Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? (The Forbidden Truffle)

Why your dog thinks the gutter is a Michelin-star buffet.

It’s the ultimate Dog Dad nightmare. You’re enjoying a crisp morning walk in Hampstead Heath, your dog looks adorable, and then—in a split second—he’s tucked into a “snack” he found in the bushes.

The technical term is coprophagia, but we just call it “The Reason I’m Not Letting You Lick My Face Today.” While it feels like a personal failing on your part as an owner, it is one of the top five things owners ask Google about their dogs.

1. The Ancestral Cleanup Crew

Believe it or not, eating poop was once a survival strategy. In the wild, mother dogs lick their puppies to keep them clean and eat their waste to hide the scent from predators and keep the den hygienic. This “den cleaning” instinct is hardwired into their DNA. Your dog isn’t being gross; he’s just being a very thorough, very confused janitor.

2. The “Missing Ingredient” Myth

While many owners think their dog is lacking a specific vitamin, a major study published in Veterinary Medicine and Science suggests that for most healthy dogs, it’s not about nutrition—in fact, researchers found no link between a dog's diet and their tendency to eat poop.

However, if your dog is on a low-quality kibble, they might be looking for undigested enzymes or B-vitamins in their own (or others’) waste. If you shop at Lidl for their food, they might be “supplementing” elsewhere.

3. Boredom and The “Chasing” Game

If you live in a small flat and your dog isn’t getting enough mental stimulation, poop can unfortunately become a toy. Even worse, if you react by screaming and chasing them, the dog thinks: “Brilliant, every time I pick this up, my human plays a game of tag with me.” By overreacting, you are unintentionally reinforcing the behavior with the undivided attention they crave.

4. The “Cat Poop” Delicacy

If you have a cat at home, you know the struggle. Dog owners often refer to the litter box as the “Snack Bar.” This is because cat food is significantly higher in protein than dog food, making cat waste smell—and apparently taste—like a high-protein treat to a dog.

---

FAQ

Is it dangerous for my dog to eat poop?

While eating their own poop is generally harmless, eating "wild" poop (fox or horse) is a financial trap. Up to 75% of London foxes carry lungworm, and eating contaminated waste can lead to parasites like Giardia or roundworm.

How do I stop it?

• The “Leave It” Command: This is the most important tool in your arsenal.

• Pick it up immediately: Don’t give them the opportunity.

• Taste deterrents: There are “coprophagia stools” or pineapple chunks (which supposedly makes poop taste terrible to them), though the evidence is mixed.

Does it mean my dog is sick?

If a dog who has never done this before suddenly starts, it could be a sign of malabsorption or parasites. A quick check-up at the vet is the only way to be sure.

If you’ve ever had to pry a "mystery snack" out of a dog's mouth with your bare hands, subscribe. We’re all in this together.