Short Stuff: White Dog Poop | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts explore the phenomenon of white dog poop that was commonly seen in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. They uncover the reasons behind this peculiar occurrence and shed light on the evolution of dog food and its impact on canine health. Join them as they dive into the history of dog food and the importance of providing a nutritious diet for our furry friends.

Main Takeaways

Evolution of Dog Food

• The quality of dog food improved after World War II due to a better economy and more dogs becoming household pets.
• The pet industry has grown exponentially in the past 15-20 years, with dog food becoming a lucrative market.
• Dog food quality got worse before it got better due to mass production and cheap fillers being added.
• After World War II, extrusion was used to extract nutrients from food and fillers were added, leading to poor quality dog food.
• Real food is recommended for dogs, with home-cooked meals being the best option.

The Mystery of White Dog Poop

• White dog poop was a common sight in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, but not anymore.
• The reason for white dog poop is the excess of calcium in standard dog food at the time.
• Bone meal was a primary ingredient in dog food back then, which was loaded with calcium.
• Dogs pass excess calcium in their poop, which dries up in the sun and turns chalky white.
• Rendering bones in dog food made it even harder for dogs to absorb calcium.

Understanding Dog Poop

• Normal dog poop should be firm and light chocolatey brown, and any deviation from this could indicate health problems.
• White poop could be caused by worms or a diet containing ground-up bones.
• Orange poop means the dog is not digesting food slowly enough, while yellow poop indicates the dog is not tolerating its food well.
• Gray poop could indicate too much fat in the diet, which can lead to pancreatitis.
• Red poop with streaks of blood requires immediate veterinary attention, while black tarry poop could indicate internal bleeding.

Summary

The Evolution of Dog Food

After World War II, the quality of dog food improved as the economy grew and more dogs became household pets. However, the pet industry faced challenges with mass production and the addition of cheap fillers, leading to a decline in dog food quality. The introduction of extrusion further compromised the nutritional value of dog food. Today, it is recommended to provide dogs with real food, such as home-cooked meals, for optimal health.

The Mystery of White Dog Poop

In the past, white dog poop was a common sight due to the excess calcium in standard dog food. Bone meal, a primary ingredient at the time, contained high levels of calcium. Dogs would pass this excess calcium in their poop, which would dry up in the sun and turn white. The rendering of bones in dog food made it even harder for dogs to absorb calcium, contributing to the phenomenon of white dog poop.

Understanding Dog Poop

Normal dog poop should be firm and light chocolatey brown. Any deviation from this could indicate health problems. White poop may be caused by worms or a diet containing ground-up bones. Orange poop suggests that the dog is not digesting food slowly enough, while yellow poop indicates poor food tolerance. Gray poop could be a sign of excessive fat in the diet, leading to pancreatitis. Red poop with streaks of blood requires immediate veterinary attention, while black tarry poop may indicate internal bleeding.

Conclusion

The evolution of dog food and its impact on canine health is a fascinating subject. Understanding the importance of providing a nutritious diet for dogs can help ensure their well-being. By opting for real food options and paying attention to their poop, we can contribute to the overall health and happiness of our furry companions.