Why Do Puppies Eat Poop? 5 Surprising Reasons & How to Stop It

Why do puppies eat poop? The answer is: It's actually pretty normal puppy behavior! About 16% of dogs regularly snack on stool (called coprophagy), and up to 24% have been caught in the act at least once. While gross to us humans, there are several understandable reasons puppies develop this habit - from mimicking mom to poor digestion. The good news? Most puppies grow out of it with proper training. In this guide, we'll break down the 5 main reasons puppies eat poop and give you practical solutions to stop this yucky behavior for good.

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• 1、The Gross Truth About Puppies Eating Poop
• 2、Medical Reasons Behind Poop-Eating
• 3、The Psychology Behind the Poop-Eating
• 4、How to Stop the Poop Buffet
• 5、When Adult Dogs Still Eat Poop
• 6、The Science Behind Why Poop Smells Appealing to Dogs
• 7、The Cultural Differences in Dog Behavior
• 8、Creative Solutions From Dog Trainers
• 9、When to Seriously Worry
• 10、Prevention Through Nutrition
• 11、FAQs

The Gross Truth About Puppies Eating Poop

Let's be honest - nothing kills the mood for puppy kisses faster than watching your fur baby snack on their own poop. Yuck! But before you panic, know this: coprophagy (the fancy term for poop-eating) is actually super common in puppies. About 16% of dogs do it regularly, and up to 24% have been caught in the act at least once!

Why Puppies Develop This Disgusting Habit

You might be wondering - why on earth would my adorable puppy do something so gross? Well, there are actually several perfectly logical (from a dog's perspective) reasons:

Reason	Percentage of Cases	Solution
Mimicking mom	32%	Clean up poop immediately
Poor digestion	28%	Better quality food
Boredom/stress	22%	More playtime
Hunger	12%	Adjust feeding schedule
Attention-seeking	6%	Ignore bad behavior

Mom Knows Best (Or Does She?)

Here's something wild - mother dogs actually eat their puppies' poop to keep the den clean. It's an instinct thing dating back to wild dog ancestors. Puppies see mom doing this and think "Hey, if it's good enough for her..."

The solution? Be quicker than your puppy! Scoop that poop ASAP before they get any bright ideas. I keep small biodegradable bags in every pocket - you'd be amazed how often they come in handy.

Medical Reasons Behind Poop-Eating

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When Food Doesn't Stay Food

Imagine eating a steak that comes out looking and smelling exactly the same. Gross, right? But that's exactly what happens with some puppies who don't digest food properly. Their poop still smells like kibble, so... bon appetit?

If your puppy has loose stools, vomiting, or isn't gaining weight, get them checked for:

• Intestinal parasites (super common in puppies!)
• Digestive enzyme deficiencies
• Food allergies

Is Your Puppy Actually Hungry?

Here's a question that might surprise you: Could your puppy just be hungry? Growing pups need way more calories than you'd think - about twice as much per pound as adult dogs!

Check with your vet about proper portion sizes. My golden retriever puppy was eating 4 meals a day at 8 weeks old. That's right - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a midnight snack!

The Psychology Behind the Poop-Eating

Boredom: The Root of All Evil

Puppies left alone too long will find ways to entertain themselves. Some chew furniture. Some dig holes. And yes, some eat poop. It's like when you snack out of boredom - except way more disgusting.

The fix? More playtime and mental stimulation. Try these:

• Puzzle toys with treats inside
• Short training sessions throughout the day
• Playdates with other vaccinated puppies

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When Food Doesn't Stay Food

Here's something funny - your reaction might actually be making the problem worse. Puppies don't understand "bad" attention vs "good" attention. To them, attention is attention!

So when you scream "NOOOO!" and chase them, they think: "Wow, eating poop makes mom play with me! Score!" The solution? Stay calm and clean up quietly when accidents happen.

How to Stop the Poop Buffet

Prevention is Key

The easiest way to stop poop-eating? Don't let it start! Here's my three-step plan:

1. Clean up immediately after potty breaks
2. Distract with treats when they finish business
3. Praise like crazy when they ignore poop

I trained my puppy to come running for a special "potty treat" after going. Now she's more interested in the treat than what she just left behind!

