It is not the most glamorous part of raw feeding, but it is one of the most useful. Your dog's poo is a daily report on how well their food is suiting them, and it usually changes quite a bit when they move from kibble to raw. Here is what to expect, what the changes mean and when to pick up the phone to your vet.
Loose poo? Check the portion first. Overfeeding is one of the most common reasons for soft stools. Our raw feeding calculator shows how many grams a day your dog needs.
What normal raw fed poo looks like
Most raw feeders notice the difference within the first couple of weeks. Raw food has no grain or bulking fillers, so more of it is used by the body and less comes out the other end. Typical raw fed poo is:
- Smaller: often noticeably less than on kibble.
- Firmer: it should hold its shape and be easy to pick up.
- Less smelly: many owners notice it smells less strongly than before.
- Lighter in colour: from mid brown to a paler tan, depending on what your dog has eaten.
Every dog is a bit different, so the best guide is what is normal for your dog once they have settled.
Colour changes and what they usually mean
Pale, white or chalky
Bone is high in calcium, and poo that is very pale, crumbly or turns white after a day or two usually means there is a bit too much bone in the diet. If you feed complete 80/10/10 foods this is less likely, but it can happen with lots of bone based extras. Our guide to 80/10/10 raw feeding explains how the balance of meat, bone and offal works.
Darker brown
Red meats such as beef and lamb, and recipes with more offal, can make poo darker. Green tripe can do the same. This is normally nothing to worry about if your dog is otherwise well.
Hard and dry
Small, hard poos that your dog strains to pass can also point to too much bone. Try a few days of boneless additions such as Stobart Just Tripe stirred into a complete meal, and make sure fresh water is always available.
Loose poo when you first switch
A few softer days are common while your dog's gut gets used to a new food. Things that often help:
- Go slower. Our 10 day switching plan brings raw in gradually, and you can stay on each stage for longer.
- Stick to one protein. Start with a single, lighter meat such as Supreme Raw Turkey Complete before adding others.
- Watch the extras. Rich treats, chews and scraps can tip a settling tummy over the edge.
- Weigh the food. Guessing portions often means feeding more than your dog needs. Our feeding guide explains how to get it right.
Mucus, and why it is sometimes there
A thin coating of mucus on the odd poo can happen with any diet and is not usually a concern on its own. If you see it often, or alongside diarrhoea, blood or a dog who seems off colour, speak to your vet.
When to call the vet
Poo can tell you when something is wrong. Contact your vet if your dog has:
- diarrhoea that lasts more than a day or two, or comes with vomiting
- black, tarry poo, or red blood in the poo
- strained, painful or no poo for more than a day or two
- poo with anything unusual in it, such as foreign objects
- weight loss, tiredness or a dog who seems unwell
Puppies, small dogs and older dogs can go downhill more quickly with tummy trouble, so it is worth calling sooner rather than later.
Keep it clean
Raw fed or not, dog poo can carry bacteria. Pick up straight away, wash your hands afterwards and keep children away from it. Our guide to raw food safety covers good hygiene around the food itself.
Ready to start?
Work out your dog's daily amount with our feeding calculator, then browse complete foods from Stobart, Supreme Raw, K9 Raw and Reggie's. If you want to try a few recipes first, the Try Me Variety Box is a good place to start. Delivery is free on orders over £70 (£3.95 below that), and you can choose Subscribe and Save to get 5 percent off every order and never run out.
This guide is general advice. If your dog has ongoing diarrhoea, blood in their poo or seems unwell, please speak to your vet.