You let your dog outside to do their business, and before you know it, they’ve turned the backyard into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Yep, your dog just ate poop. Again.
Why? Is your dog broken? Is poop a secret delicacy only canines understand? And most importantly—how do you make it stop? Let’s dive into this culinary mystery and figure out why your dog thinks poop is a Michelin-starred meal.
What Is Coprophagia? The Fine Art Of Poop Appreciation
Coprophagia is the scientific term for eating poop, but let’s be honest—your dog doesn’t care about the science, only the flavor profile. Dogs, mice, and other animals engage in it, but that doesn’t make it any less gross when it happens in front of you.
Some dogs eat their own poop, some prefer the rich, earthy notes of cat poop, and then there are the true connoisseurs—the ones who seek out the most exclusive, high-end varieties of poop like nature’s rarest truffle. These elite members of the poop-eating society are selective eaters, sniffing past yesterday’s leftovers in search of today’s freshest, most aromatic offering.
If your dog is exceptionally selective, congratulations—you’ve got yourself a poop sommelier.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? A Deeply Unsettling Investigation
Your dog has a full bowl of high-quality food, a stash of treats, and access to fresh water at all times. And yet, there they are, bypassing all of it for the forbidden snack. The one thing that should never be on the menu.
Why does a dog eat his own poop? What drives this horrifying habit?
1. Boredom: The Hobby Nobody Wants To Talk About
A bored dog is a dangerous thing. Some destroy furniture, some dig holes, and some … well, develop a refined taste for poop. If your dog’s alone too often, understimulated, or just looking for new hobbies, they might turn to experimental cuisine.
More walks, puzzle toys, and mental enrichment might shift their focus to better pastimes.
2. Dominance: The Power Struggle, But With Feces
Dogs live in a hierarchical society, and some submissive dogs eat the poop of dominant pack members. While this makes zero sense to humans, it’s a way to acknowledge superiority in dog logic.
So, if your dog is only targeting the poop of another dog in the house, congrats—you may have an alpha pooper and a submissive snacker.
3. Instincts: The Ancient Tradition Of Eating Gross Things
Before dogs became spoiled indoor loafs demanding belly rubs, their ancestors had to survive on whatever they could scavenge. That sometimes included poop.
Wild dogs even ate their puppies’ poop to keep the den scent-free and predator-safe—like a highly questionable housekeeping service. Puppies observing this might pick up the habit, thinking it’s just part of the family routine. “Oh, we eat that? Got it.”
4. Neglect: A Sad But Real Cause
Dogs left without food for long periods will resort to eating whatever is available—including their own waste. It’s a survival instinct. Even when rescued and given proper food, dogs that have experienced starvation sometimes continue eating poop out of habit.
If your dog was previously neglected or rescued from a bad situation, their behavior may stem from past experiences rather than current needs. Patience, consistency, and proper nutrition can help them unlearn this survival habit.
5. Shame: The “Hide the Evidence” Approach
Ever scolded your dog for pooping in the house? Worse—did you once believe in the horrible “rub their nose in it” myth? Dogs who think they’ll get in trouble for pooping may go full crime-scene cleanup mode and just … get rid of the evidence.
Note: Never use the nose-rubbing technique. It’s damaging, ineffective, and turns your dog into a one-dog janitorial service. Puppies may even misinterpret nose-rubbing as an instruction to eat poop, making this outdated training method not only cruel but also an unintentional poop-eating tutorial.
6. It Just … Tastes Good?
Some dogs genuinely enjoy the taste. No deficiencies, no dominance issues—just a straight-up preference for the flavor profile.
Cat poop, in particular, is like gourmet caviar to dogs. This is why litter boxes turn into all-you-can-eat buffets if not adequately guarded.
Medical Causes Of Poop Eating: Could Your Dog Be Missing Something?
While many dogs eat poop for behavioral reasons, sometimes the issue runs deeper. We asked Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed, MRCVS, about medical reasons behind poop-eating, and here’s what she had to say:
“Eating poop, or to use the technical term, coprophagia, is relatively common in very young dogs, and most will grow out of it as long as it isn’t encouraged. Puppies may eat poop simply out of curiosity, especially since their digestive systems don’t fully process food, making their waste similar in composition to their mother’s milk.”
That curiosity may fade with age, but if an adult dog continues eating poop, a nutritional or medical issue could be at play.
“Dogs might eat feces for a variety of reasons, but if they’re also eating other non-food items, it could be a condition called pica, which is sometimes linked to liver disease or other medical problems,” says Godfrey. “Some dogs may also eat poop due to hunger or because they’re lacking something in their diet.”
