The Best Dog Poop Bags and Holders

Good poop bags are strong, easy to open, and easy to tie. A holder keeps them on your leash so you never forget. For most walks, Earth Rated Refill Rolls are our top pick, and a clip-on holder makes them easier to carry.

Our picks at a glance

• Best overall: Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Refill Rolls
• Best handle bags: Earth Rated Easy-Tie Handle Poop Bags
• Best for multi-dog homes: Earth Rated Grab & Go Poop Bags
• Best leash dispenser: Earth Rated Poop Bag Dispenser with 15 Bags
• Best for backpacks and rope leashes: Kurgo Duty Bag Dog Poop Bag Dispenser

The best dog poop bags and holders

Best overallPhoto: Earth Rated

Dog poop bags

Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Refill Rolls

Best for: Everyday walks with a dispenser or pocket

These are extra-wide rolls that tear off one bag at a time with one hand. They come in unscented, lavender, and peach and lotus, and in many roll counts. The brand says they are made with 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic. Skip them if you want a bag with handles.

• Pro: Made with 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic
• Pro: Perforated for one-handed tearing
• Pro: Unscented, lavender and peach and lotus scents, in many roll counts
• Con: Still plastic, so it adds to plastic waste
• Con: Scented options may not suit people who dislike fragrance

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Best handle bagsPhoto: Earth Rated

Dog poop bags

Earth Rated Easy-Tie Handle Poop Bags

Best for: Dog owners who want bags that are easy to open and tie

These bags have tie handles and a gusset that lets the bag expand. They come out of the box, so you don’t need a dispenser. They are 13.5 by 7 inches and come in 120 or 600 counts. Skip them if you want a roll for a leash dispenser.

• Pro: Easy-tie handles for tying and carrying
• Pro: Expandable gusset with an extra-wide opening
• Pro: Made with 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic
• Con: Comes in only 120 or 600 bags
• Con: Bags are 13.5 by 7 inches, narrower than the brand's standard rolls

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Best for multi-dog homesPhoto: Earth Rated

Dog poop bags

Earth Rated Grab & Go Poop Bags

Best for: Multi-dog households that go through many bags

This bulk box dispenses bags tissue-style, which suits homes with more than one dog. It comes in 100 or 300 bags, unscented or lavender. Skip it if you want something small to tuck in a pocket.

• Pro: Bulk format of 100 or 300 bags
• Pro: Tissue-style dispensing from the box
• Pro: Made with a minimum of 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic
• Con: A box is less pocket-friendly than a small roll
• Con: Comes only in unscented or lavender

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Best leash dispenserPhoto: Earth Rated

Poop bag holders

Earth Rated Poop Bag Dispenser with 15 Bags

Best for: Walkers who want bags on the leash

This small dispenser has a click-and-lock closure and a hook for used bags. The body is ABS plastic and the strap is silicone, and it fits any style of leash. It comes with 15 bags, so you will need refills.

• Pro: Click-and-lock closure keeps bags secure
• Pro: Hook holds used bags so your hands stay free
• Pro: Silicone strap fits any style of leash
• Con: Comes with only 15 bags, so refills are needed
• Con: Holds a single roll

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Best for backpacks and rope leashesPhoto: Kurgo

Poop bag holders

Kurgo Duty Bag Dog Poop Bag Dispenser

Best for: Hikers and walkers with rope leashes or packs

This holder clips to flat or rope leashes or to pack straps. It has a built-in hook for used bags and fits standard rolls (32 by 22 cm). Kurgo says you can machine wash it on gentle with the bags removed. Skip it if your bags come in another format.

• Pro: Attaches to flat or rope leashes or pack straps
• Pro: Built-in hook holds used bags
• Pro: Machine washable on gentle, with the bags removed
• Con: Fits standard rolls only (32 by 22 cm)
• Con: Comes with just 15 bags

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How to choose dog poop bags and holders

Bag size and strength

Pick a bag long and wide enough to cover your hand and the mess. Look for a bag that tears off cleanly and ties shut. Handles can make tying easier.

Biodegradable and compostable labels

The AKC says “biodegradable” bags may not break down fast or cleanly, but they are still a greener choice, even in the trash. The AKC also says compostable bags only break down in a composter, not a landfill. Some city green-bin programs take dog waste, so check with your local government. Recycled-plastic bags, like the Earth Rated picks above, are another way to cut down on new plastic.

Holders

Choose a holder that fits your leash type and your bag rolls. A hook for used bags keeps your hands free until you find a trash can. Check the roll size before you buy.

Safety tips

• Pick up every time. The AKC says dog waste can carry parasites like Giardia and worms, and bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, even when your dog looks healthy.
• Put sealed bags in the trash. The AKC says not to leave bags on the ground or hanging in trees.
• Don’t flush unless your waste goes to a sewage treatment plant. Avoid flushing with a septic system, and check local rules.
• Don’t use home compost for dog waste. The AKC says home composters may not kill germs, and the result should not go on food gardens.
• If your dog’s stool looks unusual, call your vet.

Walking with a rope leash or a retractable one? See our guide to the best dog leashes.