Vet Explains Why White Dog Poop Has All but Vanished

Once a common sight on sidewalks and lawns, white dog poop seems to have all but disappeared—leaving many people curious about where it went.

​While most aren't exactly nostalgic for it, the sudden vanishing of those pale piles has puzzled plenty over the years. Now, thanks to Dr. Katrina Warren, a veterinarian and TV personality from Australia, we finally have an answer.

In a TikTok video posted in February, Dr. Warren addressed the mystery, noting that white dog poo was a regular sight back in the 1970s and 80s. The reason behind its decline? It all comes down to changes in dog diets over the years.

"Dog poop turns white when dogs consume a diet high in calcium," Dr. Warren explained. Decades ago, dogs were more likely to eat bones, table scraps, and commercial pet foods that contained bone meal—leading to calcium-rich waste that would eventually dry out and turn white.

She also pointed out another factor: people are much more diligent about cleaning up after their pets today. "Back then, dog waste was left on the ground more often, and in the right conditions—sunlight and humidity—it would bleach and turn white," she said.

So, between better pet nutrition and more responsible dog owners, white dog poo has largely disappeared from our streets. That said, it's not completely gone—Dr. Warren noted she actually saw a pale pile on her morning walk and shared a photo of it in her video.

Social media users were fascinated by the explanation. Some expressed surprise, others shared nostalgic memories, and a few even admitted to recently wondering about it themselves.

One commenter joked, “I thought white dogs made white poop when I was a kid!”