Hunger & Nutritional Deficiencies: The Search For Missing Nutrients
Dogs who aren’t getting enough calories, fiber, or key vitamins may turn to poop as a DIY supplement. This can happen with poor-quality diets, improper feeding schedules, or medical conditions that prevent proper nutrient absorption.
Signs that poop-eating could be diet-related include:
- Digestive issues like frequent diarrhea
- Increased hunger or food obsession
- Weight loss or poor coat condition
If your dog’s diet seems balanced but they still eat poop obsessively, a vet check can rule out absorption problems or deficiencies.
Pica: When Poop Isn’t The Only Problem
Pica is a condition where dogs compulsively eat non-food items—rocks, fabric, plastic, and yes, poop. While sometimes behavioral, it can also be caused by:
- Gastrointestinal disorders – Conditions like malabsorption syndrome may cause nutrient deficiencies that trigger pica.
- Endocrine disorders – Diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s can increase hunger, leading to desperate food-seeking behavior.
- Liver disease – Can interfere with nutrient metabolism, leading to unusual eating behaviors.
If your dog’s poop-eating habit seems extreme, frequent, or paired with eating other inedible objects, a vet visit and bloodwork can help identify any underlying health issues.
Our Personal Experience With Our Dog Eating Poop
Unfortunately, my dog is a fan of eating poop (both human and dog feces). One time he sniffed out my nephew’s poopy diaper in the trashcan and ate it. My dog’s breath smelled for days despite brushing his teeth after. He often sniffs out poop while on walks. Sadly, it can be a challenge to see what he’s trying to stick his nose in when it’s dark, only to find out when it’s too late. His sense of smell is super strong, and I don’t understand why eating poop tastes good, especially since he’s such a picky eater. We have to monitor him closely when there might be poop around so we can redirect his attention elsewhere.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent
How To Stop Your Dog From Eating How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop (For Good)
If your dog treats poop like a delicacy, stopping this habit starts with a vet visit. Before focusing on training and deterrents, you’ll want to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Step 1: Check For Health Issues First
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure your dog isn’t eating poop due to a nutritional deficiency, digestive issue, or anxiety-related condition. If a medical cause is found, your vet may recommend:
- Anxiety treatment, such as behavior modification, medication, supplements, or calming aids (e.g., beds, wraps)
- Dietary changes to address nutritional gaps
- Multivitamins or enzyme supplements if deficiencies are suspected
If your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health, the next step is prevention.
Step 2: Remove Temptation
The simplest and most effective way to stop poop eating is to not let them have access to it.
- Leash your dog during potty breaks to prevent sneaky snacking.
- Supervise potty time and scoop the poop immediately.
- Use stool-eating deterrent. Some products are designed to make poop taste unappealing (as if it wasn’t already), but the results are mixed.
Step 3: Train A Strong “Leave It” Command
If your dog goes in for the poop, intervene before they can get to it.
- Use a firm “No” or “Leave it.”
- Redirect their attention with a treat, toy, or praise when they move away.
- Reinforce the behavior consistently—eventually, they’ll learn that poop is off the menu.
Stopping poop eating takes patience, but consistent supervision, prevention, and training will help break the habit. Stick with it—your dog (and your sense of smell) will thank you.
Why Dogs Eat Poop Infographic
Here’s a graphic summarizing why dogs eat poop and how to get them to stop.
Illnesses Transmitted Through Coprophagia
If the idea of your dog eating poop isn’t horrifying enough, here’s another reason to break the habit—coprophagia can expose dogs to dangerous diseases and parasites. Many of these infections are transmitted through feces, putting your dog’s health at serious risk.
Parasites That Can Spread Through Coprophagia
When a dog eats the feces of an infected animal, they risk ingesting live worms or worm eggs that can take hold in their intestines. The most common parasites spread through poop-eating include:
- Heartworms – Unlike intestinal worms, heartworms infect the heart and lungs, causing organ damage, respiratory distress, and eventually death. Though not directly transmitted through poop, mosquitoes spread heartworm larvae, and infected dogs contribute to transmission when mosquitoes feed on them. Preventative medication is crucial, as treatment is difficult and risky.
- Hookworms – These tiny parasites live in the small intestine and feed on blood, leading to anemia, weakness, and digestive issues. Hookworms can also infect humans and are notoriously difficult to eliminate.
- Roundworms – One of the hardest parasites to control, roundworms lay thousands of eggs that can survive in soil for up to 10 years, meaning a dog can get infected not just from feces but also from contaminated dirt.
