Why Dog Waste Should Never Be Used as Garden Fertilizer

Using dog feces in the garden poses serious health risks and provides poor nutritional value for plants. Here's why it should be avoided entirely.

Health Hazards

• Parasites: Roundworms and other pathogens can survive in soil for years and infect humans.
• Disease transmission: Pet waste carries organisms harmful to people, unlike manure from grazing animals.

Poor Fertilizer Value

Dog feces approximate 1.4-0.25-0.01 NPK (equivalent to 6-1-0 synthetic). This extremely high nitrogen, near-zero phosphorus/potassium ratio suits only grass—and even then, 20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft would be needed, plus supplemental P and K.

Better Alternatives

Composted manure from cows, horses, sheep, llamas, or poultry is safe and nutritionally balanced. Always compost first to kill pathogens and stabilize nutrients.

Recommendation

Collect and dispose of dog waste properly. Never use it on lawns, vegetable gardens, or ornamental beds.