Why Dog Poop Shouldn't Be Used as Fertilizer
At first glance, using dog poop as fertilizer might seem reasonable—after all, manure from cows and pigs is commonly used in agriculture. But when you dig a little deeper (pun intended), you'll find that dog waste presents significant health and environmental hazards that make it a poor choice for fertilizing your garden or lawn.
The Difference Between Cow Manure and Dog Poop
Cow manure is a staple in gardening because cows eat only plants. Their manure is rich in undigested plant fibers, which help enrich soil naturally. Dog poop, on the other hand, comes from animals on high-protein diets. This difference means:
- Dog waste is more acidic, not ideal for most garden plants.
- The nutrient profile doesn't match what your soil or plants need.
But the real issue isn't just nutrients—it's what's lurking inside the waste.
Health Risks: Pathogens and Parasites
Dog feces can harbor dangerous bacteria and parasites. Just one gram may contain millions of fecal coliform bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. There are also parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and giardia. These organisms can survive in soil for months or even years. If you use dog waste as fertilizer:
- You risk contaminating your soil with pathogens that can transfer to crops.
- This contamination can cause serious illness in humans and animals if ingested—even indirectly through dirty hands or unwashed produce.
For this reason alone, dog poop should never be used on edible plants.
Nutrient Imbalances and Plant Damage
Even if you ignore the health risks, dog waste poses other problems:
- It's high in nitrogen and phosphorus—too much for most lawns or gardens.
- This excess can cause root burn, poor growth, or even kill your grass (you'll notice yellowing followed by brown dead patches).
The decomposition process is slow—sometimes taking over a year—and releases nutrients unevenly. Plus, the smell lingers much longer than cow manure's earthy aroma.
Environmental Concerns: Water Pollution
If dog waste is left outside or applied to gardens, rain can wash it into storm drains. From there, it enters rivers, lakes, and streams—bringing pathogens along for the ride. This runoff pollution threatens water quality, harming both people and wildlife.
The Composting Dilemma
You might hear about composting as an eco-friendly solution for pet waste. While it's possible to compost dog poop safely, it's tricky:
- The compost must reach at least 60°C (140°F) for three days to kill pathogens—a temperature that's hard to maintain in backyard piles.
If you do try composting dog waste:
- Use specialized pet-waste composters or municipal facilities designed for this purpose.
- Add carbon-rich materials (like dry leaves or shredded newspaper) to balance the mix—aim for a 2:1 ratio of carbon to nitrogen by volume.
- Store the finished compost for six months to a year before using it—and never apply it to food crops.
This compost should only go on ornamental plants (like shrubs or flowers), far from water sources or play areas. Always wear gloves when handling dog waste or its composted form.
If Composting Isn't an Option
- Pick up dog waste promptly and dispose of it in the trash according to local regulations.
- Some areas allow flushing small amounts down the toilet (check local rules first).
Burying is possible but risky: dig deep holes away from gardens, water supplies, and places where animals might dig them up.
Lawn Care: Why Prompt Removal Matters
If you mow over dog feces left on your lawn, you'll spread pathogens even further. Don't assume that leaving dog poop outdoors will let nature take care of things; domestic dogs produce far more waste than wild animals ever would, overwhelming natural decomposition processes.
A Safer Alternative: Stick With Herbivore Manure
- Cow manure remains the best choice for soil amendment due to its low pathogen load and balanced nutrients.
If you're set on using pet-waste compost, make sure it's processed under strict high-heat conditions—and reserve its use exclusively for non-edible landscaping plants.
Summary Points
- Avoid using dog poop directly as fertilizer because of pathogens, parasites, and nutrient overloads.
- If composted properly at high heat, use only on ornamental plants—not food crops.
- The safest disposal methods are prompt collection with trash disposal or specialized compost systems.
- Leaving dog waste outdoors harms lawns, public health, pets—and pollutes local waterways.
Your best bet? Pick up after your pup quickly and dispose of their waste responsibly. Your garden—and your neighbors—will thank you!
