As a dog owner, it's important to keep an eye on your furry friend's bowel movements.

Healthy stool is a good indicator of your dog's overall health. But what does healthy dog stool look like, and what should you be looking out for?

This guide will help you identify healthy dog stool and understand what changes in your dog's stool may mean.

Understanding the basics of dog stool.

Dog stool is made up of waste material from the digestive system. It should be firm, moist, and easy to pick up. The colour can vary depending on what your dog has eaten, but it should generally be brown. If your dog's stool is consistently different in color, texture, or smell, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. It's important to monitor your dog's stool regularly and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes.

Identifying healthy dog stool.

Healthy dog stool should be firm, moist, and easy to pick up. It should also be brown in colour, although slight variations can occur depending on your dog's diet.

If your dog's stool is consistently different in color, texture, or smelly, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Some common signs of unhealthy stool include diarrhea, constipation, blood or mucus in the stool, and a foul odour.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Signs of unhealthy dog stool.

Unhealthy dog stools can be a sign of an underlying health issue and should be taken seriously. Some common signs of unhealthy stool include diarrhea, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as parasites, infections, or dietary changes.

Constipation, on the other hand, can be a sign of dehydration, lack of fibre in the diet or a blockage in the digestive tract.

Blood or mucus in the stool can indicate inflammation or infection in the digestive system, while a foul odour can be a sign of an infection or other health issue.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Common causes of unhealthy dog stool.

The cause of unhealthy dog stools can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary changes, food intolerances, infections, parasites, and underlying health issues. Some common causes of unhealthy dog stool include a sudden change in diet, consuming spoiled food or garbage, bacterial or viral infections, and parasites such as worms or giardia.

Other potential causes include inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and cancer. It's important to monitor your dog's stool regularly and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes or abnormalities. 

Tips for maintaining healthy dog stool.

Maintaining a healthy dog stool is essential for your pet's overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to help ensure your dog's stool stays healthy:

• provide a balanced and nutritious diet
• avoid feeding your dog table scraps or human food
•  keep your dog hydrated with plenty of fresh water
• exercise your dog regularly
• regularly deworm your dog 

We believe a premium grain free dog food is superior. And like us, dogs didn’t evolve eating grains, which can cause difficulty digesting them. They evolved from wolves, used to a protein rich diet of horse, bison and deer. And although dogs can break down grains more effectively than wolves – many of them still struggle. Many dogs are allergic to corn, wheat and other grains which are often the source of skin issues and digestive problems. 

Of course, if you notice any changes in your dog's stool, such as diarrhea or blood, it's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Why Does My Dog's Poop Change After They Start a New Food?

 As a dog owner, it's important to keep an eye on your furry friend's poop to ensure they are healthy. If you switch your dog's food, it's normal for their poop to change temporarily as their digestive system adjusts to the new diet.

To prevent any digestive upset, it's important to transition your dog slowly and gradually to a new food over a minimum period of 7-10 days. Follow our guide that shows you how to transition your dog gradually onto Man's Best Grain Free Dog Food.

The time a dog takes to transition over to their new food will vary according to their health status, breed and life stage.

How Strong Does Your Dog's Poop Smell?

If the stool has a strong odour, it may be a sign of an unhealthy diet or an underlying health issue. To promote healthy digestion, look for a diet with high digestibility and avoid feeding your dog table scraps or foods that are high in fat.

At Delivery hound, we use 100% Aussie owned and made Man’s Best Premium Grain Free Dog Food. Created by a team of vets and pet nutritionists, every Man’s Best recipe is locally produced using only the best local ingredients to ensure your best friend has everything they need to support an active and healthy lifestyle.