Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? The Dirty Truth and How to Stop It

At Barks and Parks, we’ve seen our fair share of weird dog behaviors, but nothing quite compares to the ultimate canine mystery: poop eating. One particular pup we walk has taken this hobby to Olympic levels. It doesn’t matter if the poop is fresh and steaming or frozen solid like a disgusting little “poopsicle” on a winter walk - she’s going for it.

And while we’d love to pretend this is just a one-dog phenomenon, the truth is, many dogs do it.

But why? What’s so irresistible about poop? Should you be worried? And most importantly - how do you get your dog to quit the habit before they try to give you a big, sloppy poop-breath kiss?

Let’s dig in (pun fully intended).

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Poop eating—also known as coprophagia—is surprisingly common in dogs. In fact, a study published in the Veterinary Medicine Journal found that up to 16% of dogs are regular poop eaters, and 24% have done it at least once.

Here are the most common reasons why:

1. It’s a Natural Instinct

Dogs are scavengers by nature, and in the wild, they’d eat whatever they could find—rotting carcasses, garbage, and yes, even poop. Some researchers believe this habit goes back to their wolf ancestors, who may have eaten poop to clean up their den and avoid parasites.

2. They Think It’s a Snack

Believe it or not, undigested food can still be present in poop. If your dog’s diet is lacking certain nutrients, they might resort to… well, recycling.

3. They’re Copying Mom

Mother dogs clean up after their puppies by eating their feces. Some puppies pick up this behavior and just… never grow out of it.

4. They’re Bored or Stressed

Dogs left alone for too long or those with anxiety might develop poop-eating as a coping mechanism. It’s gross, but it keeps them occupied.

5. They Just Like the Taste

Look, we don’t judge—but some dogs just seem to enjoy the flavor profile of poop. Frozen poop (aka “poopsicles”) is especially popular in winter. Why? No idea. Dogs are weird.

Is It Dangerous? Should You Worry?

In most cases, poop eating isn’t immediately dangerous, but it’s definitely not a good habit. Here’s why:

• Bacteria & Parasites: If your dog eats the poop of another animal (or even their own), they could ingest nasty bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, or pick up parasites like roundworms and giardia.

• Bad Breath: If you’ve ever had a dog try to lick your face after a poop snack, you already know this is a problem.

• Toxic Risks: If your dog eats poop from another animal that has been given medication or eaten something toxic, they could be at risk of poisoning.

If your dog eats poop once in a while, it’s not an emergency. But if it’s a regular thing, it’s time to take action.

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How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop

Tired of yelling, “NOOOO, DROP IT!!!” on every walk? Here’s how to break the habit:

1. Clean Up Immediately

If there’s no poop available, your dog can’t eat it. Simple.

2. Improve Their Diet

Make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. Sometimes, adding digestive enzymes or probiotics can help reduce the craving for poop.

3. Use Deterrents

There are products you can add to your dog’s food (like For-Bid or pineapple) that supposedly make their poop taste bad. Yes, we know—how much worse can it taste? But hey, it works for some dogs.

4. Teach the “Leave It” Command

Training your dog to leave things alone on command is a lifesaver, especially if your dog treats your backyard like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

5. Keep Them Busy

A mentally and physically stimulated dog is less likely to go looking for weird snacks. Try puzzle toys, extra walks, or new tricks to keep them engaged.

6. Consider Professional Help

If your dog’s poop-eating habit is getting out of control, a professional dog walker can help keep an eye on them during walks and reinforce good behaviours. At Barks and Parks, our dog walkers have seen it all, and we know how to keep your pup too busy sniffing out fun adventures to even think about eating something gross.

And if you need dog boarding, we make sure our furry guests have a clean, safe, and poop-free environment - so they won’t have the chance to pick up bad habits while you’re away.

The Bottom Line

If your dog has a poop-eating problem, you’re not alone. It’s weird, it’s gross, but it’s also pretty common. The good news? With some management and training, most dogs can kick the habit.

And if all else fails, stock up on doggy breath mints….because you never know when they’ll try to share their last meal with you.

Got a poop-eating pup? Tell us your story in the comments!

Don’t shame me 😔