Ever catch your dog chowing down on poo and wonder, “Why did I sign up for this?” At The Pets Table, we feel you. But don’t panic — this isn’t your dog trying to ruin your life.
Coprophagia (the official term for dogs eating poop) is weirdly common. It’s gross, it’s confusing, and honestly, your dog probably doesn’t even know why they’re doing it. But we do, and we’re here to help you get to the bottom of this problem.
Read on to uncover why your pup is turning into a poop connoisseur and, more importantly, how to get them to stop.
What Are the Reasons Dogs Eat Poop?
From ancient instincts to nutritional deficiencies or even just plain boredom, here are the top culprits behind your pup’s questionable snack choices:
It’s an Instinct Thing
Believe it or not, some dogs are just channeling their inner scavenger. Wild canines, like wolves, often eat droppings to keep their dens clean and avoid attracting predators.
Even mother dogs lick up their puppies’ feces to keep the den tidy. So, if your pup thinks they’re in the wild and you’re their alpha — congrats! They’re just following some ancient instincts.
Nutritional Deficiencies Can Play a Role
Sometimes, if your dog’s diet is missing something important — like vitamin B or certain enzymes — they might try to “supplement” it by eating poo. Think of it like a weird, smelly multivitamin they definitely don’t need. If your pup’s munching habits seem off, it might be time to revisit their dog food or chat with a DMV about supplements.
It Could Be a Medical Issue
When eating feces comes out of nowhere, it might be a sign of a medical problem. Conditions like intestinal parasites, malabsorption, thyroid issues, or even Cushing’s disease can make your dog crave feces. If you suspect any medical conditions, don’t just guess — get your pup to the vet.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs love attention, and if they know snacking on feces gets a big reaction, they might just keep doing it. Be it out of boredom, separation anxiety, or because they’re mischievous, some pups eat poo just to get a rise out of you. They’re not trying to gross you out (okay, maybe a little), but they’re definitely asking for more playtime and enrichment.
They Learned It During Potty Training
Sometimes, during potty training, dogs accidentally learn that getting rid of their own mess is a good thing. Maybe they got scolded for leaving droppings behind, and now they’re like, “Cool, I’ll just clean this up myself!” It’s a classic case of good intentions gone wrong. This is especially common in female dogs or pups who were overly corrected during potty breaks.
They Think It Tastes Good
As much as we wish this wasn’t true, some dogs just like the taste of poop. Whether it’s their own poop, cat poop (straight from the litter box), or another animal’s droppings, some pups think it’s a delicacy. Gross? Yes. Fixable? Absolutely.
Is It Bad If Dogs Eat Poop?
While the occasional poop snack won’t instantly impact your dog, this habit isn’t something you want to ignore. Here’s why you should care if your pup is treating feces like a fine dining experience.
Health Risks Are a Real Thing
Stool eating can expose your dog to intestinal parasites, bacteria, and even viruses that can mess with their tummy (and your carpet). If they’re chowing down on another animal’s droppings — especially from the cat litter box or unknown sources — it ups the risk. Coprophagia can lead to infections that you really don’t want to deal with.
It Can Mess With Their Digestion
Eating poop can upset your dog’s stomach, especially if they’re already dealing with nutritional deficiencies. Throw in some extra bacteria or parasites, and you’ve got a recipe for diarrhea, vomiting, and other behavior problems you definitely didn’t sign up for. Keep an eye on your dog’s potty habits to see if things are normal.
It’s a Behavior That Can Get Worse
What starts as an occasional gross-out moment can quickly become a full-blown habit. If your pup gets used to seeking out feces, it can be harder to stop it down the line. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s not a behavior that makes for great cuddle sessions.
It’s Just Plain Gross for Pet Parents
You don’t want to deal with poop-breath kisses. No one does. If your dog’s idea of a snack is a fresh pile of feces, it makes those snuggles a lot less appealing. Breaking the habit keeps your pup healthy — and your nose happy.
Practical Steps for Pet Parents To Prevent Poop Eating
If the vet has ruled out any underlying medical conditions and confirmed you’ve got a determined poop snacker on your hands, don’t worry! There are steps you can take to put a lid on this stinky habit.
Here are some simple, effective ways to help your dog kick their coprophagia to the curb.
Reexamine Their Diet
Remember how we mentioned that nutritional deficiencies could turn your pup into a poop eater? One way to address this is to upgrade their dog food. A balanced diet full of high-quality ingredients can make a huge difference.
That’s where we come in! At The Pets Table, we whip up personalized dog food designed to keep your dog happy, healthy, and far away from backyard “treats.” Think chicken, beef, and turkey recipes freshly made with healthy ingredients — no preservatives, no fillers, no weird stuff.
You can choose from our Fresh Plan, Air-Dried Plan, or the fan-fave Mixed Plan. Our meals are developed with a Board-Certified Vet Nutritionist and delivered right to your door.
Keep Their Environment Clean
If there’s no poop lying around, there’s no poop to eat! Make it a habit to clean up your yard regularly and scoop those droppings as soon as possible.
For dogs who love raiding the litter box, consider a covered or dog-proof cat litter box to block access to those kitty treasures. A clean environment means fewer opportunities for snack-time disasters.
Use Positive Reinforcement
When your dog skips the poop picnic, reward them! Positive reinforcement works wonders. Every time they do their business and walk away without turning back for a taste, give them a treat, some praise, or a fun round of playtime. They’ll start associating good dog behavior with awesome rewards — and that’s a win for everyone.
Make Poop Less Appealing
If your dog insists on treating poo like a delicacy, you can make it taste less appetizing. (Yes, it’s possible!) There are dog-safe food additives that make their stool taste bitter. It’s like adding hot sauce to your leftovers so no one steals them.
Increase Playtime and Enrichment
Poop eating happens from time to time because your dog is bored. Boost their daily enrichment with more playtime, new toys, and brain games to keep them entertained. Plus, you’ll get a tired, happy pup out of the deal. Everybody’s happy!
Work on Dog Training Basics
If your pup’s coprophagia is an attention-seeking stunt, reinforcing good dog training habits can help. Practice commands like “leave it” and “come” during potty breaks. A solid recall and a firm “no” can stop the snack before it happens. Consistency is key, so keep at it.
When Should I Visit the Vet for My Dog’s Behavior?
If your dog’s poop-eating habit is starting to feel like their favorite hobby, it might be time to dig a little deeper. Watch for clues like sudden changes in appetite, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. If they’re showing signs of separation anxiety or other new behavioral issues along with their coprophagia, something more could be going on.
Another red flag? If they’re eating poop despite a balanced diet and plenty of enrichment. When things just don’t add up, a trip to the veterinarian can help rule out any hidden issues. Trust your gut — and get your pup’s gut checked out, too!
Conclusion
Dealing with a poop-eating pup isn’t exactly a walk in the park (well, unless that walk ends with some unexpected snacking). But with the right mix of diet, training, and a little detective work, you can help your dog break the habit and get back to being the lovable dog you know and adore.
And if a nutrient-packed diet is on your checklist, we’ve got your back! At The Pets Table, we offer personalized dog food developed with the help of board-certified vet nutritionists, delivered straight to your door. Fresh, Air-Dried, or Mixed — there’s a plan for every pup (and budget).
Ready to swap poo for wholesome meals? Take our quiz, and let’s get those tails wagging!
Sources:
Positive reinforcement training | The Humane Society of the United States