White Dog Poop Nostalgia: What It Meant and Where It Went

Have you ever heard of white dog poop? It’s not a joke. It was common years ago to walk through a park and notice white dog poop in the grass. So what is it, and where did it come from? We answer all your questions in this article. 

Let’s get into it, but not step into it!

Why Was There White Dog Poop in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s? 

The cause of white dog poop from the 1970s to 1990s was related to the pets’ food. Commercial dog food companies produced products rich in beef and bone meal. These ingredients have a lot of calcium. So, when dogs digested the high in calcium food, their feces had white coloring. 

To go even further down the nostalgia road, you may remember that comedian Sarah Silverman wrote a song about white dog poop.

What Does It Mean If a Dog’s Poop Is White? 

While white dog poop was far more prevalent in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, white dog poop can still occur today. The most common cause of white dog poop is still too much calcium. Calcium changes the color of dog poop to white. Seeing it indicates that your canine’s calcium levels probably need to be lowered. 

In addition, too much calcium can sometimes cause constipation. So, if you notice your dog’s poop is white and it’s straining to defecate, it’s advised to call your vet. Also, contact your vet if the poop suddenly turns white, but you haven’t changed your dog’s diet. When this happens, it can mean your dog ate something it shouldn’t have.

What About White and Fuzzy Dog Poop?

Another common cause of apparently white dog poop is mold. However, this poo will also appear fuzzy as the white mold grows on the pile. Fortunately, this does not indicate anything wrong with your dog! Mold will grow on the remaining nutrients in your dog’s feces in places where it’s damp and humid. This is part of the natural breakdown process and shouldn’t cause alarm.

How Long Does It Take for Dog Poop to Turn White?

A dog’s feces can turn white within 24 hours after eating a high-calcium meal. Keeping an eye on your pup’s poop may seem gross, but it’s integral to an animal’s health journey.

The best thing to do if you see white in your dog’s poop is to remain calm. Next, inspect the stool to ensure the light color you see isn’t worms, as they may make the poop look white from a distance. Whether the coloring indicates too much calcium in your dog’s diet or worms are present, put the feces in a bag and take it to your vet for assessment. 

What Happens If a Dog Gets Too Much Calcium?

Dogs with too much calcium in their diet can have a loss of appetite, drink more than usual, and urinate more frequently than average. They may also display signs of weakness. High calcium levels could also cause bladder or kidney stones in more severe cases. A blood test can measure calcium levels in an animal’s system.

So, it’s crucial your dog gets the recommended amount of calcium in its diet, which we discuss in more depth in this article. 

How Do You Fix White Dog Poop?

Changing your dog’s diet is the best and quickest way to eliminate white dog poop. Light-colored feces are a sign of too much calcium. Therefore, switching dog food to one with proper nutrients for your pet’s size and age is recommended. 

Remember, just because a particular dog food brand is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a healthy choice. Discussing food brands with your vet is essential, as they are keenly aware of the benefits and disadvantages of certain brands. In addition, stay updated on any dog food recalls.

Why Did White Dog Poop Go Away in the 90s? 

In the 1990s, calcium requirements for commercial dog food were changed. Companies have added more fiber to dog food and less calcium, including eliminating bone meal. 

However, a dog could still have too much calcium in their diet, resulting in white dog poop. But it’s definitely rarer these days. We recommend contacting your vet if it does occur. Too much calcium in a dog’s diet can lead to an increased risk of hip dysplasia in large breeds. 

How Much Daily Calcium Should a Dog Get?

The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles for large-breed puppy growth suggest 2.0 to 4.5 grams of calcium per 1,000 calories. And 2.5 to 4.0 grams of phosphorus per 1,000 calories with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1:1 to 1.8:1.

According to the National Research Council, adult dogs should average up to 50 milligrams of calcium daily per kilogram of body weight. 

Since calcium is a mineral, your dog can only ingest it through food or supplements. We recommend talking with your veterinarian about the best way for your fur baby to get the calcium it needs. The amount required can vary depending on your dog’s breed, size, and age. Your vet may suggest a particular food brand.

What Should Healthy Dog Poop Look Like? 

Healthy dog stool should be light to medium brown in color and be relatively firm and intact. It shouldn’t be runny or fall apart quickly. Your dog should also not seem strained when relieving itself.

Be sure to call your vet if your dog’s poop is a different color, such as black, yellow, or gray. Discolored feces could be a sign of health problems or an indicator to change food or diet regimens. 

Black dog poo may indicate bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Yellow poo can indicate food intolerance or possible infection. Gray poo can be a sign of several digestive issues ranging from the pancreas to the liver or that your dog got into something too fatty for its body to digest properly. Remember that if your dog is on any medication, that can affect its stool coloring. Again, be sure to ask your vet if the coloration persists.

White Dog Poop Is (Usually) a Thing of the Past

Keeping your pup’s calcium intake at healthy levels will keep white dog poop a thing of the past. As science evolves and helps us know the best diets for our pets, they can live healthier and longer lives as a result. The lack of white dog feces is a strange but real symbol of that. 

Do you remember white dog poop?