Why does my dog eat poop and how to stop it?
If your dog treats the cat’s litter box like an all-you-can-eat buffet or sees the neighbour's dog poop as a gourmet snack, you might be asking yourself: “Is my dog normal?” The short answer? Yes. The long answer? Also yes—but it’s weird.
Believe it or not, about 25% of dogs have indulged in this questionable delicacy at least once, and 16% have made it a full-on hobby. Science calls this lovely behaviour coprophagia (which sounds fancier than “poop munching,” but let’s be real—it’s the same thing).
Before you start questioning all those wet kisses your dog gives you, know this: while poop-eating might be normal in the canine world, it’s definitely not ideal. It can expose your pup to nasty stuff like parasites, bacteria, and diseases (and, unfortunately, it can expose you, too).
So why on earth do dogs eat poop? Buckle up—here are the reasons your dog might be dining on doo-doo and how to stop them.
1. Vitamin or Nutrient Deficiencies
So, first on our list is a classic culprit: nutrient deficiencies. It turns out today's pampered pups often lack the nutrient variety their wild ancestors enjoyed. Those wolves? They feasted on a buffet of menu items. Your dog, on the other hand, might just be getting the same kibble day after day, leaving them a bit *nutrient-deficient*. Some studies suggest that a deficiency in vitamin B could lead to a dog feeling compelled to dine on dung. Hey, who knew the key to a nutrient-rich diet was a trip to the nearest corner of the yard?
How to stop it: Consider introducing a digestive supplement full of enzymes, along with a multivitamin featuring B vitamins. You might also want to jazz up their diet with different food options to keep it fresh and exciting. After all, variety is the spice of life—unless you’re a dog, then apparently it's poop.
2. Food Obsession
Next up, let’s chat about food obsession. If your dog has ever been *more than a little* enthusiastic about their meal time! time, they might just be suffering from a food obsession. If your pup’s stomach is more bottomless pit than a furry companion, they might resort to soccer balls and, yes, even poop. In a moment of desperation, they might even think, “I know! This looks oddly edible!”
How to stop it: Before you start stressing too much, make a pit stop at your vet's office to rule out any underlying issues. Is your dog healthy but still eating like they’re preparing for a winter hibernation? Consider using a slow feeder bowl or a puzzle feeder. Just think of it as the dog version of a “work for your food” exercise. You can also give them healthy treats between meals. Who wouldn’t want some crunchy carrots or apple slices?
3. Instincts Going Wild
Next, we have a theory straight out of the canine instinct handbook. Some clever experts believe that wild canids, like wolves, dine on the fresh stools of their pack mates to protect the pack from parasites. You see, it’s all about survival! Dogs have retained this instinct, and when they catch a whiff of something less than appealing (let’s say, a two-day-old offering), they may just think, “Mmm, I must protect my family!”
How to stop it: Next, we have a theory straight out of the canine instinct handbook. Some clever experts believe that wild canids, like wolves, dine on the fresh stools of their pack mates to protect the pack from parasites. You see, it’s all about survival! Dogs have retained this instinct, and when they catch a whiff of something less than appealing (let’s say, a two-day-old offering), they may just think, “Mmm, I must protect my family!”
4. Attentive Mothering—Not Just for Dogs!
Here’s a giggle-worthy fact: when dogs have puppies, they sometimes partake in what appears to be a “clean-up crew” role, which includes eating their babies’ lovely little gifts (aka, faeces). Talk about being the world’s most dedicated mom! This behaviour is natural, and you can rest assured that this habit will fizzle out once the puppies get the hang of doing their business away from the den.
How to stop it: You don’t! Just let mom do her thing—she’ll stop once her puppies grow out of the pooping-everywhere phase.
5. Positive Associations—Puppy Psychology 101
Did you know that puppies who spend time with their mother often develop positive associations with, you guessed it, poop? Yep! When these adorable little fluffballs catch a whiff of their mother’s breath after an *interesting meal*, they might think, “If Mom loves this, then I might love it too!” We call this delightful phenomenon "appetitive inoculation." Who would have thought that their first culinary lesson might involve the brown stuff?
How to stop it: During potty training, try luring your curious pooch away from their droppings with a treat like it’s the grand prize. Clean up after the little ones promptly, and whenever you see puppy curiosity knocking, distract them with some training or playtime. Anything that keeps them from returning to their previous “delicacy” is a step in the right direction!
6. Boredom: The Ultimate Wrecking Ball
Guess what? Just like humans, dogs suffer from boredom. Your pooch might munch on poop simply because they’re feeling a little *meh* about life. When they’re not given enough to do, they might find themselves engaging in some eyebrow-raising activities. To your dog, this might be the doggy equivalent of snagging popcorn at the movies. “What’s that? A hidden stash of something smelly? Let’s explore!"
