Dog Poop: A Guide to Your Dog’s Gut Health

by Katherine Khoo November 27, 2025 6 min read

Life would be much easier if our dogs could tell us when they’re not feeling their best. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, but there are signs when they don’t feel so good and need a little help. One of the clear signs is the state of their poop. Changes in colour, consistency, and frequency can point to dietary issues, infections, parasites, or other health concerns. Keep reading to learn more and what your dog’s poop can tell you about their gut health.

What Healthy Dog Poop Look Like

Colour

Normal dog poop is Chocolate Brown. This is a good sign that your dog’s digestion is good and his tummy is healthy. Depending on the dog’s diet, the shades may differ slightly, with darker brown when a dog is on a red meat diet, and lighter when the dog is on white meats or lighter proteins like chicken and fish.

Grey poop may indicate issues with the liver or pancreas. This will require immediate veterinary attention. Do take note that a dog poop that has been sitting out in the sun for a while will turn white, and that’s normal. But, if your pup’s stool is grey or white when it exits the body, it’s an indicator that your pup is not doing well and will need to see the veterinarian.

Yellow or Orangepoop can also point to a biliary or liver issue. When you see such colours, definitely schedule a visit to your dog’s veterinarian.

Black, tarry poop could indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract. The black is caused by the blood in the faeces, and if you notice this, it’s best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

If you see bright Red streaks, that is usually a sign of bleeding in the lower GI tract. It’s advisable to check your dog’s anus for cuts to investigate where the blood may be coming from. The blood could be caused by straining from constipation as the physical act of straining can cause anal fissures or irritation to the lower GI tract. It could also be due to a more serious condition like colitis (inflammation of the colon), intestinal obstruction, parasites, ulcers or tumours.

Multi-colour specks in poop tends to freak dog owners out but they are usually nothing to be alarmed by. Pets that eat fresh diets with a variety of fruits and vegetables will often have faeces that range in colour, especially if the pieces of fruits and vegetables are in larger pieces. However, if you see White rice-like spots in the dog’s stool, this can point to the presence of worms. Your pup may need a deworming treatment plan by the vet.

Shape and Texture

When you scoop up your dog’s poop, and feel its consistency through the plastic bag, a healthy dog poop should be log-shaped and firm. The texture should be similar to the texture of Play-Doh. Soft, shapeless stool points to poor gut health and imbalance in gut bacteria. On the other hand, overly hard stool may suggest constipation, dehydration or lack of fibre.

Size and Frequency

One of the main factors that influences a dog’s poop size is the diet composition. High-fibre diets (e.g., those with vegetables, grains, or fillers) increase poop volume and frequency. Lower-fibre, highly digestible diets (like fresh or raw food) produce smaller, firmer stools.

Food digestibility affects the size and frequency too. The more nutrients your dog’s body can absorb, the less waste is left to pass. Premium foods with high-quality protein and fewer fillers generally result in smaller poops.

Portion size matters too. The volume of your dog’s waste should be proportionate to the amount of food that they are eating. If your dog is pooping more frequently than usual or passing large volumes, it could mean they’re eating too much fiber and possibly, not absorbing nutrients properly.

What Causes Unhealthy Dog Poop?

When dog poop looks or smells off, it’s often a sign of an underlying issue. Identifying the cause can help you and your vet take appropriate next steps.

Dietary Indiscretion

Dogs eating spoiled food, garbage, or even non-food items! These dietary missteps can quickly upset your dog’s stomach, leading to diarrhoea, vomiting, or strange-looking poop.

Food Sensitivities or Intolerances

Some dogs react poorly to certain ingredients in their food. Common culprits include beef, chicken, wheat, soy, and dairy. If your dog’s poop is consistently loose, mucus-covered, or oddly coloured, it could be due to food sensitivities or intolerances. Do discuss their diets (main food and treats) with the vet, and if necessary, perform an elimination diet to identify the food allergens.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites include worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. These parasites can affect your dog’s stool. Pet owners will often report seeing visible worms or eggs (white specks in the stools). They can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia, and overall poor health if left untreated.

