Understanding the Varied Poop of Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs share a striking similarity when it comes to their waste composition:

When their diet consists of less meat and more vegetables and grains, their feces tend to be a pale yellow color and quite moist.

Conversely, if their diet is richer in meat and lower in vegetables and grains, their feces will likely be darker brown and have a stronger odor.

Beyond color, we can also inspect the shape, color, and smell of their feces to determine if they meet the standards of "health":

1. Shape

Healthy feces from both cats and dogs should resemble the shape depicted below. If the feces are not wellformed, if they are loose, watery, or喷射like, it might indicate inflammation of the intestines or poor digestion. If they become too thick and round, it could be a sign of dehydration, possibly indicating constipation.

2. Color

Yellow or Brown: Dogs typically defecate one to three times a day, with feces that have no unpleasant odor, a certain degree of firmness, and moisture, making them easy to clean up. Fresh, healthy feces should be yellow or brown in color.

Green: An excess of vegetables, grass, or algae powder in a dog's diet that isn't fully digested can result in green feces.

Red: If there's a noticeable red color in the feces, it could be a sign of bleeding in the colon or rectum (eating red dragon fruit can cause normal red feces).

Gray or White: Gray or white feces can be caused by two different issues. If the feces are loose, it might indicate liver dysfunction. If they are dry and hard, it could be due to overeating bones...

3. Smell

A fishy odor in the feces could suggest a severe intestinal infection with bleeding. A strong, unpleasant smell might indicate overeating, poor digestion, consuming too much meat, or an excessive intake of protein.

4. Parasites

If your cat or dog is significantly thin and has a poor appetite, you should be vigilant about checking their feces for parasites. Tapeworms and roundworms are commonly found in feces, so it's crucial to keep your pet on a regular deworming schedule.

Picky eating, chronic soft stools, and feces that smell dreadfully – these are three ageold challenges that every pet parent has encountered.

These issues often point to one common denominator – the dog food choice might not be the right fit! Each pet's digestive function, absorption capacity, and sensitivity to ingredients are unique. Choosing the right food for your furry friend is the foundation for their health and wellbeing.