How to stop it: The key to a happy canine is engaging toys, proper exercise, and mental stimulation. Make sure your furry friend has plenty of entertainment so they don’t resort to less-than-pleasant surprises. Plus, avoid leaving them alone in the backyard unsupervised, or they might just turn into the poop connoisseur of the neighbourhood!
7. Attention Seeking—Seriously, Fido?
Your dog is smarter than you think! They might’ve realized that indulging in poop is an instant ticket to a reaction from you, even if it’s a negative one. For some pups, they’d rather be scolded than ignored. And if chasing them results in a fun little game of “Catch Me If You Can,” then it’s party time!
How to stop it: When you catch your pup munching on their dubious snack, don’t give them the reaction they’re looking for. Instead, calmly lure them away with a treat or a toy and redirect their attention. Ensuring your furry friend feels loved and engages in active playtime can significantly decrease the need for “dramatic” antics.
8. Fear of Punishment
Dogs are smart, but they’re also a little too good at problem-solving sometimes. If a puppy gets scolded for having an accident indoors, they might think, Uh-oh, I better make the evidence disappear!—and boom, a gross new habit is born. What starts as a nervous reaction can stick around for life if they keep associating poop with trouble.
How to stop it: Skip the scolding! Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Celebrate when they potty in the right place with treats, belly rubs, or a happy dance (yes, they love it). If accidents happen, just clean up quietly—no drama, no stress. A chill approach to potty training means no need for poop cover-ups!
9. Health Conditions
Some medical issues can make dogs feel constantly hungry or drive them to seek out unusual sources of nutrition—poop included. Conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), intestinal parasites, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and malabsorption disorders can lead to increased appetite, nutrient deficiencies, or digestive imbalances. If a dog isn’t getting the nutrients they need from their regular food, they may turn to alternative “meals” in an attempt to compensate.
How to stop it: If your dog has suddenly developed a taste for poop—or is also showing signs like weight loss, vomiting, or low energy—it’s time for a vet check. A simple test can rule out medical causes, and if something’s wrong, treatment can help get their appetite back on track (for food, not faeces).
10. Anxiety or Stress
When humans get stressed, we binge-watch TV or eat a whole pizza. Dogs? Some of them cope by eating poop. (To each their own, right?) If your pup is anxious—especially when left alone—they might develop some odd self-soothing habits, and for some, that means snacking on, well, that.
How to stop it: Help your dog chill out by making their environment as comfy as possible. Keep their crate in a cosy, social spot, not some dark, lonely corner. Give them fun chew toys or puzzle feeders to keep their brain busy. And if they have separation anxiety, work on gradual training to help them feel secure when you’re away.
11. Curiosity
Dogs are like toddlers with paws—they explore the world with their mouths. So sometimes, they’re just like, Hey, what’s this? I should taste it! And unfortunately, that curiosity doesn’t always lead to good choices.
How to stop it: Keep an eye on them when they’re outside. If they start showing too much interest in something suspicious, call them over with a happy “Come!” and reward them with a treat. Teaching a strong “Leave it” command also helps, so they learn to ignore gross discoveries in favour of better options (like, you know, actual food).
12. The Taste
Brace yourself for the worst reason of all: Some dogs just… like the taste. Yep, no medical reason, no anxiety, just pure, unfiltered bad taste. And if they try it once and decide it’s chef’s kiss, they might just keep coming back for more.
How to stop it:
Time for some strategic intervention:
- Immediate Clean-up: Don’t give them the opportunity—pick up poop right away.
- Gross-It-Up: There are food additives that make poop taste terrible… even to dogs (which is saying something). Look for deterrents like For-Bid or NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent.
- Block Access: If your dog’s favourite snack is cat poop, invest in a covered litter box or place it somewhere they can’t reach.
13. Living With a Sick or Senior Dog
Dogs have some weird instincts, and one of them is pack hygiene. In the wild, a dog might eat the poop of a sick or elderly pack member to keep the group safe from predators. Fast-forward to modern pet life, and your dog might still have that instinct—just without the whole "wild survival" part.
How to stop it:
- Keep things separate. Use pet gates or crates to keep your poop-eater away from the source.
- Be on clean-up duty. If your senior dog is having accidents, scoop them up fast.
- Focus on care. If your older dog is struggling with incontinence, talk to your vet about ways to manage it.
Do all dogs eat their poop?
