Earth Rated Dog Waste Bags vs Arm and Hammer vs Petmate: Best Dog Cleanup Accessories in Canada 2026

Dog waste bags are one of the most-purchased dog accessories in Canada — and one of the most overlooked. At Ashario Pets in North York, our team fields questions about cleanup products almost daily, and the three brands that come up most often are Earth Rated, Arm & Hammer, and Petmate. Each has a distinct approach to odour control, durability, and environmental impact. This guide breaks down exactly how they compare so you can make the right call for your dog and your neighbourhood walks. If you're looking to shop dog accessories in North York, read on before you buy.

As of 2026, responsible dog ownership in Canada increasingly includes choosing cleanup products that are both effective and environmentally considerate. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and public health authorities alike emphasize proper pet waste disposal as a critical component of community hygiene — reducing parasite transmission risk and keeping shared green spaces safe. Browse dog supplies at Ashario Pets to see what's in stock right now.

Key Takeaway: Earth Rated leads for biodegradability and leak-proof thickness; Arm & Hammer wins on odour neutralization with its baking soda-infused formula; and Petmate offers a broader ecosystem of dispensers and accessories. All three brands are available at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year.

What Should You Actually Look for in a Dog Waste Bag?

The best dog waste bag for a Canadian pet owner in 2026 balances four factors: thickness (measured in microns), odour control, tie-off design, and environmental credentials. Most standard bags measure between 15 and 18 microns thick — anything below 15 microns risks tearing, especially with larger dogs. A tie-off design that allows a knot without leakage is non-negotiable on busy sidewalks or dog parks.

Environmental impact matters too. The term "biodegradable" is not uniformly regulated in Canada, so it pays to understand what certification a product actually carries. Look for bags certified to ASTM D6400 (compostable plastics standard) or EN 13432 (European composting standard). Some bags labelled "degradable" simply fragment into microplastics over time — not a true environmental win. Earth Rated's EPI-free, lavender-scented bags and their certified compostable line are among the most transparent on this front. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), microplastic contamination from degradable pet waste bags is an emerging concern in urban green spaces, making genuine compostability certification increasingly relevant for Toronto-area dog owners.

Odour control is the other critical factor, particularly for owners who carry used bags for longer distances. Scented bags (lavender, citrus) mask odour temporarily; bags with active odour-neutralizing agents like baking soda or activated charcoal go a step further by chemically reducing volatile odour compounds.

Earth Rated Dog Waste Bags: Certified, Thick, and Canadian-Proud

Earth Rated is a Canadian-founded brand and one of the most-stocked dog cleanup brands at Ashario Pets. Their standard bags measure approximately 9" x 13" with an advertised thickness of 15 microns — thicker than most grocery-bag alternatives and genuinely leak-proof in our team's experience. The lavender-scented variant is the top seller at our North York location on Finch Ave West, and customers consistently tell us it's the first bag that doesn't feel flimsy mid-walk.

Earth Rated's certified compostable bags (green-label line) carry ASTM D6400 and BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification, meaning they're accepted in commercial composting environments. At roughly 120 bags per refill roll pack, the per-bag cost is competitive for a premium product. Each bag is EPI additive-free, which is an important distinction for eco-conscious owners.

• Thickness: 15 microns (standard) — tear-resistant for breeds over 40 lbs
• Scent options: Lavender-scented and unscented available
• Environmental certifications: ASTM D6400, BPI-certified (compostable line)
• Dispenser compatibility: Fits standard leash dispensers; branded dispensers also available
• Bag dimensions: 9" × 13" — fits large hands comfortably
• Available at Ashario Pets: Yes — including refill rolls and dispenser kits

Our nutrition experts at the North York store also note that Earth Rated has expanded beyond bags — their poop bag dispensers, grooming wipes, and leash attachments make them a one-stop cleanup brand for most owners.

Arm & Hammer Dog Waste Bags: Odour-Neutralizing Power for City Walks

Arm & Hammer's dog waste bags bring the brand's legendary baking soda technology into the cleanup category. These bags are infused with baking soda — sodium bicarbonate — which works as a pH-neutralizing agent to chemically suppress odour compounds rather than simply masking them with fragrance. For owners walking in dense urban areas like Yonge-Finch or Bathurst-Wilson, where you might carry a bag past other pedestrians for several minutes, this active odour control is a genuine functional advantage.

Arm & Hammer bags typically measure 8" x 14" — slightly narrower than Earth Rated but with more length, which works well for owners who prefer a full arm-wrap technique. Thickness runs approximately 13–14 microns in the standard line, which is functional but slightly less robust than Earth Rated's 15-micron construction. That said, in our store we see customers with medium-sized breeds reporting excellent durability with the Arm & Hammer standard line.

• Thickness: Approximately 13–14 microns (standard line)
• Odour technology: Baking soda-infused — active odour neutralization
• Scent options: Fresh scent and unscented available
• Environmental claims: No ASTM D6400 certification on standard line
• Bag dimensions: 8" × 14" — longer cut for full hand coverage
• Available at Ashario Pets: Yes

The Arm & Hammer range also includes cleanup sprays and odour-eliminating products that pair well with the bags — useful for owners dealing with indoor accidents or apartment balcony spaces. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends regular waste removal and odour treatment as part of a responsible urban dog ownership routine, particularly in multi-unit housing environments.

Petmate Dog Waste Bags and Accessories: The Ecosystem Brand

Petmate approaches the cleanup category differently from Earth Rated and Arm & Hammer. Where those two brands focus primarily on the bag itself, Petmate's strength is in its broader ecosystem of dispensers, bag holders, and waste station accessories. For owners who want a coordinated cleanup kit — matching dispenser, extra rolls, and a leash clip — Petmate is the most complete single-brand solution available in Canada as of 2026.

