Why Does My Dog Eat Poop & How to Stop It

Why Dogs Eat Poop: It’s in Their Nature

Dogs have a deep-rooted instinct to eat poop. Mother dogs often eat their puppies’ waste to keep the den clean and hide the scent from predators. This behavior is natural and can be passed down to puppies, who may mimic their mothers into adulthood. In the wild, dogs are scavengers, and feces from herbivores like deer or rabbits can contain nutrients they might seek. Some dogs even prefer frozen poop, which they find more appealing.

This behavior isn’t always about nutrition. Even with a balanced diet, dogs may eat stool simply because it smells like food or is interesting to them. Some dogs do it out of curiosity, while others may eat it when it’s fresh and warm—especially if they’ve learned it’s a quick snack.

Common Causes: From Stress to Hunger

Several behavioral and environmental factors can trigger coprophagia. If your dog was punished for indoor accidents—like having their nose rubbed in poop—they may learn to “clean up” afterward to avoid trouble. This learned behavior can become a habit.

Boredom or stress also plays a role. Dogs left alone all day may eat poop for entertainment. Major life changes—like a new baby, moving house, or a child leaving—can cause stress that leads to this behavior. Attention-seeking is another reason: if your dog gets a strong reaction (even yelling) when caught, they may repeat the act to get noticed.

Hunger or poor nutrition can also be a factor. Underfeeding, low-quality food, or sudden diet changes (like switching to fresh food) may leave your dog feeling unsatisfied. Some dogs eat poop to get missing nutrients, especially if they have malabsorption issues or parasites.

Medical Reasons to Rule Out First

Before assuming it’s behavioral, consult your vet. Certain medical conditions increase appetite and can lead to coprophagia. These include diabetes, Cushing’s disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), intestinal malabsorption, and malnutrition. Parasites can also steal nutrients from your dog’s food, making them seek extra calories in stool.

If your dog eats poop and shows signs like greasy, yellow stools, weight loss, or lethargy, a vet visit is essential. Medications can also increase appetite. A vet can run tests to rule out these issues and recommend proper treatment.

How to Stop the Behavior: Practical Steps

The most effective way to stop coprophagia is to control your dog’s environment. Always pick up poop immediately—before your dog can access it. Use a leash when outside so you can monitor every move. If your dog can’t reach the stool, they can’t eat it.

Train your dog using “leave it” and “look at me” commands. If you catch your dog about to eat poop, say “leave it,” redirect their attention, and reward them with a treat. This turns the moment into a training opportunity. Practice this consistently over months, using intermittent rewards to strengthen the behavior.

Avoid punishment. Yelling or scolding can make your dog hide the evidence or eat poop faster to avoid being caught. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and consistency.

Additional Tips & When to Seek Help

Add a small amount of canned pineapple, spinach, or a dash of MSG to your dog’s food. These can make stool less appealing. Some dogs also stop eating poop when they’re given more attention, playtime, or grooming.

If your dog eats poop obsessively—like defecating multiple times a day and immediately eating it—they may have OCD. In such cases, consult a vet or a certified dog behavior consultant. This behavior can be hard to break and may need professional help.