If you’ve ever noticed white dog poo in your backyard, you might be wondering if it’s normal or a sign of a health issue. While dog poo can vary in color depending on diet, hydration, and digestion, white or chalky stool can indicate underlying health concerns.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of white dog poo, when to worry, and how proper nutrition can help.
1. What Causes White Dog Poo?
White or chalky dog poo can be caused by several factors, including:
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High-Calcium Diet – Dogs on a raw diet with excessive bones may pass white, crumbly stools due to excess calcium.
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Digestive Enzyme Deficiency – Dogs lacking proper digestive enzymes struggle to break down fats and nutrients, leading to pale or white stools.
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Dehydration & Constipation – If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, their poo may become dry and light in color.
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Liver or Pancreatic Issues – Poor bile production from liver disease or pancreatic insufficiency can result in pale or white stools.
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Parasitic infestation – If your dog poo has white spots that looks like rice grains, that may be a sign of tapeworms
- Old, Sun-Exposed Poo – If dog poo is left outside for too long, it can dry out and turn white due to bacterial breakdown.
💡 Key Insight: Fresh dog poo should be brown and firm. If it consistently appears white, it’s time to look deeper into your dog’s diet and health.
2. Is White Dog Poo a Sign of Poor Digestion?
Yes! White or grayish poo may indicate that your dog is not digesting nutrients properly. This can be linked to:
Low Stomach Acid – Dogs need proper stomach acid levels to break down food. Poor digestion leads to chalky or pale stools.
Lack of Digestive Enzymes – Some dogs, especially seniors, may struggle to produce enough lipase, amylase, and protease, causing pale stools.
Excess Bone in the Diet – Raw-fed dogs that consume too many bones can experience chalky, crumbly stools due to calcium overload.
💡 Solution: Switch to a balanced, fresh diet with proper nutrient ratios, like Bowlsome’s whole-food recipes.
3. White Poo & Health Conditions: When to See a Vet
White poo isn’t always caused by diet. It can also be a warning sign of serious health conditions:
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Liver Disease – The liver produces bile, which gives poo its brown color. If your dog’s liver is compromised, their poo may turn pale or white.
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Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) – Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) don’t produce enough enzymes, leading to pale stools.
- Parasitic Infections – Certain parasites can disrupt digestion, resulting in abnormal poo color and texture.
💡 See a vet if your dog’s white poo is accompanied by:
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Loss of appetite
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Lethargy or weight loss
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Signs of abdominal pain
4. How to Prevent White Dog Poo with the Right Diet
The best way to prevent white or chalky stools is through a balanced diet with proper nutrients, hydration, and digestion support.
What to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Digestion:
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High-Quality, Whole-Food Proteins – Avoid excessive bone content in raw diets. Opt for fresh beef, chicken, kangaroo, or turkey.
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Healthy Fats & Omega-3s – Supports digestion and nutrient absorption. Look for fish oil, flaxseed oil, and sunflower oil.
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Prebiotics & Fiber – Helps maintain gut health and stool consistency.
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Hydration – Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times to avoid dehydration-related constipation.
💡 Bowlsome’s Fresh Dog Food is designed to provide balanced nutrition, support gut health, and prevent digestive issues that lead to white stools.
What Should You Do If Your Dog’s Poo Is White?
If you notice white or chalky poo, first check:
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Your dog’s diet – Are they eating too many bones or lacking key nutrients?
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Hydration levels – Is your dog drinking enough water?
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Other symptoms – Are there signs of illness, such as vomiting or lethargy?
If the white poo persists for more than 24–48 hours, consult a vet to rule out any serious health conditions.
Want to ensure your dog gets a well-balanced diet for healthy digestion? Try Bowlsome’s fresh, whole-food meals for optimal gut health!
References
American Kennel Club. (2024). How to Tell If Your Dog’s Poo Is Healthy. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dogs-poo-says-health/
Turner, D. B. (2023, May 23). What Your Dog’s Poo Can Tell You About Their Health. Preventivevet.com; Preventive Vet. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/what-dogs-poo-can-tell-you-about-their-health#different-colored-poo
Son, K. (2024, June 25). Everything You Need To Know About Digestive Enzymes For Dogs - Total Vet. Total Vet. https://total.vet/digestive-enzymes-for-dogs/