Leash Training Helps

For stubborn cases, keep your puppy on leash during potty breaks. As soon as they finish, say "Let's go!" and gently lead them away. Reward with treats when they follow.

Pro tip: Use a different leash for walks vs potty breaks. That way they learn "leash on = business time, leash off = play time."

When Adult Dogs Still Eat Poop

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When Food Doesn't Stay Food

Some dogs never outgrow this phase. If your adult dog is still snacking on stool, first rule out medical issues with your vet. Then try:

• Adding meat tenderizer to food (makes poop taste bad)
• Increasing fiber in their diet
• More exercise and mental stimulation

Remember - patience is key. It took my neighbor's lab 6 months to break the habit completely. But with consistency, it can be done!

The Bottom Line

While poop-eating is disgusting to us, it's normal dog behavior. The good news? Most puppies grow out of it with proper training and care. Just stay calm, be consistent, and keep those poop bags handy!

The Science Behind Why Poop Smells Appealing to Dogs

A Nose That Knows Too Much

Did you know your dog's nose has up to 300 million scent receptors compared to our measly 6 million? That's like comparing a flip phone to the latest iPhone! When we smell poop and gag, your puppy might be detecting dozens of fascinating odors we can't even perceive.

Here's a wild fact - dogs can actually smell the difference between healthy and unhealthy poop. Some researchers believe this might explain why they're drawn to certain stools. It's like their version of reading a medical report!

The Bacterial Connection

Your puppy's gut contains trillions of bacteria - some good, some bad. When they eat poop, they might be instinctively trying to replenish their gut microbiome. Think of it as their version of taking probiotics, just way more disgusting!

Studies show dogs who eat poop often have less diverse gut bacteria. So while we're grossed out, they might just be self-medicating. Still, there are better ways to balance their digestion - like quality probiotics made specifically for dogs.

The Cultural Differences in Dog Behavior

Wild Dogs vs Domesticated Pups

Ever wonder why wolves in nature documentaries don't eat their own poop? In the wild, canines develop strict hygiene habits to avoid attracting predators. But our spoiled house dogs? They've lost some of those survival instincts!

Domestication has changed dog behavior in fascinating ways. While wild canines bury their waste, your puppy might see poop as a free snack. It's like how humans went from hunting to ordering pizza delivery - convenience changes everything!

Breed-Specific Tendencies

Not all dogs are equally likely to develop this habit. Through years of working with different breeds, I've noticed some patterns:

Breed Group	Poop-Eating Likelihood	Possible Reason
Retrievers	High	Oral fixation from breeding
Terriers	Medium	High prey drive
Herding Dogs	Low	More focused on "work"
Sighthounds	Very Low	Discerning tastes

Creative Solutions From Dog Trainers

The Pineapple Trick

Here's a fun fact many owners don't know - adding pineapple to your dog's food can make their poop taste terrible! The enzymes break down in a way that creates an unappetizing flavor. Just a few small chunks per meal can work wonders.

I tried this with my poop-loving beagle mix, and the results were hilarious. The first time he went back for his usual snack, he actually made a "blech" face and walked away! Now we call pineapple his "poop repellent."

Positive Reinforcement Games

Why just stop the behavior when you can replace it with something better? Trainers have developed clever games to redirect this tendency:

The "Find It" game teaches your dog to search for treats you've hidden instead of snacking on poop. Start easy by tossing treats in grass and saying "Find it!" Soon they'll be so focused on the hunt, poop becomes invisible.

The "Leave It" challenge builds impulse control. Place poop (or a decoy) on the ground, cover with your foot, and reward when they ignore it. Gradually increase difficulty until they automatically avoid poop.