Infections and Illness

Infections from viruses, bacteria, or fungi can disrupt your dog’s digestive system. For instance, parvovirus often leads to foul-smelling, bloody diarrhea that needs urgent veterinary attention. Chronic issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also cause persistent stool problems.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Gut and Poop Healthy?

Feed a Balanced, High-Quality Diet

Your dog’s digestive and overall health start with what goes into the bowl. Choose a diet made from high-quality, digestible ingredients such as real meat and fresh vegetables. For optimal digestion, we like the frashfresh Cooked Dog Food with NutriAbsorb™. NutriAbsorb™ is a proprietary powerhouse superfood blend which enhances nutrient absorption. If you prefer dry dog food, the Amanova Dog Adult Digestive (Rabbit) Dry Dog Food is definitely worth the consideration. It’s formulated for digestive health, contains apple fibre and beneficial yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for digestive regularity and a healthy gut microbiome.

A nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet ensures your dog absorbs nutrients efficiently, resulting in smaller, firmer, and more regular stools. Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial flavours, or preservatives, as these can irritate the gut and lead to inconsistent poop or digestive discomfort.

Support Gut Health with Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

A healthy gut has a good amount of digestive enzymes and a balanced mix of beneficial bacteria. A dog that suffers from frequent gas, bloating, burping, or constipation with signs of stool abnormalities may benefit from a digestive enzyme and probiotic supplement. Many premium dog foods now include digestive enzymes and probiotics as part of their formula, but you can also add them through supplements designed specifically for pets. For digestive enzymes, there’s the PetCubes Digestive Aid Supplement for Dogs & Cats, and for probiotics, we like the Nurture Pro Kefir 118 Probiotics + Plant Enzymes Freeze-Dried Powder For Dogs & Cats. This supplement is made from 100% natural kefir and contains 4 probiotic strains, 111 fermented plant enzymes, 3 good yeasts that will provide an all-natural boost for your pet's gut and stool health.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Water plays a crucial role in your dog’s digestive health. It helps break down food, move waste through the intestines, and prevent constipation. Dogs on dry kibble diets may need extra encouragement to drink enough, so make sure fresh, clean water is always available. Alternatively, add some liquid or bone broth to increase the water content of your dog’s kibble. You can also increase hydration through wet or fresh food options.

Maintain Regular Exercise

Exercise does more than keep your dog fit. It keeps their digestive system active. Physical activity stimulates intestinal movement, helping regulate bowel function and prevent constipation. Daily walks, playtime, or interactive games can help maintain a consistent poop schedule while also reducing stress levels that might affect digestion. The right amount and intensity of exercise depend on your dog’s age, breed, and health, but even moderate daily activity makes a noticeable difference in their gut health and stool regularity.

Stay on Top of Deworming

Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system, leading to diarrhoea, constipation, or irregular stools. Regular deworming is essential, even for indoor dogs, as parasites can be picked up from soil, other animals, or contaminated environments. Follow your vet’s recommended deworming schedule as keeping parasites under control not only protects your dog’s gut but also promotes better nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing.

Minimize Stress

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress-related digestive issues. Anxiety, changes in routine, or unfamiliar environments can trigger irregular bowel movements and unhealthy stools. To help maintain gut stability, keep your dog’s daily routine consistent, provide a calm and secure environment with plenty of mental stimulation and affection. For highly anxious dogs, calming aids or behaviour training may also help. Reducing stress helps stabilize the digestive system, leading to more consistent, healthy poops and a happier dog overall.

Monitor Poop Quality

Keep tabs on your dog’s usual routine and poop habits so that if something changes, you know what to tell your vet. Keep an eye on changes in colour, consistency, or frequency. These can be early signs of digestive or health issues. If you discover any changes in your pup’s normal routine, talk to a veterinarian.