When it comes to finding the best food for your dog, there’s one surprisingly simple way to check if it’s truly working — stool quality.
Forget marketing claims or fancy labels. The most accurate indicator of your dog’s digestive health and food suitability is what you see when you pick up after them.
At Ultimate Pet Foods, we believe that real nutrition speaks for itself — and your dog’s poo tells the story better than any advert can.
Why Stool Quality Matters
Your dog’s digestive system is like a window into their overall health. When they’re eating a food that truly agrees with them, you’ll notice:
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Firm, easy-to-pick-up stools with no mess left behind
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Consistent colour and texture (not too soft or too dry)
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Less bloating, gas or straining
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A glossy, soft coat and bright energy levels
If your dog’s stool is loose, sticky, or leaves a smear when picked up, it’s often a sign that their food isn’t being digested properly — meaning poor nutrient absorption and possible irritation in the gut.
That’s why we put digestive health first in every recipe we make. Our Digestive Care Dog Food is formulated with natural prebiotics (MOS & FOS), freshly prepared meat or fish, and gentle, grain-free recipes that support optimal gut balance and stool quality.
Ted’s Story — From Harringtons to Happy
When we rehomed Ted, our miniature Dachshund, he came to us on Harringtons — a well-known British brand that’s been making dog food for quite some time.
We respect that Harringtons has helped feed thousands of dogs across the UK and is considered a trusted supermarket option. But after years in the pet food industry, we’ve learned to spot the difference between good and great nutrition— and Ted’s results spoke volumes.
His stools were soft, sticky and difficult to pick up, often leaving a mess behind. His coat was dull and coarse, and he didn’t have that sparkle or comfort after eating.
We knew right away it wasn’t the right match for him, so we changed his food immediately to our own Ultimate+ Digestive Care Dog Food.
The transformation was incredible — and fast.
✅ Within three days, Ted’s digestion had settled completely.
✅ His stools became firm, consistent, and easy to pick up — no mess left behind.
✅ His coat changed from dull to glossy, silky and soft like velvet.
✅ His energy levels improved, and his appetite was balanced.
We couldn’t believe the difference a change in diet made. It confirmed what we already knew — the right food changes everything.
What Does a Healthy Dog Stool Look Like?
If you’re wondering whether your dog’s stool is healthy, here’s a simple guide.
| Indicator | Healthy Stool | Unhealthy Stool |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Firm but soft enough to hold shape when picked up | Soft, runny, watery or very dry and crumbly |
| Colour | Medium chocolate brown (may vary slightly by protein source) | Very dark, pale, green, yellow or grey |
| Smell | Mild odour | Overpowering, sour or putrid smell |
| Residue | No smear or residue left behind | Leaves marks or sticky residue when picked up |
| Frequency | 1–3 times daily (depending on feeding schedule) | 4+ times daily, irregular, or signs of straining |
A healthy stool is a sign that your dog is absorbing nutrients efficiently — a direct reflection of how well their food suits their body.
The Science Behind Better Stool Quality
So what makes the difference? It all comes down to digestibility — how well your dog’s food can be broken down and absorbed.
At Ultimate Pet Foods, we use:
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Freshly prepared meat or fish — naturally digestible proteins cooked gently at 82°C using our Freshlock™ process to retain nutrients.
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MOS & FOS prebiotics — proven to promote healthy gut bacteria for smoother digestion and consistent stool formation.
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No grains or cheap fillers — our grain-free recipes reduce irritation and improve nutrient absorption.
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Added collagen — helps maintain the gut lining and supports skin and joint health.
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Superfood blend — five carefully selected superfoods that enhance immune and digestive wellness.
Each ingredient works together to create balanced digestion — leading to smaller, firmer, cleaner stools and better nutrient uptake.
What Poor Stool Quality Tells You
Changes in stool quality can highlight specific issues:
1. Soft or Runny Stool
Caused by low meat content, excessive fillers, or poor digestibility.
Try: Our Digestive Care Dog Food with freshly prepared meat and natural prebiotics.
2. Greasy or Shiny Stool
Indicates high fat or poor fat absorption.
Try: Our Light Free-Range Turkey or Light Scottish Salmon recipes with reduced fat and added joint support.
3. Very Dark or Black Stool
May suggest internal bleeding — always seek veterinary advice.
4. Frequent or Bulky Stool
Usually from high filler content. Dogs on premium, meat-rich diets produce smaller, firmer stools because more of the food is absorbed, not wasted.
Digestion and Coat Health Are Connected
Once Ted’s digestion improved, his coat transformed too.
This isn’t coincidence — the gut and skin are closely linked.
When digestion improves, nutrient absorption skyrockets, delivering essential fatty acids, vitamins and proteins to the skin and coat. That’s why Ted’s fur now feels soft as velvet and shines with health.
So if your dog’s coat looks dull, or their poo is difficult to pick up, it’s a good sign their current food isn’t doing its job.
How to Improve Your Dog’s Stool Quality
If your dog’s stools aren’t ideal, here’s what to do:
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Switch gradually to a better food – over 5–7 days, mix in more of the new food each day.
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Choose recipes with prebiotics – MOS & FOS feed good gut bacteria.
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Avoid grains and fillers – look for foods rich in meat, not cereals.
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Stick to a feeding routine – consistency supports regular digestion.
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Ensure hydration – fresh water aids digestion and stool formation.
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Exercise daily – physical activity stimulates healthy digestion.
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Track progress – good stool quality should appear within 3–5 days of feeding a better formula.
Why Ultimate Pet Foods Digestive Care Stands Out
Our Digestive Care Dog Food isn’t just gentle — it’s scientifically formulated to deliver visible results:
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Firm, easy-to-pick-up stools
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No residue or unpleasant odour
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Shiny coat and comfortable digestion
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Happier, more energetic dogs
Dog owners often report seeing improvements within three days — just like Ted.
Final Thoughts — The Proof Is in the Poo
If you ever wonder whether your dog’s food is truly right for them, look no further than their stool.
Healthy digestion means:
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Firm, clean pickups
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No mess left behind
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Happy tummies
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Glossy coats
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Balanced, thriving dogs
Ted’s transformation from Harringtons to Ultimate Pet Foods Digestive Care showed us firsthand what good nutrition looks like — from the inside out.
Because when it comes to your dog’s health, the proof really is in the poo.
🐾 Ready to See the Difference?
Try our Ultimate+ Digestive Care Dog Food and see how quickly your dog’s stool quality — and overall health — can improve.
👉 Order Your Free Sample Pack and start your 3-day transformation today.
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