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Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Written by: Dr. Athena Gaffud

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Time to read 7 min

Dogs, including puppies, engage in the behavior of eating poop, a condition known as coprophagia, for various reasons, including behavioral, medical, and environmental factors. Research by experts like Benjamin Hart from the University of California, Davis, has shed light on this complex issue.

What Are The Possible Reasons For Coprophagia?

Possible reasons for coprophagia in dogs range from medical conditions such as malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies to behavioral issues like anxiety and changes in appetite.


Medical conditions, such as parasitism, disrupt the gastrointestinal system and lead to nutritional imbalances, triggering coprophagia in dogs. For instance, if a dog is not absorbing essential nutrients properly due to a parasite infestation, it resorts to consuming feces as a way to compensate for the lack of nutrients.


Concerning behavioral issues, dogs with separation anxiety or stress exhibit coprophagia as a coping mechanism, according to ASPCA . The behavior might develop due to a sudden change in diet or environment, causing increased anxiety levels and subsequent unusual eating habits.

How Can I Stop My Dog From Eating Poop?

How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop?

Stopping a dog from eating poop often involves a combination of solutions, including training strategies, environmental management, dietary changes, and consulting with a veterinarian. Experts emphasize the importance of a multifaceted approach.

  • Train Your Dog to Leave It: Training dogs to understand the 'Leave It' command is an effective way to curb the behavior of eating poop, especially in puppies who are still learning acceptable behavior. Consistency is key in reinforcing this command.

  • Keep the Area Clean: Keeping the area where the dog roams clean of feces is crucial in preventing them from eating poop, as it removes the opportunity for such behavior and promotes better health. Consistent cleaning not only eliminates the temptation but also reduces the health risks associated with ingesting feces. Consider using pet-friendly cleaning products to ensure that the area remains safe for them. Keeping the dog's living space tidy also prevent the spread of parasites and bacteria, contributing to a healthier environment for the whole family.

  • Try Different Foods: Introducing different foods and ensuring a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and vitamins help address any dietary deficiencies contributing to the dog's coprophagia. Incorporate probiotics into the pup's diet. These beneficial bacteria aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut flora, potentially reducing the urge to consume feces. Adding fiber-rich foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or green beans helps regulate the dog's digestive system and make their stools less appetizing. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements are also known to improve coat health and reduce behavior issues.

  • Use Deterrents: Using deterrents such as specially formulated sprays or additives in your dog's food discourage them from eating poop by making the feces taste unpleasant. Another type of deterrent commonly used is physical barriers, such as fences or enclosures, to restrict access to areas where dogs are tempted to consume feces. Deterrents that emit ultrasonic sounds or vibrations when dogs approach certain areas are also effective in deterring this behavior without causing harm to the animals. It is essential to combine these deterrent methods with positive reinforcement training to prevent dogs from returning to the behavior.

Can CBD Oil Help Stop a Dog From Eating Poop?

CBD oil has been suggested as a potential aid in addressing various behavioral issues in dogs, including anxiety and appetite changes, which might contribute to the behavior of eating poop.

What Are The Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs?

The potential benefits of CBD oil, like CBD Full-Spectrum Happy-Furever Oil , for dogs, include reducing anxiety, improving appetite, and promoting overall health, which positively influences their behavior.

Can Beef Organ Meat Help Stop a Dog From Eating Poop?

Incorporating beef organ meat into your dog's diet provides a rich source of nutrients and vitamins that might be lacking, potentially reducing the behavior of eating poop by addressing nutritional deficiencies .

What Are The Nutritional Benefits of Beef Organ Meat for Dogs?

Beef organ meat is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins such as Vitamin B, which are crucial for a dog's overall health and well-being.


Beef organ meats like liver, heart, and kidneys are rich sources of key nutrients like iron, zinc, and selenium that enhance the pet's immune system and support their energy levels. These nutrients also contribute to the maintenance of healthy skin, coat, and muscle strength in dogs.


Vitamin A found in beef liver helps in promoting good vision and reproductive health in canines. The presence of Vitamin D in organ meats aids in calcium absorption, ensuring strong bones and teeth for your furry friend. Dogs will enjoy the health benefits of organ meats by giving them through food toppers like Primal-Vitality Beef Organ Complex .

What Are Other Solutions for Coprophagia in Dogs?

Besides training and dietary changes, other solutions for addressing coprophagia in dogs include consulting a veterinarian to rule out medical issues, addressing any underlying health conditions, and implementing behavioral therapy.

  • Consult a Veterinarian: Consulting a veterinarian is crucial for identifying any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your dog's coprophagia. Regular veterinary consultations play a vital role in ensuring the overall health and well-being of your furry companion. During these visits, a veterinarian can conduct thorough examinations to check for a range of potential health issues. A veterinarian may also screen for common medical conditions such as pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), intestinal malabsorption, or other issues that could be underlying reasons for coprophagia.

  • Address Underlying Health Issues: Addressing underlying health issues such as parasites, malabsorption, or nutrient deficiencies is essential in managing coprophagia in dogs.

  • Try Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy is an effective way to address the underlying causes of coprophagia, especially if anxiety or other psychological factors are involved. One commonly used technique in behavioral therapy for coprophagia is counterconditioning . This method involves teaching the dog a new, more desirable behavior to replace the unwanted habit of eating feces. Positive reinforcement is crucial in reinforcing the new behavior and discouraging the old one.

  • Consider Dietary Changes: Considering dietary changes to ensure the dog receives adequate nutrients and vitamins helps reduce the behavior of eating poop. Dogs are omnivores , so a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates is essential for their well-being. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stop my dog from eating poop?

There are a few methods you can try to prevent your dog from eating poop. One option is to use a taste deterrent spray on the poop, which will make it unappealing to your dog. Another option is to keep your dog on a leash when outside and immediately pick up any poop they may try to eat.

Is it normal for dogs to eat poop?

While it may seem strange to us, it is actually normal behavior for dogs to eat poop. This is known as coprophagia and is caused by a variety of reasons such as boredom, hunger, or a nutrient deficiency.

Can CBD oil help stop my dog from eating poop?

There is no scientific evidence that CBD oil can directly stop a dog from eating poop. However, CBD oil has been known to help with anxiety and stress in dogs, which could potentially decrease the likelihood of them engaging in coprophagia.

What is beef organ meat and how can it help stop my dog from eating poop?

Beef organ meat is a type of dog treat made from nutrient-rich organ meats such as liver, heart, and kidney. These treats help satisfy your dog's nutritional needs, potentially reducing their desire to eat poop.

How should I react if I catch my dog eating poop?

If you catch your dog in the act of eating poop, do not punish them as this can lead to further behavior issues. Instead, calmly remove them from the area and redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity.

Are there any medical reasons why my dog may be eating poop?

In some cases, dogs eat poop due to an underlying medical condition such as pancreatitis or intestinal parasites. If you have ruled out other causes and your dog continues to eat poop, it is best to consult with your veterinarian for further evaluation.

Dr. Athena Gaffud, DVM

Author: Dr. Athena Gaffud

Dr. Athena is a seasoned, board-certified veterinarian with comprehensive expertise in general practice, veterinary medicine, laboratory operations, and veterinary writing. She is passionate about animals and holistic health. 

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