Wondering, “Why is my dog eating poop?” You’re not alone—and it’s not as weird (or rare) as it sounds. This behavior, called coprophagia, is surprisingly common and often fixable.
In this post, we’ll explore 7 possible reasons your dog may be eating feces and what you can do about it—plus product recommendations to help stop it for good.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Poop?
As gross as it seems, poop-eating is more common than you’d think. Puppies often explore the world through their mouths, and sometimes that means tasting things they shouldn’t—including poop. Adult dogs may also engage in this behavior due to nutritional deficiencies, boredom, anxiety, or habit.
Let’s dive into the reasons.
7 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Eating Poop
1. Nutritional Deficiency
If your dog’s body is lacking essential nutrients or digestive enzymes, it may instinctively try to “recycle” nutrients by eating feces.
Solution: Try a digestive supplement or probiotic chew which helps support healthy gut issues.
Our recommendation: Zesty Paws Probiotics for Dogs – Digestive Enzymes for Gut- Available On Amazon
2. Imitating Other Dogs or Motherly Instinct
Puppies often mimic their mother’s behavior. Nursing mothers lick and clean their puppies, which includes eating feces to keep the den clean.
Solution: Remove feces from your yard, litter area, or walks as soon as possible. If there’s nothing to copy or access, the habit can’t continue.
3. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation
Dogs left alone for long periods may turn to poop-eating out of boredom.
Solution: Provide interactive toys or puzzle feeders.
Read More about the importance of enrichment activities and our recommendations on enrichment activities!
- The Best Dog Toys for Entertainment: Top Picks to Keep Your Dog Engaged and Happy
- Bob-A-Lot vs KONG Wobbler: Which Is Better For Your Dog?
- Unleashing the Magic of Dog Enrichment Activities
- How To Create A DIY Sniff Box For Dog Enrichment
- Easy Indoor Puzzle Enrichment Activities for Your Dog
4. Anxiety or Stress
Dogs with separation anxiety or high stress may engage in compulsive behaviors—including eating poop.
Solution: Address anxiety with calming treats or behavioral training.
Our recommendation: Zesty Paws Calming Chews for Dogs – for Everyday Stress, Relaxation, Composure, and Separation- Available on Amazon
Continue Reading: Dog Separation Anxiety: What Is It & How To Help
5. Medical Issues
Parasites, diabetes, thyroid issues, or malabsorption syndromes can lead to strange cravings.
Always consult your vet if your dog’s behavior changes suddenly or if poop-eating becomes frequent.
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6. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs are smart. If eating poop gets a strong reaction from you, they might repeat it just for attention.
Solution: Teach a strong “leave it” command: This gives you a reliable way to interrupt the behavior calmly and redirect attention. Provide positive alternatives, redirect your dog with a treat or a toy.
Check out all of Capri’s favorite toys over at Capri’s Top Picks!
7. Poor Diet or Low-Quality Dog Food
Low-protein or highly processed food may leave your dog feeling unsatisfied.
Solution: Upgrade to high-quality dog food or add nutrient boosters.
Our Experience: Finding the right food for Capri wasn’t quick or easy. I spent months buying different brands, putting out two bowls at once, and watching which one she chose first. It wasn’t cheap, but once we landed on Wellness CORE RawRev, I knew we had found “the one.” Capri’s been on it for about three years now, and honestly, all that trial and error was worth it.
How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop
Here’s what works best for most pet parents:
- Improve nutrition and digestion with supplements
- Keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated
- Use positive reinforcement to redirect behavior
- Clean up poop immediately to remove temptation
- Address anxiety with calming treats or routines
- Rule out medical issues with a vet visit
Recommended Products to Help
| Product | Purpose | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive Probiotics | Gut health, reduce poop eating | Buy on Amazon |
| Zesty Paws Calming Bites | Anxiety relief | Buy on Amazon |
| Outward Hound Puzzle Feeder | Boredom relief | Buy on Amazon |
| Hills Diet | Improved diet | Buy on Amazon |
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my dog eating poop?”, you’re not alone—and the good news is, there are real solutions. Start by identifying the root cause, and take action with proper diet, enrichment, and supplements.
Want to stop this habit once and for all? Check out the products above or talk to your vet for personalized advice.
Thanks for reading!
-Cara & Capri
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