As a dedicated dog owner, I know how distressing it can be to discover that my beloved pet has developed a habit of eating poop. It’s not just unpleasant, it’s also concerning for their health. Over the years, I’ve delved into countless resources, consulted with veterinarians, and experimented with various dietary changes to address this issue. The good news is that with the right approach, it’s possible to significantly reduce or even eliminate this behaviour.
Understanding Why Dogs Eat Poop
Before we dive into the best dog food options, it’s essential to understand why dogs engage in this behaviour, known as coprophagia. There are several reasons why a dog might eat poop, including nutritional deficiencies, boredom, stress, and even an instinctual habit. By identifying the root cause, we can tailor our approach to address the specific needs of our pets.
The Role of Diet in Preventing Coprophagia
One of the most effective strategies I’ve found involves making dietary adjustments. Many dogs eat poop because their current diet is not providing them with all the necessary nutrients. Switching to high-quality, well-balanced dog food can make a significant difference. These specially formulated foods can help correct nutritional imbalances, making the behaviour less appealing to dogs.
Choosing the Right Dog Food
When selecting dog food to combat coprophagia, it’s crucial to look for products that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Foods that include probiotics, digestive enzymes, and high levels of protein can also be beneficial. Additionally, some dog foods are specifically designed to deter poop-eating by making stools less palatable to dogs. Through my own experience and extensive research, I’ve identified several top-tier dog foods that have proven effective for many owners facing this issue.
Understanding Why Dogs Eat Poop: Causes and Prevention
Discovering that my dog has developed a habit of eating poop, known scientifically as coprophagia, was both shocking and confusing. It’s a behaviour that seems completely alien to us, but for dogs, it can stem from various reasons. To tackle this problem effectively, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes and implement suitable preventive measures.
There are several potential reasons why dogs might engage in this behaviour. Nutritional deficiencies are a common factor; if a dog’s diet lacks essential nutrients, they might seek alternative sources, including feces. Additionally, dogs with certain medical conditions, such as digestive enzyme deficiencies or malabsorption syndromes, might be more prone to eating poop as their bodies attempt to gain the missing nutrients.
Causes of Coprophagia
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition can drive dogs to seek missing elements in feces, especially if their food lacks key vitamins and minerals.
- Medical Conditions: Digestive issues or enzyme deficiencies can make feces seem like a viable source of nutrients for some dogs.
- Behavioural Factors: Puppies often explore the world with their mouths, and some may develop this habit out of curiosity. Adult dogs might imitate this behaviour if they see other dogs doing it.
- Environmental Stress: Dogs in stressful environments or those experiencing anxiety might eat poop as a coping mechanism. This behaviour can also be triggered by boredom or lack of mental stimulation.
Preventing Coprophagia
Once the root cause is identified, implementing strategies to prevent coprophagia becomes more straightforward. Ensuring that your dog receives a well-balanced diet tailored to their specific nutritional needs is crucial. Consulting with a veterinarian can help pinpoint any dietary deficiencies or medical conditions that need to be addressed.
- Improve Diet: Provide high-quality, nutrient-rich dog food to ensure your pet is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular veterinary visits can help detect and treat any underlying health issues contributing to the behaviour.
- Environmental Enrichment: Engage your dog with toys, training, and exercise to prevent boredom and reduce stress-related behaviours.
- Immediate Clean-up: Promptly remove feces from your yard and during walks to eliminate the opportunity for your dog to eat it.
- Behavioural Training: Employ training techniques to discourage poop-eating, such as teaching the “leave it” command and providing positive reinforcement when they obey.
Addressing coprophagia requires patience and consistency, but understanding the causes and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce or eliminate this behaviour in your dog. By focusing on their diet, health, and mental stimulation, you can help your furry friend break this unpleasant habit.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Dog Food to Stop Poop Eating
As a dog owner, I’ve struggled with my pet’s habit of eating poop. It’s not only unpleasant but also concerning for their health. After consulting with my vet and doing extensive research, I discovered that the right diet can make a significant difference. The key is to look for specific ingredients in dog food that can help address this issue effectively.
One of the most critical factors is ensuring the food provides all the necessary nutrients that your dog might be lacking. Deficiencies can sometimes lead dogs to seek out nutrients from unconventional sources, such as their own feces. By choosing a food with a balanced and comprehensive nutritional profile, we can help mitigate this behaviour.
