Let’s talk about something all dog owners deal with - poop. While it might not be the most glamorous topic, your dog’s stool is actually a valuable indicator of their overall health. Changes in consistency, colour, or frequency can provide early signs of digestive issues, dietary imbalances, or even underlying medical conditions.
To help you assess your dog’s stool, we’ll be introducing the 4 C’s: Consistency, Colour, Content, and Coating. Understanding these key characteristics will help you identify what’s normal, what’s not, and when to take action.
A well-formed, firm, and moist stool is the gold standard for healthy digestion. You should be able to pick it up easily without it falling apart, but it also shouldn’t be too hard or dry.
🔸 Hard, Dry, or Pebble-Like Stools: Could indicate constipation, dehydration, or lack of dietary fibre. If hard dog poop is also chalky and white in colour, it’s likely due to too much calcium.
🔸 Soft, Mushy, or Watery Stools: Might be caused by dietary changes, food intolerance, infections, parasites, or stress. If persistent, consult your vet.
What to do: If your dog’s poop is consistently too hard, ensure they’re consuming enough water and consider adding fibre-rich foods. If it’s too soft, monitor their diet and any recent changes.
A normal stool should be chocolate brown, but variations can signal different health concerns:
⚫️ Black or Tarry: May indicate internal bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
🔴 Red Streaks: Suggest bleeding from the lower intestines or anal glands.
🟢 Green: Can result from eating grass, but could also indicate parasites or something more serious, such as gallbladder issues.
🟡 Yellow or Orange: A slightly yellowish tint may be food-related and is likely normal, but truly yellow or orange poop may point to liver or bile issues.
⚪️ White: Typically a sign of too much calcium or bone in the diet.
⚪️ Grey: Could be a sign of too much fat in the diet, especially if it also appears greasy. Can indicate issues with bile production or pancreas function.
What to do: If you notice a sudden or persistent colour change, especially if it’s unlikely to be a result of a change in diet, consult your veterinarian.
Healthy poop should have a uniform texture. However, sometimes you may notice unusual content:
🔹 Undigested Food: Lentils, chickpeas, or grains may pass through undigested due to their fibre content. This is normal in small amounts, especially after a change in diet, but may indicate malabsorption if excessive and ongoing.
🔹 Foreign Objects: Signs that your dog may have eaten something they shouldn’t (e.g., plastic, fabric, or small toys). If you suspect an obstruction, seek veterinary care.
🔹 Parasites: Worms or eggs (white spots) in stool indicate a need for deworming.
What to do: If you frequently notice undigested food, adjusting your dog’s diet or food texture may help. Foreign objects or parasites warrant a vet visit.
Healthy poop should be free of coatings. If you notice mucus or a greasy film, it could indicate digestive upset:
🔸 Mucus Coating: Can be a response to dietary changes or mild gut irritation. Persistent mucus may suggest gut inflammation, which can be caused by parasites, bacteria, or food intolerance.
What to do: Occasional mucus isn’t a concern, but if it’s frequent or accompanied by diarrhoea or other symptoms, consult your vet.
Your dog’s diet plays a direct role in the quality of their stool. A balanced, high-quality diet supports optimal digestion and prevents common issues like loose stools or constipation.
🔹 Ingredients & Nutrition: A high-quality, balanced diet ensures that your dog gets all the essential nutrients without unnecessary fillers that can cause digestive upset.
🔹 Dietary Transitions: Sudden changes in food can lead to temporary poop irregularities. Gradually transitioning to a new diet over 7–10 days helps minimise digestive upset.
🔹 Fibre & Hydration: Adequate fibre helps regulate digestion, while proper hydration prevents overly dry or hard stools.
At Nutrivore, we carefully formulate our fresh meals with human-grade ingredients, gentle cooking methods, and nutritionally balanced recipes to support your dog’s digestive health. If you’re considering a diet change, we’re here to help guide you through a smooth transition.
While occasional stool changes can be normal, you should seek veterinary advice if you notice:
❗ Persistent diarrhoea or constipation lasting more than 48 hours.
❗ Blood (red or black) or mucus in the stool.
❗ Unusual stool colour that doesn’t resolve within a day or two.
❗ Frequent vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite alongside poop changes.
By keeping an eye on the 4 C’s – Consistency, Colour, Content, and Coating – you can spot any warning signs your dog’s poop may be giving you. Minor changes can happen from time to time, but ongoing abnormalities may require dietary adjustments or medical attention.
A healthy gut starts with a healthy diet. If you’re looking for nutritionally balanced, gently cooked meals designed to support digestion, Nutrivore has you covered.
Have questions or need advice on your dog’s diet? We’re here to help!
Click here to WhatsApp us on +65 88084692 or drop us an email at hello@nutrivore.sg
