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Yes, BUT only after proper preparation and treatment. Simply leaving dog poop lying around is not only gross but also harmful and dangerous in many ways – for plants, other animals, and people. Here you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to turn dog poop into valuable fertilizer – without any mess or odor.

1. Dog Poop as Fertilizer – Leaving It Lying Around Isn’t an Option
2. Dog Poop as Fertilizer: Here’s How
3. Composting Dog Poop: Your Benefits
   1. Does Dog Poop Compost Smell?
   2. Why Does Dog Poop Need to Be Composted First?
   3. How Can I Make Dog Poop Compost Even Safer to Use?
4. Dog Poop as Fertilizer: Simple, Cheap, Sustainable

Dog Poop as Fertilizer – Leaving It Lying Around Isn’t an Option

Whenever I notice someone leaving their dog’s poop behind, the excuses usually follow quickly: “It decomposes anyway!”

Yes, dog poop is biodegradable. But:

• Did you know it takes an average of 9 months for dog poop to fully decompose?
• Did you know that during those 9 months, other animals can get infected with diseases or parasites from it?
• Did you know that dog poop is so nutrient-rich it can quickly lead to over-fertilization?

There’s also a serious risk to cows, horses, and other animals when dog poop is left on pastures or hayfields.

And let’s not forget the classic fall/autumn game: “Leaf or dog poop?”—played way too often at dusk.

New studies even show that leftover dog poop in parks, recreational areas, and nature reserves has devastating effects on soil quality, plants, and local wildlife.

So: Don’t just leave dog poop lying around. Dispose of it properly—or better yet, turn it into something useful.

Dog Poop as Fertilizer: Here’s How

Dog poop contains large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen—exactly the nutrients found in regular plant fertilizers. Instead of throwing it out with the trash, you only need a compost bin and some patience to turn it into nutrient-rich soil. Here’s how it works:

1. You’ll need a composter, compost worms, and food for the worms. Suitable materials include garden clippings and yard waste like leaves, roots, weeds, as well as kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells.
2. To get the worms started right away, add some soil into the compost bin. Alternate moist materials with sawdust to balance moisture and prevent odor.
3. Wait patiently while worms and microorganisms do their job and transform the dog poop, garden, and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil.

Pro Tip: Use a composter with a removal flap for your terrace or garden, or a stacked worm compost bin for your balcony.

Composting Dog Poop: Your Benefits

• Unlike dog poop left in the wild, composting breaks it down much faster.
• Some pathogens are eliminated during the composting process.
• You save money on high-quality soil and fertilizer.
• Once set up, the compost practically takes care of itself.
• You’re practicing more sustainable dog ownership.

But You Probably Have Some Concerns About Using Dog Poop Compost…

Does Dog Poop Compost Smell?

No, if you follow basic composting rules, you won’t notice a thing. It won’t smell, mold, or attract flies. In fact, modern compost bins are so effective, you can even make high-quality soil right on your balcony or in your kitchen—and that includes composting dog poop – without unpleasant odors.

Why Does Dog Poop Need to Be Composted First?

Dog poop decomposes very slowly on its own. It contains undigested food, concentrated nitrogen and phosphorus, and potentially pathogens or medication residues.

Compost worms and microorganisms feed on these materials. Once the poop has passed through their systems and been exposed to compost heat, nutrients are better distributed and harmful substances are significantly reduced.

The result is nutrient-rich soil you can safely use for heavy feeders (plants that need lots of nutrients), ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables.

How Can I Make Dog Poop Compost Even Safer to Use?

Still unsure or grossed out? After all, the soil did come from dog poop. Maybe this helps: animal manure from horses, cows, rabbits, chickens, and other poultry is traditionally used as fertilizer. Fields are fertilized with slurry, and gardeners are often thrilled to get their hands on horse manure.

Still not convinced? Sterilize the soil before using it as fertilizer. Just place it in oven-safe trays or on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 200°C (392°F) for 20 minutes, or microwave it. Moisten the soil first to prevent it from burning.

This will kill all pathogens, spores, and harmful substances.

Dog Poop as Fertilizer: Simple, Cheap, Sustainable

Composting dog poop is easy, cost-effective, saves you money on plant care, and is environmentally friendly too.

So, there are plenty of good reasons to make better use of dog poop in the future – rather than just throwing it away.