Essential Ingredients to Include
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High-Quality Protein: Dogs need a diet rich in high-quality protein. This helps in overall muscle development and energy levels. Opt for dog food that lists meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with unspecified meat meals or by-products.
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Digestive Enzymes: Adding digestive enzymes to your dog’s diet can improve nutrient absorption and digestion. This can reduce the likelihood of your dog seeking out other sources of nutrients.
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Fibre-Rich Foods: Fibre aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health. Ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots are excellent sources of fibre that can make the stool less appealing to your dog.
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Probiotics: Probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for your dog’s digestive health. A balanced gut can prevent many digestive issues and discourage poop eating.
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Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Ensuring your dog food has the right vitamins and minerals is essential. Deficiencies in vitamins such as B-complex, and minerals like zinc and iron, can lead to pica behaviour (eating non-food items, including feces).
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Adequate Fat Content: Healthy fats are necessary for energy and overall health. Ingredients like fish oil or flaxseed oil provide essential fatty acids that can support your dog’s coat and skin, while also providing a source of energy.
In conclusion, by carefully selecting a dog food that includes these key ingredients, you can address the root causes of poop eating. This approach not only improves your dog’s health but also enhances their overall quality of life. Always consult with your vet to tailor the diet specifically to your dog’s needs.
Top 5 Dog Foods Formulated to Prevent Coprophagia
As a devoted dog owner, it’s disheartening to witness your furry friend engaging in coprophagia, the act of eating faeces. This behaviour, while common, is both unpleasant and concerning. Fortunately, certain dog foods are specifically designed to address this issue by providing the necessary nutrients and ingredients to deter such habits.
Choosing the right food can make a significant difference in curbing this behaviour. Here, I will share five dog foods that have been formulated with the goal of preventing coprophagia, helping your canine companion lead a healthier and more pleasant lifestyle.
Recommended Dog Foods for Preventing Coprophagia
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Forbid
Forbid is a popular choice among veterinarians for its effective formula. It’s not a traditional dog food but rather a supplement that you mix with your dog’s regular meals. The ingredients in Forbid make faeces unpalatable, discouraging your dog from eating it.
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Solid Gold Stop Eating Poop
This is a holistic supplement that combines natural ingredients to deter dogs from eating faeces. It includes ingredients like yucca extract and probiotics, which not only help in making the faeces less appealing but also support overall digestive health.
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NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent
NaturVet offers a well-rounded approach to preventing coprophagia with its blend of ingredients such as parsley, chamomile, and yucca. This formula not only makes stools less desirable but also supports your dog’s digestive system.
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Stool Eating Deterrent by Vet Classics
Vet Classics has formulated a deterrent that works by altering the taste and texture of your dog’s stool. It includes digestive enzymes and other nutrients that help improve gut health, thus addressing some underlying causes of coprophagia.
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Pro-Sense Coprophagia Solutions
This product is designed to discourage stool eating through a blend of ingredients that make the faeces less palatable. It also includes vitamins and minerals to ensure your dog receives a balanced diet while addressing this behavioural issue.
By selecting one of these specifically formulated products, you can help your dog overcome the habit of eating faeces. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet to ensure it meets their individual health needs.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes to Prevent Poop Eating
One of the most unpleasant habits our canine companions can develop is coprophagia, or poop eating. While this behaviour is quite common, it can be distressing for dog owners. Fortunately, adjusting your dog’s diet with homemade recipes can help deter this habit.
By incorporating specific ingredients known to make the stool less appealing or by ensuring your dog receives all necessary nutrients, you can reduce their desire to eat poop. Here are some homemade dog food recipes designed to discourage this behaviour.
Nutritious and Balanced Recipes
A balanced diet is crucial in preventing coprophagia. Often, dogs eat poop due to deficiencies in their regular diet. Here are some recipes to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
- Protein-Rich Turkey and Vegetable Mix: Combine ground turkey with a mix of finely chopped carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes. Cook the ingredients together and let them cool before serving. The protein and fibre content can help fulfil your dog’s nutritional needs, reducing the urge to eat poop.
