It’s not the most glamorous topic, we know! But if you’ve ever stood in a muddy autumn field, poo bag in hand, wondering “is that normal?”, you’re in very good company. Healthy dog poo is one of the simplest everyday clues to how your dog’s digestion is getting on, and you get a fresh look at it every single day. So grab a cuppa (maybe finish it first) and let’s talk poo.
Why healthy dog poo is worth a second glance
Last week we explored the gut microbiome, the busy community of microbes living in your dog’s digestive system. You can’t see any of that from the outside, but you can see what comes out the other end. Healthy dog poo is a little daily report card on how well food is being broken down and used.
That doesn’t mean every slightly odd poo is a worry. Dogs eat interesting things, especially at this time of year. What matters most is what’s normal for your dog, and noticing when things change and stay changed.
What does healthy dog poo look like?
Dr Conor Brady of Dogs First describes good raw-fed poo in his article on constipation in dogs as looking “something like a collection of nuggets or small pieces”. It should have shape, and it shouldn’t “stink to high heaven” either. He also suggests a handy test: healthy dog poo is firm enough that you could pick it up with two fingers.
A few general pointers many owners find helpful:
- Shape: formed and firm, not runny, and not so hard that it’s dry and crumbly.
- Size: many raw feeders notice smaller stools than they were used to, as a fresh, meaty diet tends to leave less behind.
- Smell: there will always be some smell (they’re dogs!), but a really pungent whiff can be a sign that something in the bowl isn’t agreeing with them.
- Effort: your dog should pass it comfortably, without lots of straining.
Kibble-fed and raw-fed dogs often produce quite different stools, and that’s completely normal. Whatever your dog eats, the aim is the same: healthy dog poo that’s consistent, comfortable and easy to pick up.
A quick guide to colour
Healthy dog poo is usually some shade of brown, and here’s a simplified version:
- Brown: the everyday normal. Raw-fed dogs may have darker stools.
- White or chalky: often a sign of too much bone in the diet (more on that below).
- Orange or yellow: can suggest food is moving through a little too quickly.
- Green: often seen after a grass-munching session on a walk.
- Black, red, or anything that looks like raspberry jam: this is the one not to wait on. Please speak to your vet promptly. This could be something inflaming the gut and needs to be investigated.
Too firm or too soft? Small tweaks that may help
When poos are white, hard and crumbly
If you raw feed, this one will be familiar.a diet too high in bone can lead to “dry, hard, white poos, hitting the patio with a ping” (we love that description). The ideal mince has around 10% bone (so double check your minces ratio), and that feeding meaty pieces rather than meat-less bones can help, as “the more meat the better the poo”. He also mentions adding a little bulker, such as sweet potato or some vegetables. (Pumpkin is another favourite, and it has its own post in our Natural Ingredients series.) Don’t forget whilst most brands are 10% bone, sometimes this is too much for some dogs, and their tolerance to bone maybe less, so if this is the case they may need more boneless meat to dilute the bone conent to their needs.
A splash of something tasty can encourage a bit more drinking, too. Lots of our customers pour a little Forthglade Toppers over dinner, and you can read more in our post on why bone broth is good for dogs.
When poos are on the soft side
Soft stools often mean something isn’t quite agreeing with your dog. Common culprits include a sudden change of food, a rich new treat, or something “delicious” found on a walk. Many owners find that keeping meals simple for a few days, and making any food changes gently, gives the tummy a chance to settle.
Some owners like a gentle complete meal for sensitive tummies, such as Betsy’s white fish. Others find a little natural animal fibre may help support healthy dog poo with a bit more shape. Furry chews like our Rabbit Ears are a popular choice, and dogs think they’re brilliant.
A note on mucus
A thin coating of mucus now and then isn’t unusual. Mucus is lining from the intestines coming out with the poo, so if you’re seeing it regularly, or with any blood, it’s worth a chat with your vet.
Healthy dog poo in autumn
Autumn walks bring new smells and new temptations: fallen apples, blackberries, acorns, conkers and all sorts of mystery finds. It’s no wonder this is a time of year when lots of owners notice a change in their dog’s stools. A solid “leave it” is well worth practising, and it’s sensible to keep an eye out for anything your dog really shouldn’t be eating. Conkers and acorns in particular are best kept well away from curious mouths.
If healthy dog poo turns a bit soft after a scavenging session, keeping a quick note of what you saw (and when) can be really useful, both for spotting patterns and if you do need to speak to your vet.
There’s no perfect, only better
Please don’t feel you need to analyse every poo! The point isn’t perfection, it’s getting to know what healthy dog poo looks like for your own dog, so you’ll notice when something changes. Whether your dog is raw fed, on a cold-pressed or dry food, or somewhere in between, remember that you can only feed the best you can. Small, steady tweaks are what make the difference.
Come and chat gut health with us
If you’d like to talk through your dog’s diet (and yes, we’re more than happy to talk about poo), pop in and see us at Unit A, Newton Farm, Tewkesbury, GL20 7BE. We’re about a minute from Junction 9 of the M5, so it’s an easy stop on your way through. We stock 12 raw food brands, over 250 natural treats including our Natural Pick & Mix, and a lovely range of natural supplements, and we’re always happy to help you find what suits your dog.
Can’t get to us? Our local delivery covers Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Bishops Cleeve, Malvern, Worcester and the surrounding areas. You can browse everything at btbdogsupplies.co.uk.
Happy autumn walks, and happy poo picking, from all of us at BTB!
This article is for general information only. If your dog has ongoing digestive issues or you’re worried about their health, please speak to your vet.
