Let’s talk sh*t – The surprising and fascinating world of dog poo!

WHAT DOES A PERFECT POO LOOK LIKE?

In an ideal world, your dog’s poop should be firm but not rock-hard, formed but not crumbly, and a lovely chocolate brown (we’re talking quality dark choc here, not milkshake territory). If it’s soft, runny, or too hard, it could mean something’s not quite right with your dog’s digestion, hydration or overall gut health.

But here’s where it gets interesting – especially for our plant-powered pups.

WHY PLANT-BASED DOGS MIGHT POO MORE – AND WHY THAT’S A GOOD THING

Let’s bust a myth, shall we? A lot of dog parents online rave about small, hard poos. And yes, they’re easy to pick up – but they’re not always a sign of health. In fact, they can signal dehydration, low fibre, or even trouble with anal glands.

Plant-based diets, on the other hand, are naturally rich in fibre – and that changes everything. Fibre helps regulate digestion, feed good gut bacteria, and support the microbiome. It also bulks out stools, which can lead to bigger and more frequent poos. But that’s not something to worry about – quite the opposite.

Larger, well-formed stools help express the anal glands naturally (no need for those dreaded vet visits), and they tend to be easier to pass. Win-win.

And the smell? You might just notice a little miracle there too.

LESS MEAT = LESS STINK

One unexpected joy of switching to a plant-based diet is that your dog’s poop often smells… better. Not quite roses, but noticeably less “clear-the-room”. Why? Because meat-heavy diets produce more sulfur-rich compounds and ferment in the gut differently. Plant-based ingredients tend to break down more cleanly, creating fewer of those pungent byproducts. Your nose will thank you.

THE RHYTHM OF THE DAY

If your dog’s morning poo is firmer than the rest of the day, don’t panic. That’s completely normal. Overnight, the digestive system gets a rest, so things slow down and firm up. As the day goes on and excitement levels rise (walkies! play! postman!), poos might get a little softer. As long as they’re still formed, it’s all good.

WHAT IF MY DOG’S TUMMY GETS UPSET?

Every dog has an off day. If your pup has soft stools for a day or two but is still eating, drinking, and wagging, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Try a bland diet (think plain rice and a little mashed sweet potato), keep them hydrated, and give them plenty of rest.

But if there’s persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or lethargy for more than 48 hours? It’s time to call the vet. And if the upset lasts more than three weeks, you could be looking at something like IBS – which, by the way, many of our customers have seen massive improvements in after switching to Herbie Wilde.

TRANSITION GENTLY, LOVE FIERCELY

When moving to a new food, especially one rich in all the good plant fibres, take it slow. Over seven to ten days, gradually increase the Herbie Wilde portion while reducing their old food. This gives your dog’s gut bugs time to adjust to their new delicious, nutritious world.

OUR GUT-LOVING HEROES

Our recipes are packed with gut-happy ingredients, each one chosen for a reason. There’s apple (a fermentable fibre that feeds good gut bacteria), sweet potato (for gentle digestion), pumpkin (a fibre powerhouse), chicory (full of prebiotics), and brewer’s yeast (supporting immune and skin health).

Together, they help form a gut environment that’s resilient, balanced, and frankly, brilliant. We’ve seen dogs with chronic tummy troubles, IBS symptoms, and persistent soft poos find real, lasting relief on our plant-based food.

So, next time your pup does their business, don’t just look away – take a peek. There’s a whole lot their poo can tell you. And when it’s looking good, smelling better, and helping your dog feel their absolute best? That’s the power of plants.

Because at Herbie Wilde, we believe even your dog’s poo should be a thing of beauty.