Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? (Explained, Should you be worried?)

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Probably the most horrible thing about your dog is this.

Ever come across the positively horrifying and grotesque scene of your dog putting its mouth where it doesn’t belong?

If you haven’t, you are lucky.

While this behaviour is revolting, it might mean something.

We are here to decode why your dog would prefer their poop over the tasty treats you make them.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

1. Instinct from Puppyhood

Many puppies go through a phase where they explore the world with their mouths—and poop is no exception. They may mimic their mother, who licks them clean and sometimes eats waste to keep the den area tidy.

This instinct can linger into adolescence if not corrected early. It’s usually part of normal development and often fades with time and training.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

If a dog’s diet lacks key nutrients—like B vitamins, digestive enzymes, or minerals—they may instinctively try to “recycle” them by eating feces. This behavior might also occur in dogs with poor nutrient absorption due to digestive issues.

Sometimes the poop contains undigested food, making it more appealing. In these cases, it’s a red flag that the dog isn’t getting everything it needs from its food

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3. Digestive Enzyme Imbalance

Dogs with conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or other digestive disorders may not break down food properly. As a result, their poop smells and tastes like partially digested food.

To them, it’s not waste—it’s leftovers. If your dog’s stool looks greasy or foul-smelling and they’re losing weight despite eating well, this could be the cause.

4. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

A bored dog will find ways to entertain itself—sometimes in the most unsavory ways. Eating poop may be a way to pass time or get a reaction from you.

Dogs left alone for long periods or with little mental stimulation are more likely to develop this habit. It can become a coping mechanism for dogs that don’t get enough attention or enrichment.

5. Stress, Anxiety, or Punishment

Dogs experiencing anxiety—especially after being punished for accidents in the house—may eat their stool to hide the evidence. This is especially common in rescue dogs or those with a history of harsh discipline.

It’s their way of avoiding perceived consequences. Stress from being kenneled, rehomed, or left alone can also trigger this behavior.

6. Imitating Other Dogs

In multi-dog households, if one dog eats poop, others may copy the behavior. Dogs are social learners and often mimic what they see.

If your dog sees another pet eating feces without correction, they may assume it’s acceptable. This is especially true in younger or more submissive dogs learning from older ones.

7. Attraction to the Scent or Texture

As odd as it seems, some dogs are genuinely attracted to the smell and texture of certain types of poop. Cat feces, for example, is high in protein and can be especially tempting to dogs.

They may also be drawn to the smell of poop from animals that eat raw or high-meat diets. In these cases, the behavior is less about health and more about preference.

8. Medical Conditions or Parasites

Underlying health issues like parasites, diabetes, thyroid problems, or steroid medications can increase appetite and lead to poop-eating.

Dogs with these conditions may feel ravenous and less discriminating about what they eat. If the behavior starts suddenly and is accompanied by weight loss, increased thirst, or behavior changes, medical testing may be necessary.

🛑 How to Reduce Poop-Eating Behavior

While poop-eating can be unpleasant to witness, it’s often manageable. Here are some steps to reduce or eliminate the behavior:

  • Clean up waste immediately to limit access.

  • Feed a well-balanced, high-quality diet to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

  • Add enzyme or deterrent supplements (like pineapple, parsley, or commercial products) to make poop taste unpleasant to dogs.

  • Increase mental stimulation and physical activity to reduce boredom.

  • Use positive reinforcement training to redirect and discourage the behavior.

  • Avoid harsh punishments, which can increase stress and make the problem worse.

  • Supervise your dog outdoors, especially in areas with access to other animals’ feces.

Consistency and patience are key. Most dogs can unlearn this habit with the right approach.

🐶 When to Consult the Vet

You should consult a veterinarian if:

  • The poop-eating behavior is sudden or obsessive

  • Your dog is losing weight, has digestive issues, or shows changes in appetite

  • There are signs of parasites, like diarrhea, scooting, or bloated stomach

  • Your dog is on medication (like steroids) and develops this habit

  • The behavior doesn’t improve with training or dietary changes

A vet can run tests to check for deficiencies, parasites, or underlying conditions and may suggest enzyme therapy, medications, or diet adjustments.

We won’t take this discussion any further.

Hope you find the article useful.

Always keep a vet at standby.

You can never be too careful with your canids.