Dealing with dog poo isn’t pleasant, but as an owner, it’s unfortunately something we have to get used to. And, when it comes to your dog’s poop, there are some indicators that can tell you a lot about the health of your dog.
Wondering what healthy dog poo looks like? Then you’re in the right place. Here at Green Pantry, we’ve created natural dry dog food and fresh dog food, containing 100% natural ingredients that aim to improve the stool quality in your dog. In this blog, we’ll tell you what to look out for in your dog’s poop to ensure they are leading a healthy, happy life.
Let’s dive into it…
What should healthy dog poo look like?
First off, what does healthy dog poo look like? Well, universally, vets usually use the ‘Four C’s’ to determine the quality of dog stools: Colour, Consistency, Content, and Coating.
Colour – A healthy stool should be a consistent chocolate brown colour. Some slight variations can be normal, but generally, it should be in the medium to dark brown colour family.
Consistency – Ideally, the consistency should be shaped like a log or a long sausage and have a distinct structure. A good way to tell is when you pick up your dog’s poo – It should hold its shape and almost feel Play-Doh-like.
Content – You shouldn’t be able to see anything inside your dog’s stool, and it should look the same throughout. Watch out for any visible items like white specs, large amounts of fur, or pieces of grass and plastic.
Coating – A healthy looking poo shouldn’t have any film or coating over it. Keep an eye out for any jelly-like coating, which could be mucus and indicates that your dog’s large intestine is inflamed.
Each time you’re picking up your dog’s poo, you’re getting an insight into your dog’s health. Keep close attention to the things mentioned above, as well as how frequently your dog is going to the toilet. Normal dog poop will contain all the indigestible components of your dog’s diet, so anything unusual looking can be an early indication when something’s not quite right.
What to do when your dog’s poop has changed colour
There might be occasions when your dog’s poo changes colour, even when their diet and lifestyle have stayed the same. This might be a sign of an underlying problem, so it’s always best to consult with a professional
Why is my dog’s poop black?
Black dog poo is usually the most concerning, and we’d highly recommend that you consult your veterinarian first. The black colour usually indicates the presence of digested blood coming from your dog’s stomach or small intestine. This black, tarry stool is also known as melena in dogs, and it should be treated immediately.
We’d recommend taking a clear picture of your dog’s stool, or wear gloves and collect a fresh sample to take to your vet.
Why is my dog’s poop yellow?
Yellow dog poo can be quite a common issue, and while it can sometimes just mean that your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, it often points to a disruption in their digestive system. The yellow colour is usually an indication of bile and what happens when food moves too quickly through the intestines.
Why is my dog’s poop green?
Green dog poo can mean quite a few things. The most common culprit is that your dog has been eating grass! The undigested plant material turns their stool green, and it is also often accompanied by visible grass blades.
However, green stools can also be a sign of underlying health issues like a gastrointestinal infection or liver or gallbladder problems. If your dog’s behaviour is fine, then it’s typically not a cause for concern. However, any signs of your dog feeling under the weather, you should contact your vet immediately.
The importance of a healthy diet
As we can see, a lot of the problems with your dog’s poop usually lead back to their digestive care. Your dog’s poop is a reflection of their internal health, and at Green Pantry, we truly understand the importance of natural nutrition.
There are plenty of dog foods out there that are packed with cheap fillers, like excessive corn or low-grade by-products that can’t be fully absorbed by your dog’s digestive tract, leading to mushy and more frequent bowel movements.
Therefore, you should always aim to feed your dog a diet that consists of essential nutrients, fibre, and protein – luckily, we’ve got just the thing!
Not only can you shop for our digestive care dog food, but we also create recipes that are:
- Grain free
- High protein
- High fibre
- & perfect for sensitive stomachs
Made from 100% natural ingredients and easily digestible proteins, each recipe we’ve created can directly address the root cause of poor stool quality. We prioritise freshly prepared meats and fish, fibre-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils, and traditional herbs and botanicals that can aid healthy, stable digestion.
Find out exactly what’s in our pantry right here.
Why choose Green Pantry dog food for better stool quality?
Try it for yourself – or better still, hear from an expert.
Stacy Brook, Registered Veterinary Nurse, tells us the importance of feeding your dog natural recipes (like the ones here at Green Pantry) for better digestive health in your dog. They say:
“Choosing a pet food made with high-quality, natural ingredients is one of the most important decisions you can make to support healthy digestion, a strong immune system, and your pet’s overall wellbeing. A balanced diet provides the nutrients dogs and cats need to thrive, helping to maintain optimal health at every stage of life.”
Introduce your dog to pure health with Green Pantry
And there you have it… Signs of healthy dog poo. Now that you’ve had the full scoop on your dog’s stools, it’s important to stay on top of checking on your dog after toilet time.
Remember, regular exercise and the right nutritional diet are what help the most with stool-related problems. At Green Pantry, natural nutrition is at the heart of what we do. We want you to share in the joy of helping your dog lead their best life through the high-quality ingredients we use in our recipes.
Got more questions about your dog’s diet? Get in touch with our team – we love chatting with all of our customers.
