our take on the leading dog poop bags in 2023 will be sure to clear your doubts and suspicions.
Also called pet poop bags or waste bags, basic dog poop bags are thick, sturdy, and often scented bags designed to make the task of picking up pet waste less revolting. Dog waste bags can come in different sizes, but the standard and most common design measures 13 by 9 inches, packaged in a rolled format. They are a pet care necessity, making them a staple for most dog walkers. Many of these options are also environmentally friendly. However, figuring out which poop bags to invest in can be a confusing task. That is why we have prepared this buying guide to help you make your decision with ultimate confidence.
Sizing in Dog Poop Bags
Dog poop bags can come in a variety of sizes, and it can be easy to get lost in the different dimensions if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. When purchasing dog waste bags, it is essential to be aware of the sizing and whether it is appropriate for your needs.
When selecting a dog poop bag, your decision should be based on how big your dog is. Since the standard size usually measures 13 by 9 inches, this may be too large or too small depending on your pup. Smaller dogs weighing less than 20 pounds may not require even the standard size bag, so it is better to go for a smaller option if possible. On the other hand, larger dogs weighing between 65 and 90 pounds would require something bigger. A spacious bag with a larger capacity is the best option for larger dogs. Getting poop on your hands when handling dog waste is a nightmare for any pet owner. Investing in a larger bag size can help you avoid this situation.
How to Decide Which Material is Ideal
After considering the size, the next question that is most daunting is, which material is a better choice? There are so many options available on the market, each advertised in such a way that can complicate your final decision.
When it comes to performance, a sturdy and heavy-duty bag is ideal. Look for dog waste bags made with polyethylene resin for a more sturdy choice. For environmentally conscious folks, BPA-free bags made of recyclable or recycled materials are available as well. However, if you are looking for a completely green and Earth friendly alternative, then a bag made of compostable and biodegradable materials is ideal for you. Whatever decision you make, make sure the bag is thick and durable.
This video from NowThis Earth illuminates information behind the common claims of biodegradability that many brands put on their bags. With this info in mind, you can be certain whether they’re really Earth friendly products:
Scented vs. Unscented
When browsing the different dog poop bags option on the market, you may come across both scented and unscented bags. Which is the better option? Does scent really matter?
The answer to those questions is that it is entirely up to your preference. For some dog owners, the smell of dog waste can be a defining hindrance to the cleanup process. If you are a dog owner looking to mask the smell of dog waste both before and after cleanup, a scented bag would be ideal. From light scents like lavender and cucumber to fruity scents like Brazilian mango, there is something for everyone. However, sometimes the scent is so strong that it permeates nearby materials as well, which can be annoying.
Unscented dog poop bags do not have any scent associated with them and are usually the preferred option for those with a more sensitive nose. Unscented dog poop bags have the added advantage of not putting their scent onto other things placed nearby. They can be stored anywhere without much hassle or concern.
Additional Features to Look Out For
Dispenser
Some dog poop bags available also include a free poop bag dispenser to allow for easy removal of one bag from the roll. A poop bag dispenser can also come with hook and loop straps to attach to a dog’s leash, making it more travel-friendly.
Easily detached and sealed
When dealing with dog waste, you usually only want to have to use one hand so you can keep control of your dog with the other. This is why bags that can be easily opened, used, and promptly sealed are essential. Look for easy-tear bags with handles for convenience.
Color and opacity
You will often find dog poop bags available in many bright colors with varying degrees of strong construction. Depending on your taste, you can go for any colored bag, but what matters more is the bag’s opacity and thickness. A lighter-colored dog poop bag will be more likely to be see-through than a dark-colored one. Nobody likes to see dog poop peeking through a plastic bag, so be sure to buy one that is fully opaque. Opaque dog poop bags are usually thicker, which makes handling dog waste easier.
Our Picks of the Top Dog Poop Bag Options
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags
– Best Overall
These Earth Rated bags are a great option due to their superior materials and smart design features. Made with recycled materials at an affordable price, this poop bag option is completely leakproof. The bags are extra thick and lavender scented, which prevents odor from penetrating through. Choose from a different number of rolls within each package. Each roll contains 15 Earth Rated bags.
The only downside to the product is that despite the environmentally-friendly marketing, it is not truly biodegradable.
- Extra thick material is very opaque
- Lavender scented
- Completely leakproof design
- Affordable price is convenient
- Not biodegradable, only made with recycled materials
Give A Sh- Dog Poop Bag
– Environmentally Friendly Choice
This Give A Sh- Dog Poop Bag is ideal for pet owners who are looking for an earth-friendly way to dispose of their dog’s waste. The certified compostable dog poop bags, made from 100% botanical plant components, are not only home-compostable but also meet high industry standards. They are incredibly easy to open and tear apart even in wet conditions, as well as being leakproof and odorless.
The dog poop bags are crafted from recycled materials and come in a box and reel made from 100% recycled cardboard. These eco-friendly dog bags are a zero-waste green alternative that will help minimize the “ew” factor of taking your furry friend on walks. In addition to being environmentally conscious, this product also gives back to animal friends. The company partners with the Soi Dog Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to improve the lives of dogs and cats in Asia, donating 10% of all profits when you purchase their compostable products.
