Why do dogs like to eat poop?

Dogs may eat poop due to reasons such as lack of essential minerals, fear, hunger, and innate tendencies. When a dog exhibits this behavior, owners should promptly stop it and educate the dog, making it understand that this is a wrongful act. It is also essential to clean up the poop promptly after the dog defecates, avoiding any chances of the dog eating it. However, if the cause is due to a lack of essential minerals, supplementation is necessary. Therefore, it is recommended for owners to bring their dog's feces to a pet hospital for testing to determine the reason behind the behavior, and then take appropriate measures accordingly.

Lack of essential minerals

If a dog's diet is too monotonous, it may lead to a lack of certain essential minerals, causing pica. In this case, the dog will not only eat poop but also consume items like dirt, wall dust, and small stones. Owners should promptly supplement their dogs with essential minerals, which usually requires continuous feeding for 2-3 months. Additionally, adjust the dog's diet to ensure balanced nutrition.

Fear

Dogs are very concerned about their owners' attitudes. If a dog has been severely scolded for defecating outdoors, it may eat its own poop out of fear. To address this, provide the dog with proper education, but avoid harsh scolding or beating, as it may exacerbate the problem and lead to more frequent poop-eating. Meanwhile, promptly clean up the dog's poop to reduce the chances of it being eaten.

Hunger

When a dog feels hungry and there is no other food available, it may resort to eating poop. Therefore, owners should ensure that their dogs have enough food and feed them regularly and quantitatively to meet their daily nutritional and energy needs.

Innate tendencies

Newborn dogs cannot defecate and rely on their mother's licking of their anal region to stimulate bowel movements. They may also eat their own poop to maintain a clean environment. Additionally, since the smell of feces can reveal a dog's location and attract potential dangers, dogs may eat their poop to mask their presence and avoid attracting other predators.