Let’s be real—picking up dog poop isn’t exactly the highlight of your day. But what if I told you that your pup’s poop holds the key to their health? Yep, your dog's droppings are like little reports from their digestive system, giving you clues about how well (or not-so-well) things are going inside.
So, grab your poop bags and let’s dive into the wonderful world of doggy doo!
What Does Healthy Dog Poop Look Like?
Before we get into the “uh-oh” signs, let’s talk about what a normal dog poop should look like. Ideally, your pup’s stool should be:
✔️ Chocolate brown (not too light, not too dark)
✔️ Firm but not rock-hard (think Play-Doh consistency)
✔️ Log-shaped and easy to pick up (nobody wants a sticky mess!)
✔️ Minimal odour (it’ll never smell good, but it shouldn’t clear a room)
If your dog’s poop checks all these boxes, congrats! Your pup’s digestive system is on point. But if you start noticing some changes, it’s time to play detective.
Dog Poop Colours & What They Mean
🔴 Red or streaks of blood – This could be from minor irritation (like straining too hard) or something serious like parasites or infections. Bloody diarrhoea can be a sign of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (which will be accompanied by other signs such as lethargy and vomiting). If you see a lot of blood, call the vet ASAP.
🟡 Yellow or orange – A sign of liver or gallbladder issues, or it could be due to food intolerance. If it’s a one-time thing, no worries. If it keeps happening, get it checked.
⚫ Black and tarry – This could mean digested blood in the upper GI tract. A vet visit is a must!
🟢 Green – Did your dog go wild on grass or eating leafy greens? If not, green poop can indicate a gallbladder issue or an infection.
⚪ Gray or greasy-looking – Could signal pancreas issues or trouble digesting fats. Time for a vet visit!
Dog Poop Consistency: When to Worry
💩 Hard, dry poop – Could mean dehydration or too much fibre. Make sure your pup is drinking enough water!
💩 Soft, mushy poop – Sometimes normal if it’s a one-off. But chronic mushiness could mean food intolerance or a sensitive tummy.
💩 Watery diarrhoea – If it happens once, no big deal. But if it lasts more than 24 hours or comes with vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration, call the vet.
💩 Mucus-covered poop – A little mucus is normal, but too much could mean inflammation, parasites, or an upset gut.
Pro Tip: Snap a photo of your dog's poop to show the vet—trust us, it’s easier than trying to describe it. Just remember to delete it afterward... unless you want to give Joe from accounting a very unexpected surprise during your weekend photo slideshow!
When to Call the Vet
Since you scoop your dog's poop every day, you're the first to notice when something seems off.
Call you vet if you notice the following:
- Frequent diarrhea (lasting more than 24-48 hours)
- Blood (bright red or black, tarry stool)
- Worms or unusual objects
- Severe constipation (no poop for more than 48 hours)
- Sudden poop changes with vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy
Trust your gut—if your dog seems off and their poop is way different from normal, it’s always better to check with a vet.
Fresh Food vs. Dry Kibble: How Diet Affects Your Dog’s Poop
What your dog eats directly impacts what comes out the other end. If you’ve ever switched from dry kibble to fresh, natural food, you’ve probably noticed a major difference in your pup’s poop. Here’s why:
More Nutrients, Less Waste – Fresh, natural food is packed with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and digestible fibre, meaning your dog absorbs more nutrients and produces smaller, firmer stools. Kibble, on the other hand, often contains fillers and preservatives that can lead to larger, smellier poops.
Better Hydration, Better Digestion – Fresh food has a higher moisture content, helping to keep your dog hydrated and preventing dry, hard stools. Dry food, being low in moisture, can sometimes lead to constipation and digestive discomfort.
A Happier Gut = Healthier Poop – Fresh food is rich in natural fibre and beneficial enzymes that support gut health and balanced digestion. This means fewer episodes of diarrhoea, less mucus in the stool, and a more consistent poop schedule.
Switching to a fresh, natural diet can make a world of difference—not just in your dog’s energy levels and coat shine, but also in their bathroom habits. Because let’s be honest, picking up smaller, firmer, less stinky poops is a win-win for both of you!
Want to Learn More About Your Dog’s Digestion?
Your pup’s poop is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to their gut health. If your dog is dealing with tummy troubles, check out our guide on how to improve your dog’s gut health.
Ever caught your dog snacking on their own poop? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Find out why dogs eat poop and what you can do about it.
And if your pup is clearing the room with their gas, you might want to read our tips on why your dog is gassy and how to fix it.
Final Thoughts: Keep an Eye on That Poo!
As gross as it sounds, monitoring your dog’s poop is one of the easiest ways to stay on top of their health. A healthy pup = healthy poop!
So next time you’re out on a walk, take a quick glance before scooping. Your dog might not thank you for it, but their tummy sure will!
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The Doggy Grub blog is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners achieve happier, healthier lives, changing the way we feed our dogs one bowl at a time! If you would like to know more about our fresh food head to Doggy Grub