- Fish and Brown Rice Delight: Cook salmon and mix it with brown rice and spinach. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support overall health. This recipe is not only nutritious but also tasty, making your dog less likely to seek out alternative snacks.
Adding certain supplements can also deter your dog from eating poop. These additives make the stool less palatable or address deficiencies that might be driving the behaviour.
- Pineapple Chunks: Adding a few pieces of pineapple to your dog’s meals can make their stool taste unpleasant due to the fruit’s natural enzymes. Ensure you don’t overdo it, as too much fruit can upset their stomach.
- Pumpkin Puree: Mixing a tablespoon of pumpkin puree into your dog’s food can aid digestion and provide essential nutrients. Pumpkin is high in fibre, which helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
- Yogurt or Probiotics: Including a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt or a probiotic supplement can improve your dog’s gut health, potentially reducing the behaviour. Probiotics can balance the bacteria in their digestive system, promoting better nutrient absorption.
It’s essential to consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet. These recipes and tips are intended to support a balanced diet and address any underlying nutritional deficiencies that could be contributing to your dog’s undesirable habit.
With the right combination of ingredients and attention to your dog’s overall health, you can help them overcome the habit of eating poop, ensuring they stay healthy and happy.
How to Transition Your Dog to a New Diet for Optimal Results
Transitioning your dog to a new diet requires careful planning and patience to ensure they adjust well and continue to thrive. When changing your dog’s food, it’s important to do so gradually to prevent digestive issues and allow their system to adapt smoothly.
To begin with, you need to have the new dog food ready and introduce it slowly into your pet’s current diet. This process usually takes about a week but can vary depending on your dog’s sensitivity and specific needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Dog’s Food
- Days 1-2: Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food. Observe your dog for any signs of digestive upset, such as loose stools or vomiting.
- Days 3-4: Increase the amount of new food to 50% while decreasing the old food to 50%. Continue to monitor your dog’s reaction to the new diet.
- Days 5-6: Mix 75% of the new food with 25% of the old food. By this stage, your dog should be more accustomed to the new food, but keep an eye on their behaviour and health.
- Day 7: If your dog has adjusted well, you can fully transition to the new food. However, continue to watch for any changes in their digestion or overall health.
Throughout this transition period, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Dogs thrive on routine, and sticking to regular meal times can help them adjust to their new diet more easily.
If your dog experiences any adverse reactions during the transition, such as persistent diarrhoea or a significant drop in energy levels, it may be necessary to slow down the process. In some cases, consulting with your veterinarian is advisable to ensure the new diet meets all of your dog’s nutritional requirements.
Another important aspect to consider is hydration. Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh water, especially during a dietary change. Proper hydration supports digestion and overall health.
By following these steps and being attentive to your dog’s needs, you can ensure a smooth transition to their new diet, leading to better health and well-being for your furry friend.
Expert Tips and Tricks to Reinforce Positive Eating Habits
As a dog owner, I know how challenging it can be to deal with unwanted eating behaviours in our furry friends. One of the most common issues is when dogs develop a habit of consuming things they shouldn’t, including their own faeces. This behaviour, known as coprophagia, can be concerning and unpleasant, but there are effective strategies to help your dog develop healthier eating habits.
From adjusting their diet to incorporating training techniques, I’ve found several approaches that work wonders in discouraging this behaviour. Here, I’ll share some expert tips and tricks that have been effective in promoting positive eating habits in dogs.
Adjusting Their Diet
One of the first steps in addressing coprophagia is to ensure your dog’s diet is well-balanced and nutritious. A high-quality diet can significantly impact their overall health and behaviour. Look for dog food that includes:
- High Protein Content: Dogs need sufficient protein to stay healthy and satisfied. Ensure their food contains high-quality protein sources.
- Fibre: Adequate fibre helps in proper digestion and can reduce the urge to eat faeces.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: A well-rounded diet with all necessary nutrients supports overall health and can reduce undesirable behaviours.
Training Techniques
Training your dog is crucial in reinforcing positive eating habits. Here are some techniques that have been effective:
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise when they ignore faeces and focus on their own food.
- Supervision and Redirection: Keep a close eye on your dog during walks and playtime. If they attempt to eat faeces, redirect their attention with a toy or treat.
