Why Do Dogs Eat Poop And What Can We Do?

It’s true that our dogs can do some pretty strange things. Usually we have a decent idea of the reason a dog does things (e.g. barking if someone approaches the fence). But sometimes dogs will do something that will leave us completely stumped. Why do dogs eat poop? More importantly, what can we do about it?

Scientists need to conduct more studies into this odd behavior, but some good theories have formed based on the collective observations of dog professionals and owners.

• Your dog has a medical problem that it is trying to rectify.
  Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes the dog needs to process the food it eats. Some of the digestive enzymes that are present can be passed through into the dog’s poop. By eating the poop, your dog is recycling these enzymes, thus increasing his overall stores of digestive enzymes for his next meal. Some feel that this is an instinct particularly prevalent in German Shepherds who frequently suffer from EPI due to a genetic defect.
• Your dog is hungry.
  If your dog is not being fed properly, starvation can lead him to eat some pretty strange things. Bear in mind that if your dog (because of parasites or health issues) is eating well but fails to absorb nutrients from his meals, he will still be hungry, thus is likely to turn to eating poop.

These are just two reasons for why dogs eat poop. What can we do to address this behavior?

• Get your dog checked over by a vet.
  If your dog has parasites, a genetic defect or other health issues, his body may not be receiving the nutrition it needs, resulting in his perpetual need to eat poop. Addressing the cause for poor nutrition may be all that is needed to stop your dog from eating poop.