- Tapeworms – These flat, segmented worms steal nutrients from the host, causing weight loss and malnutrition. Some tapeworms can grow to extreme lengths inside the intestines.
All of these worms require veterinary deworming or prevention to protect against serious illness.
Viruses & Bacterial Infections Spread By Feces
Beyond parasites, poop can also carry viruses and bacteria that cause life-threatening diseases. Even a single exposure to contaminated feces can lead to infection, and some of these pathogens can survive in the environment for weeks or even months. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Parvovirus
One of the deadliest viruses in puppies, parvo spreads through infected feces and can survive in the environment for months. It attacks the immune system and intestines, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. Even with treatment, many puppies don’t survive.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Spread through feces, urine, blood, and saliva, this disease attacks the liver and blood-clotting system, causing fever, internal bleeding, and organ damage. There is no cure—treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
Campylobacteriosis
This bacterial infection, most dangerous for puppies, causes severe diarrhea that leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. While most cases are mild and self-limiting, you should always seek guidance from your veterinarian.
Note: Campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to humans. To prevent the spread of this illness, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands after handling an infected dog, cleaned soiled areas in your home, and remove feces from your yard regularly.
How To Protect Your Dog From These Diseases
- Prevent access to poop. Supervise outdoor time and pick up waste immediately.
- Keep up with deworming and vaccinations. Regular parasite control and vaccines prevent many of these illnesses.
- Discourage poop eating. If your dog tries to snack on feces, redirect them with training or use a leash for control.
Stopping your dog from eating poop isn’t just about breaking a gross habit—it’s about protecting their health from serious, sometimes fatal, infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your dog’s poop-eating habits leave you with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. Below are some of dog owners’ most common questions about this habit, along with practical solutions to curb it. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments!
Is It Normal For Dogs To Eat Poop?
Yes, though it’s disgusting, coprophagia is a common behavior in dogs. Puppies often do it out of curiosity and usually grow out of it. Adult dogs may eat poop due to instinct, boredom, dietary deficiencies, or medical conditions.
Do Dogs Grow Out Of Poop Eating?
Most puppies naturally stop eating poop as they mature. However, if the habit continues into adulthood, intervention is needed. Training, dietary adjustments, and managing access to poop can help break the cycle.
Thoughts On Pineapple For Dogs Eating Poop?
Some people feed their dogs pineapple in hopes that it will make their poop taste unappealing. Unfortunately, this method is hit or miss—some dogs stop eating poop, while others are completely unfazed.
If you decide to try it, keep in mind that pineapple is high in sugar, which can cause an upset stomach if given in excess. While small amounts are generally safe, it’s best to consult your vet before adding pineapple to your dog’s diet.
Do Poop Deterrent Products Work?
Some products claim to make a dog’s poop taste unpleasant, but results vary. Many dogs continue eating poop despite these additives. The most effective approach is removing access to feces and using consistent training.
Is Eating Poop A Sign Of A Nutrient Deficiency?
Sometimes. A lack of digestive enzymes, B vitamins, or a poor diet may contribute to coprophagia, though medical causes are less common than behavioral ones. If diet changes don’t help, a vet visit is recommended.
Can Dogs Catch Diseases From Eating Other Animals’ Poop?
Yes. Feces from other animals (cats, wildlife, farm animals) can contain parasites and bacteria that may not affect the host animal but can make dogs very sick. Keeping your dog away from unknown feces is crucial.
Should I Be Worried If My Dog Only Eats Cat Poop?
While cat poop may be extra tempting due to its high protein content, it still poses risks. Toxoplasmosis and intestinal parasites can be transmitted through cat feces. Keeping the litter box out of reach is the best solution.
Sh*t Happens
If you have tried all of the above and nothing seems to help, talk to your vet or seek the help of a professional dog trainer. In addition to eating it, dogs might also like to roll in poop, but you can find out why and how to stop it. Neither eating poop nor rolling in it are behaviors you can let continue, so these need prompt attention to deter them from becoming major problems. We also cover reasons why your dog may have blood in his poop and what to do.
Has your dog eaten poop? Do they eat their own poop? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about many dog health issues, consulting vets and pet professionals along the way. To ensure her dog (and other dogs) doesn’t eat her dog’s poop, she scoops the poop up and disposes of it properly. The last thing she wants is for any dog to get sick. Kimberly is also diligent while walking her dog, always looking out for dangers to keep her dog away from things like poop, expired animals, trash, and other harmful items along the walking trail.
