Best Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags 2025: We Tested 15 Brands for 6 Months

Updated January 15, 2025 | 8 min read | By Sarah Martinez

Why trust us? I've spent the last 6 months testing 15 different biodegradable poop bag brands with my two dogs (a 65-pound Labrador and a 30-pound Beagle) on daily walks. We've tested for durability, leak-proof performance, true compostability, and value. This isn't sponsored content—just honest testing and real results.

🔑 Quick Answer

Best Overall: Earth Rated Compostable Bags offer the best balance of durability, true compostability (ASTM D6400 certified), and value at $0.12 per bag.

Best Budget: Pogi's Compostable Bags at $0.08 per bag are surprisingly durable and fully compostable.

Best for Large Dogs: BioBag Dog Waste Bags are thicker and handle heavy loads without tearing.

Why Most "Biodegradable" Poop Bags Are Misleading

Here's what most dog owners don't know: the term "biodegradable" isn't regulated for pet products. Companies can slap that label on bags that take decades to break down or require industrial composting facilities that don't actually accept pet waste.

During my testing, I discovered that 4 out of the 15 bags labeled "biodegradable" were actually just oxo-degradable plastic—they fragment into microplastics rather than truly decomposing. These bags are banned in several countries but still widely sold in the US.

What Makes a Poop Bag Truly Eco-Friendly?

After consulting with composting facilities and environmental scientists, here's what actually matters:

Our Top 3 Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags

1. Earth Rated Compostable Poop Bags - Best Overall

Price: $0.12 per bag | Certification: ASTM D6400 certified

After 6 months of testing, Earth Rated's compostable bags consistently outperformed competitors. These bags are made from plant-based materials (vegetable starches and oils) and are thick enough to handle my 65-pound Lab's "business" without any tears or leaks.

âś… Pros

  • Truly compostable (breaks down in 90-180 days)
  • Thick and durable—zero leaks in 6 months
  • Easy to open and tie
  • Unscented option available

❌ Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than conventional bags
  • Can get sticky in hot weather
  • Not widely available in local stores

Bottom line: If you want bags that actually work AND are genuinely eco-friendly, Earth Rated is worth the extra $0.03 per bag.

2. Pogi's Compostable Poop Bags - Best Budget Option

Price: $0.08 per bag | Certification: EN 13432 certified

Don't let the lower price fool you—Pogi's bags exceeded my expectations. Made from cornstarch, these bags are fully compostable and surprisingly durable for the price point.

âś… Pros

  • Best value at $0.08 per bag
  • EN 13432 certified compostable
  • Powder fresh scent (light, not overpowering)
  • Widely available

❌ Cons

  • Thinner than Earth Rated—requires careful handling
  • Occasional small tears near the seam
  • Takes longer to break down (150-180 days)

Bottom line: If budget is a concern, Pogi's offers legitimate compostability without breaking the bank.

3. BioBag Dog Waste Bags - Best for Large Dogs

Price: $0.14 per bag | Certification: ASTM D6400 & Vincotte OK Compost HOME certified

BioBag makes the thickest compostable bags I've tested. If you have a large dog (50+ pounds) or are tired of double-bagging, these are worth the premium.

âś… Pros

  • Extra thick—handles large dogs easily
  • Home compostable certified
  • GMO-free materials
  • No leaks even with 3-day-old waste

❌ Cons

  • Most expensive option
  • Can be harder to open than others
  • Limited size options

Bottom line: Premium bags for premium poop. Worth it if you have a large breed or want maximum durability.

Cost Analysis: Are Biodegradable Bags Worth It?

Let's compare annual costs for a dog that poops twice daily:

The price difference ranges from $36-80 per year—roughly $3-7 per month. For most pet owners, that's less than a single coffee per week to make a meaningful environmental impact.

Final Recommendation

After 6 months of testing, here's my advice based on your priorities:

The most important thing is choosing bags with legitimate certifications (ASTM D6400 or EN 13432). Don't be fooled by vague "biodegradable" claims on bags that are just conventional plastic with additives.

Making the switch to certified compostable bags costs an extra $3-7 per month but prevents hundreds of plastic bags from persisting in the environment for centuries. For me, that's an easy trade-off.

Have questions about biodegradable poop bags? Email us—I read and respond to every message.