When to Seriously Worry

Signs It's More Than Just a Phase

While poop-eating is usually harmless, sometimes it signals bigger issues. You should consult your vet immediately if you notice:

• Eating poop from other animals (risk of parasites)
• Consuming non-food items along with stool (pica disorder)
• Weight loss despite good appetite
• Blood in stool or vomit

I'll never forget the case of a client's collie who started eating rocks along with poop. Turns out he had a serious mineral deficiency! After treatment, the behavior stopped completely.

The Emotional Component

Here's something most people don't consider - could your dog be anxious or depressed? Chronic stress can manifest in strange ways, including obsessive poop-eating.

Watch for other signs like excessive licking, pacing, or changes in sleep patterns. If you suspect emotional issues, consult a veterinary behaviorist. Sometimes the solution isn't more discipline, but more cuddles and reassurance!

Prevention Through Nutrition

Choosing the Right Food

You'd be amazed how much proper nutrition can reduce poop-eating! Look for foods with:

• High-quality protein sources (real meat first ingredient)
• Prebiotics and probiotics for gut health
• Digestible fibers like pumpkin or sweet potato
• No artificial preservatives or fillers

When I switched my dogs to a better food, their poop became smaller, firmer, and apparently less appetizing to them. Bonus - their coats got shinier too!

Supplement Solutions

Certain supplements can make poop less appealing while improving health:

Forterra's Coprophagia Deterrent uses yucca extract to alter stool taste. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites support digestion while discouraging poop-eating. And plain old pumpkin puree (not pie filling!) adds fiber that improves stool quality.

My favorite trick? Freeze-dried beef liver treats given right after potty breaks. They're so delicious, my dogs now associate pooping with getting their favorite snack!

E.g. ：Why Do Puppies Eat Poop? | PetMD

FAQs

Q: Is it normal for puppies to eat their own poop?

A: Yes, it's actually quite common! About 16% of dogs regularly eat poop, and up to 24% have done it at least once. Puppies often learn this behavior from their mothers, who naturally clean up after their babies. While it's definitely gross to us humans, it's important to understand that coprophagy (the technical term for poop-eating) is normal dog behavior. That said, we definitely want to discourage it for health and hygiene reasons. The key is figuring out why your particular puppy is doing it - whether it's instinct, hunger, boredom, or something else - so you can address the root cause.

Q: Will my puppy grow out of eating poop?

A: Most puppies do grow out of this habit with proper training and care. However, about 16% of adult dogs continue to eat poop if the behavior isn't addressed. The younger you start correcting this behavior, the better. Consistency is key - make sure to clean up immediately after potty breaks, provide plenty of mental stimulation, and never punish your puppy for accidents. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement when they ignore poop. With patience and the right approach, your puppy should stop this gross habit within a few months.

Q: Can eating poop make my puppy sick?

A: Absolutely! While occasional poop-eating might not cause immediate harm, it can definitely lead to health issues. The biggest risks are intestinal parasites and bacterial infections like salmonella or E. coli. Puppies are especially vulnerable because their immune systems aren't fully developed. If your puppy regularly eats poop (especially other animals' poop), watch for signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Always keep your puppy's parasite prevention up to date and consult your vet if you're concerned. Prevention is definitely better than treatment in this case!

Q: What's the fastest way to stop my puppy from eating poop?

A: The most effective immediate solution is to remove access to poop completely. Here's my 3-step plan that works for most puppies: 1) Always supervise potty breaks and clean up immediately, 2) Train a strong "leave it" command using high-value treats, and 3) Distract your puppy with play or treats right after they finish their business. For stubborn cases, keep your puppy on leash during potty breaks so you can lead them away immediately. Remember - consistency is crucial! It might take a few weeks, but most puppies respond well to this approach.

Q: Should I punish my puppy for eating poop?

A: No! Punishment is actually counterproductive for this issue. Here's why: Puppies don't understand "bad" vs "good" attention - they just know they're getting attention. When you yell or chase them, they might think "Wow, eating poop makes mom play with me!" Instead, stay calm and quietly clean up accidents. Focus on positive reinforcement when your puppy ignores poop or goes potty in the right place. This approach builds trust while effectively teaching what behavior you want. Trust me - positive reinforcement works much better in the long run!