Petmate's standard waste bags are functional rather than premium. They measure approximately 8.75" × 12" at around 13 microns — comparable to Arm & Hammer in thickness. The bags are opaque (a small but appreciated detail), and the roll perforations are consistently clean, reducing mid-roll tearing when dispensing in cold Canadian winters. Petmate doesn't currently carry a certified compostable bag line comparable to Earth Rated's green-label range, so eco-conscious shoppers may find Earth Rated more aligned with their priorities.

• Thickness: Approximately 13 microns
• Odour technology: Scented options; no active neutralizing agent
• Ecosystem products: Dispensers, leash clips, waste stations, bag holders
• Environmental claims: No ASTM D6400 certification on current standard line
• Bag dimensions: 8.75" × 12"
• Available at Ashario Pets: Yes

Where Petmate genuinely stands out is in dispenser quality. Their Arm-style dispensers are built for durability in Canadian weather conditions — the locking mechanism doesn't freeze up in sub-zero temperatures the way some cheaper dispensers do, which is a practical consideration for North York dog owners who walk year-round.

Side-by-Side Brand Comparison: Earth Rated vs Arm & Hammer vs Petmate

The three leading dog waste bag brands each serve different owner priorities — here's how they stack up across the most important purchase criteria for Canadian dog owners in 2026.

• Best for eco-conscious owners: Earth Rated (ASTM D6400 certified compostable line)
• Best for odour control on urban walks: Arm & Hammer (baking soda-infused formula)
• Best for dispenser and accessory ecosystem: Petmate (widest range of hardware)
• Thickest bag construction: Earth Rated at 15 microns
• Best for large or giant breeds: Earth Rated (9" × 13" dimensions accommodate larger deposits)
• Most affordable per-bag cost: Arm & Hammer (especially on multi-roll packs)
• Best winter dispenser durability: Petmate
• Canadian-founded brand: Earth Rated
• Available at Ashario Pets North York: All three brands — shop dog accessories online

The honest answer? Most dog owners will be happy with Earth Rated as their primary bag, supplemented by a Petmate dispenser for hardware durability. Arm & Hammer is the smart add if you walk in high-traffic areas where odour control during transit matters most.

Dog Cleanup Accessories Beyond the Bag: What Else Should You Have?

Responsible cleanup goes beyond the bag itself. At Ashario Pets, pet owners tell us that the full cleanup kit — dispenser, spray, and grooming wipes — makes daily walks significantly more manageable. Here's what our North York team recommends rounding out your kit with:

• Leash-clip dispenser: Petmate and Earth Rated both make clip-on designs that attach directly to the leash D-ring — no more patting your pockets mid-walk
• Odour-eliminating spray: Arm & Hammer's sprays are useful for apartment entryways, balconies, or car interiors after transport
• Grooming wipes: Earth Rated's pet-safe wipes are alcohol-free and sized for paws, which is practical for post-walk cleanup before entering the home — a common request from customers near Finch Ave who deal with road salt in winter
• Dual-roll dispenser: Useful for owners with multiple dogs — hold two rolls simultaneously

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that dog feces can harbor Toxocara canis (roundworm), Campylobacter, Giardia, and other pathogens for weeks in soil — reinforcing that proper, immediate bag-and-dispose technique (not delayed pickup) is the responsible standard regardless of which brand you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Waste Bags in Canada 2026

Are Earth Rated bags actually biodegradable or compostable?

Earth Rated offers two distinct product lines: their standard bags (made with EPI-free materials but not certified compostable) and their certified compostable bags, which carry ASTM D6400 and BPI certification. Only the green-label compostable line breaks down in commercial composting facilities. The standard lavender bags are more durable and tear-resistant at 15 microns, but they are not compostable in the same certified sense. Canadian dog owners should check local municipal composting rules before disposing of even certified compostable bags in green bins, as acceptance varies by city.

Do Arm & Hammer dog waste bags actually neutralize odour, or just mask it?

Arm & Hammer bags use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) infused into the bag material itself, which chemically neutralizes acidic odour compounds rather than simply covering them with fragrance. This active neutralization is measurably more effective than scented-only bags for controlling odour during the carry period between pickup and disposal. The effect is strongest when the bag is tied off tightly, reducing the surface area through which volatile compounds can escape.

Which dog waste bag works best for large breeds?

For large breeds over 60 lbs, Earth Rated's standard bags at 9" × 13" offer the most interior volume and hand coverage. The 15-micron thickness also reduces tear risk when handling larger waste volumes. Petmate bags at 8.75" × 12" are functional for large breeds but slightly less generous in interior space. Our team at Ashario Pets typically recommends Earth Rated jumbo rolls for owners of Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and similar large breeds visiting the North York store.

Can I buy Earth Rated, Arm & Hammer, and Petmate products same-day in North York?

Yes. All three brands are stocked at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7. The store is open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year — including holidays. For same-day GTA delivery, Ashario Pets also delivers via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. Call +1-647-564-4433 to confirm specific product availability before your visit.

Are dog waste bags a health and safety issue, or just a courtesy thing?

Dog waste bags are a genuine public health tool, not just an etiquette convention. Dog feces can contain Toxocara canis (roundworm larvae that survive in soil for months), Giardia, Campylobacter, and E. coli strains — all of which can infect humans, especially children who play in parks. The AVMA and CVMA both recommend immediate pickup and proper disposal as standard responsible dog ownership practice. In most Toronto-area municipalities, failure to pick up dog waste is also a bylaw violation subject to fines. Using a quality, leak-proof bag like Earth Rated or Arm & Hammer reduces pathogen transmission risk during handling.