Thankfully, no—not all dogs have a secret poop habit. But if you’ve caught your pup indulging, don’t worry, they’re not alone! Studies suggest that around 16% of dogs are “frequent offenders,” while up to 50% have tried it at least once. Some breeds, especially retrievers and terriers, seem more prone to the habit (lucky you, if you have one!).
Puppies are the most curious culprits, often exploring everything with their mouths—including poop. Most grow out of it, but some dogs hold onto the habit into adulthood. If your dog has never shown interest, consider yourself lucky—and maybe don’t brag about it to friends dealing with a poo connoisseur!
Why does my dog eat poop in winter?
Winter is a magical time—snowflakes falling, hot cocoa brewing, and your dog gleefully munching on… a poop-sickle?! Yep, for some reason, the colder months turn our beloved pups into poop connoisseurs. But why?
First, let’s talk texture. Dogs who wouldn’t normally give a second glance to a fresh, squishy mess seem to have a refined palate for firm, frozen stools. It’s like they suddenly decide, “Ah yes, aged to perfection and served at the ideal temperature—très gourmet!” The colder it gets, the crunchier it gets, and apparently, that’s a good thing (for them, not for us).
Then there’s the visibility factor. When everything is blanketed in white, that little brown pile stands out like a neon sign screaming, “Hey! Free snack!” Even dogs who usually ignore poop might get curious when it’s suddenly front and centre in the winter wonderland.
Boredom also plays a role. With fewer walks and less outdoor playtime, your pup might just be looking for something to do—and unfortunately, their version of "fun" might involve testing out nature’s version of a frozen treat.
How to stop it: Stay on top of poop patrol like a winter ninja—scoop it up before it has time to turn into a delicacy. Keep your dog entertained with extra playtime and puzzle toys, and reinforce the “leave it” command. Because let’s be honest, the only thing you want your dog bringing inside this winter is snow—not a case of frozen bad breath!
Is it Dangerous for My Dog to Eat Poop?
Look, we all have our guilty pleasures—some people love pineapple on pizza, others binge reality TV. But your dog? Their questionable habit is, well… eating poop. While this stomach-churning behaviour is usually harmless, it’s still a bad idea for a few key reasons.
First, poop isn’t exactly the safest snack. It can be packed with parasites, bacteria, and viruses, turning your dog’s little snack-time adventure into a potential health hazard. Then there’s the extra special danger—some animals, like horses, pass medications (like dewormers) through their poop, and if your dog decides to chow down on that, they could be ingesting something toxic. So, yeah… not ideal.
If your pup does manage to sneak in a forbidden faecal feast, don’t panic—just make sure they get some water or a dog-friendly snack to help cleanse their palate (because let’s be honest, you don’t want that smell lingering). And whatever you do, avoid those sloppy dog kisses until their mouth has had a proper rinse. Oh, and wash your hands—thoroughly. Like, surgeon-level scrubbing.
For extra peace of mind, keep your dog up to date on worming treatments and, if possible, shut down their poop buffet altogether. Trust us, some cravings just aren’t meant to be indulged!
What to put in dog food to stop eating poop?
If your dog thinks poop is a five-star delicacy, it’s time to make it a little less appetizing. Luckily, you can tweak their diet to curb this cringe-worthy habit.
First up—digestive enzymes and probiotics. Sometimes, dogs eat poop because their food isn’t fully digesting, leaving behind some, uh, “leftover nutrients” in their stools. Adding digestive enzymes can help break down their meals properly, making their poop less tempting (because ew).
Next, consider a B-vitamin supplement. Some studies suggest that a lack of vitamin B could be behind their gourmet poop preferences. A multivitamin with plenty of B vitamins might make them rethink their snack choices.
Then there’s the "spice up the poop" method—not for flavor, but for deterrence! Adding things like pineapple, pumpkin, or spinach to their food can make their poop taste bitter (as if it wasn’t bad enough already). For extra reinforcement, there are store-bought poop-eating deterrents that work the same way.
And finally—feed them a balanced, high-quality diet. If they’re not getting enough nutrients, they might go looking for “extras” in all the wrong places. A well-fed pup is less likely to turn their backyard into an all-you-can-eat buffet.
So, tweak their diet, keep an eye on them, and hopefully, your pup will retire from their poop-sampling adventures for good!
Final Thoughts
While you may never understand why your precious pooch thinks poop is a five-star treat, knowing the reasons behind this peculiar behavior can help you minimize the likelihood of those squishy snacks becoming a part of their daily diet. So grab your training treats, keep your dog’s food schedule in check, and get ready to play the ultimate game of distraction when you catch them in the act. Just remember, this unique quirks exists—and we might all just have to laugh and roll with it!
Now go forth, fellow dog owner, and may your days of marinating in mystery pooch habits be fewer. Happy training!