Why Does My Dog Eat Poop & How to Stop It

Common Causes of Coprophagia

Dogs may eat poop due to natural instincts. Mother dogs eat their puppies’ waste to keep the den clean and reduce scent that could attract predators. Puppies often mimic this behavior, turning it into a lifelong habit. This instinctual behavior is rooted in their scavenger ancestry—feces from herbivores like deer or rabbits can seem like a meal because they contain undigested nutrients.

Other causes include stress, boredom, or a need for attention. If a dog is punished for accidents, they may try to “clean up” evidence to avoid reprimand. Similarly, dogs left alone for long periods may eat poop out of entertainment or anxiety. Some dogs do it simply because it’s interesting or smells like food.

Medical & Nutritional Reasons

Certain health conditions can drive coprophagia. Diseases like diabetes, Cushing’s, intestinal malabsorption, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) increase appetite. Parasites can also steal nutrients from a dog’s food, leading them to seek missing nutrients in feces. If your dog eats poop and shows signs like greasy, yellow stools or weight loss, a vet visit is essential.

Poor diet or underfeeding can also be a factor. If your dog isn’t getting enough calories or balanced nutrition, they may eat poop to get more food. Switching to a higher-quality diet and feeding smaller, more frequent meals may help satisfy hunger and reduce the urge.

Stop the Behavior: Practical Steps

Start by ruling out medical causes with your veterinarian. Once health issues are cleared, focus on environmental control. Never let your dog roam freely in the yard unsupervised—use a leash to monitor every move. Clean up after your dog immediately, so they can’t access their own or other animals’ feces.

Use positive reinforcement: give your dog a treat right after they poop outside. This redirects their focus to you and reinforces that outdoor bathroom breaks are good. If you catch your dog about to eat poop, use “Leave it” and “Look at me” commands, then reward them for paying attention to you instead.

Avoid yelling or punishing—this can increase stress and make the behavior worse. Instead, stay calm and redirect.

Advanced Tips & Triggers to Watch For

Some dogs eat poop only when it’s frozen—“poopsicles”—or after defecating multiple times in a row. This pattern may signal obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD), especially if the dog repeats the act compulsively. In such cases, consult a vet or dog behavior specialist.

Dogs may also eat poop to hide illness from others, especially if one dog is sick and another eats the waste to protect the pack. This is rare but possible.

Adding pineapple, spinach, or a dash of MSG to your dog’s food may make feces less appealing, though results vary. The key is consistency and patience—this behavior takes time to break.

Final Thoughts: Patience & Prevention

Stopping coprophagia requires a mix of medical checks, environmental management, and positive training. Never punish your dog for eating poop—this can backfire and increase anxiety. Instead, focus on prevention, redirection, and rewarding good behavior.

With time and consistency, most dogs can be trained to stop. Remember: it’s not about shame—it’s about understanding your dog’s needs and helping them thrive.