- No gross smell escapes
- Durable material
- Earth friendly and 100% compostable
- Can be hard to open
Amazon Basics Dog Poop Bags
– Simplest Design
Available in three sizes (300, 600, and 900 bags), this product is both durable and well-designed. In addition to the 15 waste bags per roll, this set of dog poop bags comes with a bag holder that can be attached to your dog’s leash. The dispenser can be used to easily remove a single bag from the roll, simplifying your daily walks. Each bag measures a standard 13 by 9 inches and is made of sturdy polyethylene. Past versions of these bags have been scented, but recent reviews and updated product descriptions suggest that they are now unscented. You can even add on two dog bowls to your order of 600 bags if you’d like.
- Available in multiple sizes
- Comes with a dispenser
- Easy to use and convenient
- Polyethylene is not easily biodegradable
PET N PET Dog Poop Bag
– Best USDA Certified Biobased Rating
Made of recyclable materials and fairly inexpensive, these dog poop bags are great for those who are looking to clean up after their pets with ease. The perforated design makes the bags easy to separate and open with one hand, which is essential when dealing with dog waste. The waste bags are USDA Certified Biobased at 38%, and include plant based materials. In addition to being leakproof and extra thick, the packaging and roll core of the dog poop bags utilize recycled materials.
The only downside is that the advertising is a bit misleading, as the bags are not compostable.
- Affordable price is attractive
- Bags include plant based materials
- Leakproof and extra thick
- Packaging and core include recycled materials
- Not compostable
Gorilla Supply Dog Poop Bag
– Best Coreless Option
Available in two colors, these coreless unscented dog poop bags are a great choice for those dog owners looking for an option that leaves absolutely no waste behind. In addition to including 1000 waste bags, this product includes a patented dispenser free as well. A bag holder like this one is convenient and makes these bags for dogs much easier to use. The material of each dog poop bag is plastic, utilizing EPI tecnology, and the bags are leakproof and unscented. They are also BPA-free and include hook and loop straps to attach to any leash.
However, they are one of the more expensive options on the market. They might not be worth the extra cash spent if you are looking for something more affordable.
- Material is sturdy, making it reliable
- Includes a patented dispenser
- EPI plastic material is BPA-free
- Includes hook and loop straps that attach to any leash
- More expensive than other options
- Unscented and not very thick
Best Pet Supplies Dog Poop Bag
– Cutest Designs
Travel-friendly, leakproof, and tear-resistant, these dog waste bags from Best Pet Supplies are one of the more heavy-duty options available on the market. With a trendy pink heart design printed on the bags, this product is not only durable, but also aesthetically pleasing. Other color and pattern options are also available, even in terms of the dispensers that the company offers. In addition, the material of these dog poop bags has a d2w additive. This makes their environmental breakdown time shorter.
These bags are also scented, making the task of picking up after your pup less stinky and daunting. However, it is important to note that some of these product options may not be as opaque as they may look.
- Leakproof and tear-resistant
- Aesthetically pleasing exterior
- D2w additive may break bags down faster than others
- Pleasant scent masks the smell of poop
- Thin and light material can be see-through
Angry Orange Dog Poop Bag
– Honorable Mention
Make cleanup easy on a long walk with the Angry Orange Dog Poop Bags. These bright orange dog poop bags make for a quick and easy cleanup process while walking with your dog at the dog park, down a sidewalk, or just in your backyard. Each dog bag roll comes with 15 individual bags per roll, and you can choose from packs of eight, 18, or 35 rolls depending on the size of your dog, how many dogs you have, and whether you just want to test out this brand or you’re fully committed to Angry Orange.
The package also includes a refillable, bone-shaped dispenser you can place bags in and pull them out of when needed. It can be attached to your dog’s leash, harness, or a backpack for easy access when cleanup is necessary. Whether you’re cleaning up after a chihuahua or a pit bull, these poop bags have you covered.
- Won’t break open
- Includes dispenser
- Buy in bulk
- Only comes in one color
People Also Asked
A: At first glance, a dog poop bag may seem like your normal average grocery shopping plastic bag. However, dog poop bags are more than what meets the eye. The biggest difference is in durability. Dog poop bags are usually made of a thicker material, designed to hold dog poop without any chance of leakage. They do not tear easily and are designed for easy opening with one hand – traits that normal grocery bags do not have.
A: The price of dog poop bags varies greatly according to the the products' material, size, and manufacturing company. Dog poop bags are usually sold in packs of multiples, and pricing varies according to the number of pieces. For a pack of less than 100 dog poop bags, the average price range is between $5 and $10. A pack of 250 or more dog poop bags can cost between $12 and $20. Even the most expensive dog poop bags are still quite affordable, so be sure not to compromise on quality in your search for a good deal.
A: A fully biodegradable dog poop bag usually takes between three and six months to fully decompose into the environment. This is a tremendously less amount of time than any normal plastic bag, which can stick around for thousands of years. However, this time also depends on multiple factors. Any external heat provided to the bag, the temperature of its surroundings, and the level of oxygen the bag has been exposed to may cause it to biodegrade at a slower or faster rate. To be sure if your biodegradable pet waste bags are actually biodegradable, check for an ASTM D6400 rating on the choice you're considering. This is the most telling indicator of whether your dog poop bag is compostable.
A: No. Many on the market are made from the same plastic you'd find in plastic bags from a store, which you can repurpose as dog poop bags. Others are specifically designed to be as eco friendly and Earth friendly as possible. Their biodegradable material will break down after a few months.
A: Besides purchasing dog poop bags to use in this scenario, you can also utilize newspaper, a poop scoop or shovel, and re-use most plastic bags from stores.
