Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

If you’ve ever caught your dog munching on poop, don’t panic — you’re not alone. This puzzling (and quite disgusting) behavior, known as coprophagia, is more common than you might think. But why do dogs do it? Is it a sign of illness, a nutritional deficiency, or just plain weird dog behavior? Let’s explore the science behind this stinky habit and what experts say about it.

The Evolutionary Perspective: A Survival Instinct

According to a study conducted by Dr. Benjamin Hart at the University of California, Davis, coprophagia might be an ancient survival mechanism. Before dogs were domesticated, their wild ancestors scavenged whatever food was available, including feces.

In the wild, eating fresh feces may have helped prevent parasites from infesting their dens.

Wolves, the closest relatives to dogs, have been observed eating feces to maintain cleanliness in their packs.

Puppies might instinctively copy their mother, who eats their waste to keep the den clean and avoid attracting predators.

So, while your dog’s poop-eating habit might seem revolting to you, in their mind, it could simply be part of their ancestral survival instincts.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Is Your Dog Lacking Something?

Some experts believe that dogs eat poop because they are lacking essential nutrients. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), certain dietary deficiencies can trigger coprophagia, including:

Enzyme deficiencies: Dogs that eat highly processed foods may lack the digestive enzymes needed to break down food properly. Some dogs eat feces to reclaim partially digested nutrients.

Vitamin B deficiency: A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior suggests that a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) may contribute to coprophagia.

Malabsorption disorders: If your dog isn’t absorbing enough nutrients from their food due to gastrointestinal issues, they might turn to feces as an alternative source.

However, before assuming your dog has a deficiency, it’s always best to consult your vet.

Boredom, Stress, or Anxiety: Emotional Triggers

Dogs are intelligent animals, and when they don’t get enough mental or physical stimulation, they can develop strange behaviors — including eating poop.

Boredom: Dogs left alone for long periods or lacking proper exercise might eat feces simply because they have nothing else to do.

Stress or Anxiety: Dogs in high-stress environments, such as those in shelters, are more likely to develop coprophagia. Studies suggest that dogs with separation anxiety may engage in poop-eating as a coping mechanism.

Attention-seeking behavior: If a dog notices that eating poop results in a big reaction from their owner, they might continue doing it just for attention — even if it’s negative.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends increasing interactive playtime and mental stimulation to curb this behavior in stressed dogs.

4. Learned Behavior: Monkey See, Monkey Do

If a puppy sees their mother or another dog eating poop, they might imitate the behavior. This is common in multi-dog households where one dog develops coprophagia, and others follow suit.

Dr. Karen Overall, a veterinary behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania, states that puppies are more likely to engage in coprophagia as they explore their environment. Most outgrow the habit, but some carry it into adulthood.

Medical Conditions That Can Lead to Coprophagia

While many cases of coprophagia are behavioral, certain medical conditions can also be a factor. These include:

Diabetes and Cushing’s disease: These conditions increase appetite, making dogs more likely to eat anything — including feces.

Parasites: Intestinal worms steal nutrients from a dog’s food, potentially leading to coprophagia.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): A condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes, leading dogs to seek out undigested food in feces.

If your dog suddenly develops a poop-eating habit, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet check-up to rule out any underlying health issues.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop

If your dog is a poop connoisseur, don’t lose hope — there are ways to curb the habit!

A. Improve Their Diet

Ensure your dog is getting a well-balanced, high-quality diet. Adding digestive enzymes or probiotics can help with absorption and digestion. Some owners have success adding pineapple to their dog’s food — the enzymes make poop taste unappetizing.

B. Keep Their Environment Clean

The easiest solution? Pick up poop immediately. If there’s no poop to eat, the problem is solved!

C. Provide More Mental & Physical Stimulation

A tired dog is less likely to eat poop out of boredom. Engage your dog with puzzle toys, longer walks, and interactive play.

D. Use Training & Positive Reinforcement

Teach the “Leave It” command and reward your dog for ignoring poop. Avoid punishment — it can increase stress, making the behavior worse.

E. Address Any Underlying Health Issues

If coprophagia is a new behavior, consult your vet to rule out medical causes.

Poop-eating is gross, but it’s a natural behavior for many dogs. According to a study by the University of California, Davis, about 16% of dogs are “serious” poop eaters, meaning they eat poop at least five times in their lifetime.

While the habit is unpleasant, it can often be managed with proper diet, training, and environmental adjustments. And remember — your dog isn’t trying to be disgusting. In their world, poop-eating might just make perfect sense!

So next time you catch your dog in the act, take a deep breath, try not to freak out, and use it as an opportunity to understand your furry friend a little better.