As someone knee deep in puppy antics, I spend an impressive amount of time discussing poo. Especially dogs eating their own poo. It is a topic I am all too familiar with, and it is never short of “interesting”. A lot of these conversations are about puppies who seem to think it is a gourmet snack.
This can happen for a few reasons. Understanding why your dog is eating its own poo makes it much easier to fix. Calmly and kindly.
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Poo?
Coprophagia is common, especially in puppies. It usually comes down to one of these factors.
Unsupervised
Even the best breeders and owners need a break. If puppies are left alone too long, boredom can turn into questionable hobbies. Poo sampling can be one of them.
Learned From Mum
Mum often clears up after her puppies. Puppies can copy this through social learning. If it is normal in the environment, it can become a habit.
Owner Reaction
If a puppy eats poo and it triggers big human reactions, it can become an attention magnet. Even “negative” attention can be reinforcing when you are small and bored.
Diet and Nutrient Gaps
Low quality diets can leave dogs seeking extra calories or nutrients elsewhere. Some dogs also find stools more appealing when their digestion is off, their food is not meeting their needs, or they are not absorbing nutrients efficiently.
Solutions: How to Stop Your Dog Eating Its Own Poo
Prevent and Manage the Situation
First rule. Do not make a big deal of it if you catch them. Big reactions can increase the behaviour.
Instead, manage it. Take your dog out on lead so you can calmly guide them away once they have finished. If they need more space, use a long line so they do not feel inhibited.
As soon as they finish, encourage them to move away. You can use a gentle cue like “come” after they have finished, then reward heavily. The pattern becomes simple. Do your business, then come away and get paid.
Then you can clean up quickly, before the garden buffet opens.
Change Their Diet
In many coprophagia cases I have worked with, changing diet made the biggest difference. Aim for high protein, low carb.
When dogs are on low protein, high carb diets, they can be more motivated to seek extra nutrition elsewhere. Better nutrition can also improve digestion and stool quality, which can reduce interest in poo.
If you want help comparing foods, I recommend using All About Dog Food to check ingredients and nutrition. I have also narrowed down my recommendations in our Dog Food guide.
Can Supplements Help Stop Your Dog Eating Its Own Poo?
Sometimes. Supplements are not a magic fix, but they can support gut health and digestion. This may reduce the drive to scavenge, especially if poor absorption or gut imbalance is playing a role.
If you want a no nonsense overview, read Dog Supplements Explained: What Really Works.
Synbiotic D-C
Synbiotic D-C is one of the most useful gut support options for dogs that eat their own poo. It supports the gut microbiome and digestion, which can help in cases where the behaviour is linked to gut balance and stool quality.
Pre and Probiotics
A good quality pre and probiotic can support digestion and stool quality, particularly after tummy upsets or diet changes. This can be helpful for puppies with sensitive tummies.
Omega 3
Omega 3 is not a direct fix for poo eating, but it can support gut lining health and reduce inflammation. A healthier gut often means less scavenging behaviour overall.
Diet Still Matters Most
Supplements work best on top of a solid foundation. For most dogs, the biggest change comes from switching to a higher quality, high protein diet. For food ideas and what to avoid, use the Dog Food guide.
If your dog is unwell, on medication, or this behaviour started suddenly, speak to your vet before introducing new supplements.
FAQ: Dogs Eating Their Own Poo
Is it normal for a dog to eat its own poo?
It is very common, especially in puppies. Common does not mean ideal though. It usually reflects habit, boredom, diet, stress, or management issues rather than a healthy behaviour.
Should I punish my dog for eating poo?
No. Punishment can add stress and can make the behaviour worse. Focus on prevention, calm management, better nutrition, and teaching your dog to move away after toileting.
When should I speak to my vet about coprophagia?
If the behaviour starts suddenly, your dog seems unwell, loses weight, has diarrhoea, vomits, or you are concerned, speak to your vet for a health check.
Can changing food really stop my dog eating poo?
For many dogs, yes. Improving diet quality and protein levels can reduce the drive to seek extra nutrition and can improve stool quality, making poo less appealing.
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