Poop isn’t exactly polite dinner conversation, unless you work at a pet supply store like me. In our world, the subject comes up daily. That’s why I feel perfectly comfortable diving into the “nitty-gritty” of dog waste right here in this blog.
Is Volume a Problem
When we talk to customers about dog poop, one of the concerns usually centers on volume—specifically, how much waste a large dog can generate. We often explain that feeding a raw diet is the single best way to reduce a pup’s “output,” but it’s a concept that is best understood through experience.
Recently, while visiting family in Florida, I received a vivid reminder that what goes in is directly proportional to what comes out.
A Tale of Two Diets
My sister has two dogs: Deena, an 80-pound German Shepherd, and Quigley, a 9-month-old, 20-pound Mini Aussie. Both are fed primarily kibble diets. Deena eats three cups once a day with some toppers, while high-energy puppy Quigley eats a half-cup three times a day.
Part of my job while visiting was “poop patrol.” The first day was a shock. Deena’s stools were massive and incredibly pungent; sometimes I actually had to use two large bags just to keep my hands clean. Even little Quigley, despite his size, was producing a surprising amount of waste because he was “going” at least three times a day.
For comparison, my dog, Sienna, weighs 65 pounds and has been raw-fed since the day we adopted her. She eats about a pound of raw food a day plus natural treats like bully sticks and raw bones. Volume-wise, the amount of waste Sienna produces is significantly less than Dena’s—and honestly, it’s even less than the 20-pound kibble-fed puppy.
Why the Difference?
If you’re surprised by the difference in volume and odor between raw and kibble, it all comes down to ingredients and digestibility. Think of your dog’s digestive tract like a processing plant. The more readily usable “raw materials” you provide, the more the body can utilize. The more difficult the ingredients are to process, the more the “plant” has to throw away.
The Carb Factor
Most kibbles rely on carbohydrates and plant-based starches to bind the nuggets together. While dogs can digest these to an extent, they aren’t nearly as efficient at it as they are with animal proteins and fats. Raw food consists of muscle meat, organs, and bone—materials a dog’s body is biologically designed to utilize almost entirely.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to how much of a nutrient actually reaches the bloodstream. When a dog eats raw meat, their highly acidic stomach breaks it down rapidly. Because the nutrients are in their natural state, the body absorbs the vast majority of the meal (high bioavailability). In kibble, the high-heat manufacturing process alters the structure of proteins and vitamins, making them harder to absorb (low bioavailability). If the body can’t absorb it, it ends up on the lawn.
Water Content
Kibble is dry, usually containing only about 10% moisture. This often results in large, “fluffy” stools as the body struggles to process dry bulk. In contrast, raw food is roughly 70% moisture. This natural hydration allows the digestive process to move smoothly, resulting in smaller, firmer, and less frequent deposits.
Now that I’ve given you the “scoop on poop,” are you ready for a better experience on poop patrol? Stop by one of our stores this week and let’s find the right raw or freeze-dried options for your pup!