In this article, we’ll briefly explain how to recognize healthy dog poop and what to watch out for.
First of all: There’s no such thing as the perfect poop – it strongly depends on your dog’s diet. And even then, poop can vary from one dog to another.
So, what should we ideally see when we’re standing there with a poop bag in hand?
A relatively firm pile, slightly moist, with a dark brown color.
The poop should be easy to pick up without being too hard – similar to soft modeling clay (like Play-Doh).
It can be a bit moist, but not so dry that it crumbles, and not so runny that it resembles diarrhea (more on that in a moment).
Food also has a big influence on the color: fresh raw meat often results in very dark stool, while carbohydrate-rich dry food often produces lighter-colored poop.
But don’t worry: if your dog’s poop looks different now and then, it’s not always a cause for concern.
Our dog Stitch, for example, sometimes eats grass – then his poop takes on a slightly greenish tint.
Or if he’s had a veal or beef bone as a snack, the poop becomes lighter and more crumbly due to bone fragments.
And many of us know what salt water can do to digestion...
However, if the unusual poop persists for several days or if your dog is behaving noticeably different – for example sluggish, low on energy, or has a fever – we recommend contacting your vet.
Have you recently changed your dog’s food?
That can temporarily cause diarrhea as the stomach and intestines adjust to the new diet.
To prevent this, you can start by mixing the old food with the new one.
Important: it should be the same type of food – for example, cold-pressed with cold-pressed.
Are you switching from extruded (crispy) kibble to cold-pressed food? Then you should not mix, but switch over completely right away.
When should you contact a vet about poop color?
- Yellow poop: may indicate a problem with the bile ducts.
- Red poop: could suggest bleeding in the digestive tract – e.g., due to parasites, inflammation, foreign objects, infections, or tumors.
- Black poop: may point to bleeding in the upper digestive tract (e.g., a stomach ulcer) or a tumor. It usually has a very strong odor.
- Slimy and/or red poop: can indicate gastrointestinal issues.
- Gray poop: may be a sign of problems with the pancreas.
Deworm your dog regularly. Worms can cause gastrointestinal issues.
As always: if in doubt, consult your vet.