Why Is My Dog’s Poo White?

Finding that your dog’s poo appears white or chalky can be surprising and worrying. While some causes are harmless and diet-related, pale or white stools can sometimes point to underlying digestive or health problems. This guide explains why your dog’s poo might be white, what it means, the possible causes, when to monitor, and when to contact your vet.

What Does White Poo Look Like?

Dog poo may appear:

• Chalky or crumbly
• Pale beige, greyish, or completely white
• Hard and dry
• With white specks or streaks
• Soft but pale
• With a powdery appearance once dried

The colour and texture can help indicate the cause, so it’s important to observe the stool closely.

Common Causes of White or Pale Dog Poo

Raw Bones in the Diet

The most common cause of white, chalky stools is a diet containing raw bones. When dogs eat raw bones, the high calcium content thickens and hardens the stool. As the poo dries out, it often becomes chalky and turns white.

Signs this may be the cause:

• Dry, crumbly poo
• Difficulty passing stools
• Occasional constipation
• White, powder-like droppings in the garden

This is generally harmless if bones are given safely and in moderation. However, excessive bone in the diet can lead to constipation or impaction.

High Calcium Intake

Even dogs not fed bones can have white stools if their diet contains too much calcium. This may occur when feeding:

• Calcium supplements
• Excessive dairy products
• Homemade diets without proper balance
• Some types of fortified kibble (rare)

If calcium intake is too high, stools may become pale, dry, or hard.

Digestive Issues Affecting Bile Production

Healthy poo is brown because of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and released into the intestines. If a dog is not producing or receiving enough bile, the stool may appear pale, grey, or clay-coloured.

Possible causes include:

• Liver disease
• Gallbladder problems
• Bile duct obstruction
• Pancreatic disease
• Severe digestive inflammation

Pale stools due to lack of bile are often soft or greasy rather than chalky.

Pancreatitis or Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

The pancreas plays a key role in digesting fat. If the pancreas is inflamed or not functioning properly, stools may become pale, oily, or light in colour.

Other symptoms of pancreatic issues include:

• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Greasy or foul-smelling stools
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Flatulence

Pancreatic conditions require veterinary treatment and long-term management.

Worms or Parasites

Small white segments in your dog’s poo may be pieces of tapeworm. These are typically:

• Grain-like white segments
• Occasionally moving when fresh
• Found around the anus or in bedding

If you notice anything resembling rice grains in or around your dog’s poo, deworming is needed. A vet diagnosis may be required to confirm the type of parasite.

Indigestible Materials

Sometimes pieces of toys, plastic, paper, grass, or other non-food items may appear in poo as white specks or streaks. Dogs that chew inappropriate items may pass them in their stools.

Monitor your dog for any signs of obstruction or digestive discomfort if you suspect foreign objects are being swallowed.

Medications or Treatments

Some medications or treatments can temporarily lighten stool colour. For example:

• Certain antacids
• Calcium-containing medications
• Barium used in imaging tests

These usually cause a temporary colour change and are not harmful.

When to Monitor and When to Worry

White or pale stools are not always an emergency. The following guidance can help you decide what to do next.

Safe to Monitor at Home

You can monitor your dog for 24–48 hours if:

• The stool is white and chalky and your dog recently ate raw bones
• There are only small white flecks and your dog is otherwise well
• Your dog recently received a medication known to affect stool colour
• Your dog is eating, drinking, and acting normally

During this time, observe for improvement or ongoing pale stools.

When to Contact a Vet

Seek veterinary advice if:

• The stool remains pale for more than 48 hours
• Your dog has not eaten bones or high-calcium foods recently
• The poo is soft, grey, or clay-like
• Worms or worm segments are visible
• Your dog has diarrhoea or vomiting
• Your dog seems lethargic or unwell
• There is weight loss or appetite changes

These signs may indicate underlying liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic disease.

When It Is an Emergency

Seek urgent veterinary help if your dog has:

• White or pale stools along with yellowing of the eyes or gums
• Signs of abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Sudden collapse or extreme lethargy
• Inability to pass stools despite straining
• A known ingestion of a foreign object

These can indicate severe medical conditions requiring immediate treatment.

How Vets Diagnose the Cause of White Stools

A vet may perform:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests (to check liver, pancreas, and general health)
• Imaging such as ultrasound or X-rays
• Stool analysis for parasites
• Gallbladder or liver assessments

Early diagnosis helps ensure the best outcome.

Prevention Tips

• Feed bones safely and sparingly if part of the diet
• Ensure a balanced diet without excess calcium
• Avoid giving dogs cooked bones, which can splinter
• Keep up with regular worming treatments
• Prevent dogs from chewing or swallowing foreign objects
• Maintain a stable, high-quality diet
• Regularly check your dog’s wellbeing and stool consistency

Conclusion

White or pale dog poo can be caused by harmless dietary factors, such as eating bones, or by more serious health issues like liver disease or pancreatic problems. Paying attention to your dog’s stools provides valuable insight into their digestive health.

If your dog produces white, grey, or clay-coloured stools more than once, or shows signs of illness, it is always safest to speak to a vet. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your dog’s health and give you peace of mind.