Our dogs bring endless joy into our lives, but let’s be honest—they also have a few habits we’d rather not witness. From drinking out of the toilet to licking parts of their bodies we’d rather not think about, dogs can be pretty gross. One behavior that tends to horrify pet owners the most, however, is when a dog decides to snack on poop. Seeing feces in a dog’s mouth is enough to make anyone cringe.
While this habit can be disturbing, dogs aren’t doing it to disgust us. In fact, poop eating is one of the most common reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters or, in extreme cases, euthanized. Today, we’re taking a closer look at why dogs eat poop and what pet owners can do to discourage this behavior.
What Is Coprophagia?
The act of eating feces is known as coprophagia (pronounced kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh). In dogs, this behavior typically stems from either behavioral triggers or medical and nutritional issues. While humans find the habit revolting, to dogs it can be completely natural.
Before domestication, dogs were scavengers. Survival meant eating whatever food was available, regardless of the source. When food was scarce, feces sometimes provided calories that prevented starvation. That instinct still lingers in some dogs today.
Certain animals—such as rabbits—must eat feces to absorb essential nutrients. Dogs, however, do not require this behavior nutritionally. Even so, there are specific stages of a dog’s life when poop eating is considered normal.
Why Puppies Eat Poop
Mother dogs instinctively lick their newborn puppies to stimulate elimination. For the first few weeks of life, the mother cleans up after her puppies by ingesting their waste. This natural behavior helps keep the nest clean and protects vulnerable puppies from predators.
As puppies grow older, they often mimic this behavior. When puppies eat their own feces, it’s referred to as autocoprophagia. When they consume the feces of other animals—such as cats, horses, or birds—it’s known as allocoprophagia.
In puppies, this behavior is usually harmless and temporary. Young dogs explore the world with their mouths, much like toddlers. They are curious, experimental, and not particularly selective about what they taste.
Eating their own feces generally poses no health risk. However, consuming feces from other animals can be dangerous if parasites or harmful bacteria are present.
When Adult Dogs Eat Poop
Coprophagia in adult dogs is more concerning and may signal an underlying issue. Possible medical causes include:
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Intestinal parasites
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Diabetes
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Thyroid disorders
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Digestive enzyme deficiencies
If your veterinarian rules out medical conditions, diet may be the next factor to examine. Dogs sometimes eat feces because their food lacks sufficient calories or essential nutrients, leaving them feeling unsatisfied after meals.
Behavioral Reasons Dogs Eat Poop
In many cases, poop eating has nothing to do with health and everything to do with a dog’s environment or emotional state.
Confinement
Dogs that spend long periods alone or confined to small spaces are more likely to engage in coprophagia. This is especially common in shelters or kennels where stimulation and companionship are limited.
Anxiety or Fear
Dogs that were punished during housetraining may attempt to hide evidence of accidents by eating their feces. This behavior is often rooted in fear rather than defiance.
Seeking Attention
Some dogs quickly learn that eating poop gets a strong reaction from their owners. Even negative attention can reinforce the behavior. Overreacting may unintentionally encourage it.
Food Confusion
Feeding a dog near areas where they eliminate can blur the line between food and waste. Over time, dogs may associate the two and lose the distinction altogether.
Scent Confusion in Puppies
Puppies may smell feces on their mother’s breath after cleanup or encounter regurgitated food mixed with waste. This phenomenon—sometimes referred to as appetitive inoculation—can confuse puppies and lead to inappropriate eating habits.
How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop
While there is no overnight fix, several strategies can help curb this behavior.
Check Nutrition
Dogs that eat feces may be deficient in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B. Your veterinarian can recommend supplements if needed.
Digestive Enzymes
Modern dog diets tend to be high in carbohydrates and lower in animal-based proteins. Enzyme supplements like papain, when approved by your veterinarian, may help make feces less appealing.
Manage the Environment
The most effective way to prevent coprophagia is to remove the opportunity altogether.
Keep the Yard Clean
Promptly removing dog poop eliminates temptation. If yard cleanup feels overwhelming, professional pet waste removal services in Utah can take this task off your plate.
Secure the Litter Box
For cat owners, keep litter boxes out of reach. Cat feces are particularly enticing to many dogs.
Supervise Outdoor Time
Stay alert during walks and backyard breaks. Clean up immediately after your dog eliminates.
Training and Redirection
Teach and consistently reinforce commands like “leave it.” After your dog goes potty, immediately redirect them with praise, treats, or a favorite toy. Encourage them to come to you instead of investigating the ground.
Final Thoughts
Poop eating is an unpleasant but surprisingly common canine behavior. While it may test your patience, understanding why it happens is the first step toward stopping it. With veterinary guidance, consistent training, proper nutrition, and a clean environment, most dogs can overcome this habit.
And remember—managing pet waste isn’t just about convenience. A clean yard keeps your dog healthier, your home safer, and your community cleaner. 🐾
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Happy Tails!
