Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog's poop white, hard, and chalky? Should I change food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 20 days old | 5.73 lbs

My dog’s poop is white,hard and chalky. What should i do ? Should i change her diet ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 2nd, 2018

That could be compatible with a disease of the liver, responsible for he pigments inside the feces.
I would recommend to change diet for the next week, feeding with a bland diet based on chicken and rice. If signs persist a check up and blood tests at your local vets are required.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2019
This type of stool is usually related to a lack of pigment produced by the liver. Pancreatic problems can cause this presentation as well.
A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

Why is my dog's poop chalky and black after eating chicken bones?

Changes in diet commonly cause digestive upsets but the white stools are most likely due to calcium fragments from the bones (they would normally be brittle/crumbly stools) and black stool often indicates bleeding within the bowel (due to infection or scratches from bone fragments). I would monitor very closely for any vomiting, constipation or abdominal discomfort which can indicate a fragment may be obstructing the bowel. I would also recommend small, frequnt meals of a bland diet or familiar kibble to try to manintain gut movement to encourage digestion of any remaining bone fragments

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog pooping white? Should I be worried about their health?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would worry about acholic feces which is the absence of bile in the stool. This is when the bile is retained in the blood which makes a dogs stools pale or putty colored. This can indicate an bile obstruction, liver or pancreatic disease. White stools can also be seen in dogs eating a raw food diet or a diet too high in calcium or if they ate something containing bone. If Gracie's stools continue to be white bring a sample and Gracie to the Vet for an exam. I wish you the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog's poop is white. What does white dog poop mean for her health?

It's possible that her poop is white because the mineral content of her diet is too high. If she's on a grain free or boutique food, or worse a home cooked diet. I'd recommend switching to a reputable brand like Hills, Purina, or Royal Canin to see if that helps at all. If you're not seeing a change, or Penny seems ill in any way, it's time to go for a vet visit. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What causes white hard particles in my dog's poop? Should I worry?

If Cherry is feeling ok, eating well and acting normally I wouldn't worry too much. She may have eaten something she shouldn't have, like part of a bone or rocks, and these materials can look like what you're seeing in the stool. If she starts having vomiting or diarrhea issues, then she needs to see a vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog's poop pale after starting allergy oil for allergies?

Yes it can possibly be due to the oil. If feces do not normalize in 48hours I would recommend to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my dog's poop shiny, red, and chunky after a diet change?

This could be due to the change in diet. I can give you a home remedy for Nick to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's poop is off-white, but she's normal. Should I worry?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Dalia's activity and appetite are normal, that is very reassuring. Have you started a new food or treat by chance? Sometimes a change in diet will cause the stool to change color. Sometimes a mild viral infection can also cause this but again, I would not worry unless she loses her appetite or becomes lethargic. Best of luck to you and Dalia!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share