- Commands and Consistency: Teach commands like “leave it” or “no” and be consistent in using them whenever necessary.
Environmental Management
Managing your dog’s environment can also help prevent coprophagia. Here are a few strategies:
- Regular Clean-Up: Promptly clean up after your dog to remove any temptation from their environment.
- Proper Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity and mental engagement to reduce boredom and related behaviours.
- Vet Check-Up: Regular veterinary visits can help rule out any underlying health issues that might be contributing to the behaviour.
By combining a nutritious diet, effective training techniques, and proper environmental management, you can help your dog develop positive eating habits and reduce or eliminate the behaviour of eating faeces. Patience and consistency are key in this process, but with these strategies, you’re well on your way to a healthier and happier pet.
Success Stories: Dog Owners Share Their Experiences with Anti-Poop Eating Diets
Transitioning a dog to an anti-poop eating diet can be challenging, but many pet owners have found success with the right approach and persistence. Hearing from those who have faced similar struggles can provide both hope and practical advice.
Below are some inspiring stories from dog owners who have successfully curbed their dogs’ coprophagia through dietary changes and other strategies.
Real-Life Success Stories
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Emma and Max: Emma noticed a significant reduction in Max’s poop-eating behaviour after switching to a high-protein diet with added digestive enzymes. She also started adding pineapple to his meals, which made his stools less appealing to him.
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James and Bella: James incorporated a specialised kibble designed to deter poop eating and supplemented Bella’s diet with probiotics. Within a month, Bella’s coprophagia was almost entirely resolved.
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Sarah and Charlie: After extensive research, Sarah introduced a raw food diet for Charlie, focusing on balanced nutrition and fibre. She reported that Charlie stopped eating poop within two weeks of the diet change.
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Oliver and Daisy: Oliver used a combination of pumpkin puree and high-quality, grain-free dog food to address Daisy’s poop-eating habit. The added fibre from the pumpkin helped regulate her digestive system, making her less likely to consume faeces.
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Rachel and Buddy: Rachel found success by adding natural deterrents, like apple cider vinegar, to Buddy’s food. She also ensured that Buddy had plenty of engaging toys and activities to distract him from his poop-eating tendencies.
These stories highlight that while the journey to stop poop eating can be unique for each dog, finding the right diet and supplements, combined with behavioural training, can lead to successful outcomes. Patience and persistence are key, as is consulting with a veterinarian to ensure the chosen diet meets all the nutritional needs of the dog.
In conclusion, with the right approach and a bit of trial and error, it is possible to help dogs overcome the habit of eating poop. The experiences shared by other dog owners offer valuable insights and encouragement for anyone facing this challenge with their pet.
Best Dog Food For Dogs That Eat Poop

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Skinner’s Field & Trial Light & Senior – Complete Dry Dog Food, Ideal for Older, Overweight or Less Active Dogs, 15kg
Features
| Part Number | 29046 |
| Model | 02SKFTLS |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Size | 1 count (Pack of 1) |
| Language | English |

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Q&A:
What should I feed my dog if it eats poop?
If your dog eats poop, consider switching to a high-quality dog food that provides balanced nutrition and meets its dietary needs. Look for options with natural ingredients and avoid low-quality fillers.
Are there specific ingredients I should look for in dog food to prevent coprophagy?
Opt for dog foods that contain probiotics, which can help improve digestion and reduce the likelihood of coprophagy (poop-eating behavior). Additionally, foods rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals may also deter this behavior.
Could my dog’s poop-eating be a sign of a nutritional deficiency?
Yes, coprophagy can sometimes indicate a nutritional deficiency. Consult with your vet to determine if your dog’s current diet is lacking essential nutrients, and consider switching to a dog food formulated to meet its specific nutritional needs.
How can I discourage my dog from eating poop using its diet?
Introduce a high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and fibre. These nutrients can help your dog feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing its interest in consuming poop. Additionally, providing regular meals and avoiding free-feeding may also help.
What are some dietary habits that might contribute to coprophagy in dogs?
Feeding your dog low-quality dog food or a diet lacking in essential nutrients can contribute to coprophagy. Additionally, inconsistent feeding schedules or excessive treats can also lead to this behavior. Ensuring your dog’s diet is balanced and meets its nutritional requirements is crucial.
