Picking up after your dog is part of every walk, and a poo bag that splits or leaks turns a routine chore into an unpleasant one. The best bags are thick enough to be tear-resistant, large enough for your dog, and easy to tear off a roll with one hand. Some are scented, some are made from recycled plastic and others are compostable.
We have compared five kinds of poo bag currently available on Amazon UK, from thick everyday rolls and large strong bags to scented, compostable and budget multipacks. We explain which type suits which owner, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Thick Biodegradable Bags on a Roll (Earth Rated) | Everyday, leak-proof | £5-£7 | 4.7/5 |
Extra-Large Strong Poo Bags (Beco) | Big dogs, recycled plastic | £7-£9 | 4.7/5 |
Scented Poo Bags (Amazon Basics) | Masking odours | £6-£8 | 4.7/5 |
Compostable Poo Bags (Greener Walker) | Reducing plastic | £15-£17 | 4.6/5 |
Budget Value Multipack | Lowest cost per bag | £5-£7 | 4.4/5 |
The Best Dog Poo Bags Reviewed
Thick Biodegradable Bags on a Roll
Best for: everyday walks with a trusted, tough bag
Our pick for the thick roll is Earth Rated, one of the best-known poo bag brands in the UK. Its extra-thick bags are designed to be leak-proof and tear-resistant, so you can pick up even a messy job without worrying about a split.
Each bag is on a roll, which is the format that suits every dispenser and is easy to keep in a coat pocket. The bags are unscented, and they come in a range of pack sizes.
It costs around £6 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across more than 230,000 ratings, an extraordinary record that reflects how well this product does its basic job.
What we like:
- Extra thick and leak-proof
- Huge number of positive reviews
- Fits most dispensers
Worth knowing:
- Standard plastic, so not a compostable option
- Unscented
Specifications:
- Type: refill rolls
- Feature: extra thick and leak-proof
- Fit: standard dispensers
- Brand: Earth Rated
Extra-Large Strong Poo Bags
Best for: big dogs and messy jobs
If you have a large dog, a standard bag can feel too small. Beco’s poo bags are made from 94 per cent recycled plastic and are extra thick, which makes them a good balance of strength and sustainability.
The bags are on unscented rolls and are big enough to grip comfortably, and the thickness means they resist tearing. They also suit owners who want to reduce the amount of new plastic they use.
They cost around £8 for 270 bags and average 4.7 out of 5 across more than 11,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Made from recycled plastic
- Extra thick
- Excellent ratings
Worth knowing:
- Slightly more expensive than the cheapest rolls
- Unscented
Specifications:
- Type: refill rolls
- Material: 94% recycled plastic
- Bags: 270
- Brand: Beco
Scented Poo Bags
Best for: people who dislike the smell
Scented bags help mask the smell of waste until you find a bin, and the Amazon Basics lavender bags are one of the most popular options. Each bag is thick, leak-resistant and easy to tear off the roll.
The lavender scent is fairly gentle and does the job of stopping unpleasant smells while you carry the bag. The pack contains 300 bags on 20 rolls, which will last a long while.
They cost around £7 and average 4.7 out of 5 across more than 5,400 ratings.
What we like:
- Lavender scent masks odours
- Large pack of 300
- Great value
Worth knowing:
- Scent can be too strong for some people
- Plastic, not compostable
Specifications:
- Type: scented refill rolls
- Bags: 300 (20 rolls)
- Scent: lavender
- Brand: Amazon Basics
Compostable Poo Bags
Best for: reducing plastic on every walk
Compostable and biodegradable bags are made from plant-based materials rather than standard plastic. The Greener Walker bags come in a large pack of 540, are extra thick and are designed to be leak-proof.
They are a very good choice if you want to reduce the amount of plastic you use. Store them somewhere dry, because compostable bags can break down if they are kept damp for a long time.
They cost around £16 for the pack and average 4.6 out of 5 across more than 21,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Plant-based, biodegradable material
- Large pack of 540
- Strong reviews
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than plastic bags
- Keep dry so they do not degrade before use
Specifications:
- Type: biodegradable refill rolls
- Bags: 540
- Feature: extra thick, leak-proof
- Brand: Greener Walker
Budget Value Multipack
Best for: the lowest cost per bag
If you just want a cheap, big pack of poo bags, this 300-bag multipack is a good choice. The bags are extra thick, leak-resistant and come on 20 rolls.
It is not a brand name, but the ratings are good, with 4.4 out of 5 across nearly 150 reviews. At around £6, the cost per bag is very low.
This kind of pack suits owners with several dogs or those who simply want to stock up.
What we like:
- Lowest cost per bag
- Big pack of 300
- Extra thick
Worth knowing:
- Fewer ratings than the big brands
- Unbranded
Specifications:
- Type: refill rolls
- Bags: 300 (20 rolls)
- Feature: extra thick
- Best for: multi-dog homes and stocking up
Dog Poo Bag Buying Guide
What to look for when buying dog poo bags
Strength is the first thing to look for. A bag that is thick and leak-proof will not tear when you pick up, and it will hold up in a warm pocket. Check that the bags are big enough for your dog, and easy to open and to tear from the roll.
Consider whether you want scented bags, which mask smells, or unscented, which many people prefer. Check how many bags are in the pack so you can compare the cost per bag.
Dog poo bag types explained
Standard plastic bags are the cheapest and are usually very strong. Recycled plastic bags use less new material and are a good middle ground. Biodegradable and compostable bags are made from plant-based materials, and are the greenest option if disposed of properly. Scented bags add a fragrance, often lavender.
Note that the label “biodegradable” is not always as green as it sounds. Always bin the bag, and never leave it on the ground or in a hedge.
Getting the size and thickness right
Small dogs are fine with standard bags. Large dogs and messy eaters benefit from extra-large, thicker bags. As a rule, thicker is better, and if you have ever had a bag split, you will not be tempted by a very thin one again.
Most rolls fit standard dispensers, but check the roll size if you have an unusual holder.
How much should you spend?
You can get a very good bag for well under a penny each in a big pack. A typical 300-bag roll pack costs £6 to £8. Compostable bags cost more, at around £15 or more for a large pack. Paying more only makes sense if you want the environmental benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Are biodegradable poo bags really better?
They can be, but only if they are properly disposed of. Many break down slowly in landfill. If you want to reduce plastic, they are a good choice, but the most important thing is to bag the waste and put it in a bin.
Can I flush dog poo bags?
No. Never flush a poo bag, even a compostable one, since it can block drains. Tie the bag and put it in a dog waste bin or a general litter bin.
How many poo bags do I need per walk?
Most dogs need one to three bags per walk. Carry a few spare in case you need them, and remember that puppies go more often than adult dogs.
Are scented bags a good idea?
They can make carrying a bag more pleasant, especially in warm weather. But some people and dogs dislike the scent. If you are unsure, try a small pack first.
What is the best way to store poo bags?
Keep them dry and out of direct sunlight, especially compostable bags, which can degrade if they are stored damp. A dispenser on your lead keeps a roll close to hand.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Earth Rated thick bags are the best everyday choice, with a very strong record and a low price. The Beco bags are the best pick for a big dog or an owner who wants recycled plastic, and the Amazon Basics scented rolls are a big, cheap pack with a gentle fragrance.
If you want to cut down on plastic, the Greener Walker compostable bags are our choice, and the budget multipack is a sensible option for multi-dog homes. Whichever you buy, keep a spare roll in your coat.
This roundup is part of our Dog Walking Gear: The Complete Guide.
