When it comes to assessing your dog's overall health, few things provide a clearer picture than their poop. Yes, dog poo might not be the most glamorous topic, but it's an important indicator of your pet’s digestive health. Understanding what healthy dog poo looks like and how raw feeding can improve it can help you ensure your furry friend stays in optimal condition.

What Does Healthy Dog Poo Look Like?

A healthy dog's poo typically has five main characteristics:

1. Colour: A healthy stool should be a chocolate brown colour. This colour comes from the bile released during digestion. Variations in colour can indicate issues. For example, black stool might indicate internal bleeding, while yellow or grayish stools can be signs of liver or pancreas problems.
2. Shape: The perfect poo should have a log-like shape. It should be formed but not too hard or too soft. Firmness is a sign of a well-functioning digestive system.
3. Consistency: Ideally, your dog's stool should have a firm yet pliable consistency, similar to Play-Doh. Stools that are too hard may indicate dehydration or lack of fiber, while overly soft or watery stools could signal digestive upset or a food intolerance.
4. Size: The size of your dog’s poo should correlate with the size of the dog. A large amount of poo from a smaller dog might mean they aren't absorbing all the nutrients from their food properly.
5. Smell: While no dog poo smells pleasant, an excessively foul odor can be a red flag. Extremely smelly stools can result from poor digestion, low-quality food, or underlying health issues.

Image sourced from absolutedogs

How Raw Feeding Can Improve the Quality of Your Dog's Poo

A raw food diet can have a profound impact on your dog’s digestive system, leading to healthier poos. Here’s how:

Better Digestibility: A raw diet, rich in fresh meats, organs, and bones, provides a more biologically appropriate source of nutrition. Dogs’ digestive systems are designed to break down raw food, so when fed a raw diet, they absorb more nutrients. This means they produce smaller, firmer, and less odorous stools.

Improved Stool Consistency: Raw feeding balances protein, fat, and bone content, which results in stools that are more solid and well-formed. The bones in raw diets also act as natural fibre, helping to firm up the stool.

Reduced Stool Size: Because dogs can absorb more nutrients from a raw diet compared to commercial kibble, they excrete less waste. This leads to smaller, more manageable stools—a welcome change for any dog owner!

Less Smell: Raw-fed dogs tend to produce stools with much less odor. This is because raw food doesn’t contain artificial additives or fillers that often cause digestive issues and strong-smelling stools.

Overall Digestive Health: Many dogs experience fewer digestive issues, such as gas or diarrhea, on a raw diet. By feeding natural, unprocessed foods, you reduce the likelihood of food intolerances and sensitivities, improving your dog’s gut health.

Signs Raw Feeding is Improving Your Dog's Digestion

If you switch your dog to a raw diet, it’s important to monitor their stool over time to see how they are adjusting. Here are a few positive signs that raw feeding is improving their digestion:

Smaller and Firmer Stools: One of the first things you’ll notice is that your dog’s stools become smaller, firmer, and less frequent. This is because their body is utilising more of the nutrients in their food.

Increased Energy and Vitality: As digestion improves, so does your dog’s overall health. Many raw-fed dogs exhibit more energy, a shinier coat, and clearer eyes.

Improved Breath and Oral Health: Raw food, particularly bones, helps clean your dog’s teeth naturally, reducing bad breath and the need for dental cleanings.


A healthy dog poo is a key indicator of good digestive health, and switching to a raw diet can help achieve this. Raw feeding supports better nutrient absorption, leads to smaller, firmer stools, and enhances your dog’s overall health. 

At Doghouse Dog Cafe, we specialise in raw food blends designed to promote optimal health in your dog. If you have questions or need guidance on transitioning to a raw diet, we’re here to help!