If you’ve caught your dog eating dirt or even worse—poop—you’re not alone. As strange and unsettling as this behavior may seem, it’s not uncommon.
We break down why your dog is eating dirt and poop, explore the causes behind it, and help you understand what you should do and when to seek veterinary care.
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Dog Eating Dirt and Poop: Here’s Why This Happens
When a dog eats dirt and poop, it’s often a sign of an underlying issue rather than just a quirky habit. This behavior, known as pica or coprophagia (specifically for feces), can stem from nutritional deficiencies, medical problems like parasites or digestive disorders, behavioral issues such as boredom or stress, or simply instinctual curiosity—especially in puppies. Dogs might eat dirt to seek missing minerals or consume feces to recycle undigested nutrients or because they find the smell appealing.
While occasional dirt or poop eating may be harmless, frequent or excessive consumption can lead to health risks including parasite infections, intestinal blockages, or exposure to toxins.
Dog Eating Dirt and Poop: Common Causes
1. Nutritional Deficiency
One of the most frequent causes of dog eating dirt and poop is a nutritional imbalance.
When a dog’s diet lacks essential nutrients—like iron, zinc, or B vitamins—they may turn to non-food sources to make up for it. Dirt and feces may contain trace minerals, which your dog’s body craves.
Some dogs may also eat poop (a condition called coprophagia) to recycle undigested nutrients—especially if they are on a poor-quality diet.
Signs that nutritional deficiency may be to blame:
Dull coat
Frequent hunger despite eating
Weight loss or failure to gain weight
Digestive issues like gas or diarrhea
If you suspect your dog’s eating habits are due to poor nutrition, consider switching to a high-quality, balanced dog food and consult a vet to rule out malabsorption disorders.
Related: Dog eating grass and dirt (Here’s why)
2. Behavioral Reasons: Boredom, Stress, or Anxiety
Dogs are smart, social animals. When under-stimulated, lonely, or stressed, they may develop compulsive habits like eating dirt or poop to self-soothe or fill their time.
This is especially common in:
Puppies left alone for long periods
Dogs with a history of abuse or neglect
Dogs confined in small or unstimulating environments
Stress-induced dirt or poop eating is often accompanied by other signs such as:
Pacing
Whining
Destructive behavior
Excessive licking or chewing
In these cases, increasing mental enrichment, daily exercise, and using puzzle toys can help reduce the behavior.
3. Medical Conditions
Sometimes, dogs eat poop and dirt because of underlying medical conditions. These can include:
Anemia: Low red blood cell counts make dogs seek iron from alternative sources like soil.
Diabetes or thyroid problems: These conditions can increase hunger or cause abnormal cravings.
Gastrointestinal diseases: Conditions like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) may trigger pica.
Parasites: Worms can interfere with nutrient absorption, making dogs hungry and leading to strange eating behaviors.
If your dog is eating dirt and poop frequently, and it’s paired with other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or rapid weight changes, it’s crucial to see a vet for testing.
Related: Dog eating dirt: What are they missing?
4. Poor Diet or Inappropriate Feeding Habits
Even if your dog’s food is technically complete, factors like low digestibility, inconsistent feeding schedules, or lack of bulk in the diet can contribute to them eating dirt or poop.
For instance:
Feeding a very low-fiber diet can result in a dog feeling unsatisfied after meals.
Some commercial foods use fillers or artificial flavors, leaving dogs craving real nutrients.
Dogs fed irregularly or left hungry too long may look to their environment to satisfy their hunger.
Feeding your dog high-quality meals on a routine schedule can go a long way in curbing pica behavior.
5. Instinctual Behavior (Especially in Puppies)
Puppies often explore the world through their mouths—and that includes eating dirt or poop.
In some cases, this behavior mimics natural instincts. For example, mother dogs may eat their puppies’ poop to keep the den clean.
While this is relatively normal in very young dogs, the behavior should decrease as they mature.
If it persists past puppyhood, it could point to other issues.
Tip: Always supervise puppies during outdoor playtime and redirect them away from inappropriate items with chew toys or training.
6. Attraction to Scent or Taste
Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, and sometimes they eat poop—especially from cats or other animals—because it smells or tastes appealing to them. This is particularly true if the feces contain undigested food or protein.
In the case of eating dirt, some dogs are drawn to the scent of fertilizers, mulch, or decomposing organic matter in the soil.
This behavior can become a reinforced habit over time, so it’s important to intervene early.
7. Learned Behavior
Dogs are keen observers. If they notice that eating poop gets them attention—even negative attention—they might continue doing it.
In multi-dog households, dogs may mimic this behavior from one another.
To stop this, avoid reacting dramatically. Instead, redirect and reward your dog for more appropriate behavior.
Risks of Dog Eating Dirt and Poop
Whether it’s occasional or habitual, dogs eating dirt and poop can pose health risks, including:
Parasites (like roundworms and giardia from feces)
Intestinal blockage (from swallowing rocks or large clumps of dirt)
Toxic exposure (fertilizers, pesticides, or harmful bacteria)
Infection or gastrointestinal upset
Signs of trouble include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Lethargy
Pale gums (a sign of anemia)
If any of these symptoms appear, get veterinary care promptly.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Dirt or Poop
Rule out medical causes
Schedule a vet visit to run bloodwork, fecal tests, and other diagnostics. Identifying and treating an underlying medical issue is essential.Improve diet and feeding routine
Feed a nutrient-dense, vet-recommended dog food.
Ensure your dog is eating enough and on a consistent schedule.
Add healthy fiber (like canned pumpkin) to help them feel full.
Eliminate access to dirt and feces
Clean your yard regularly.
Use a leash to control outdoor behavior.
Provide safe, chewable alternatives.
Offer enrichment and training
Increase exercise and play.
Provide chew toys, puzzles, or treat-dispensing toys.
Train the “leave it” command.
Use deterrents if needed
Products like For-Bid or coprophagia deterrent chews make poop taste unappealing. Always consult your vet before using these.
When to See the Vet
If your dog continues to eat dirt or poop despite your best efforts, or if the behavior is sudden and severe, consult a vet.
Seek veterinary help immediately if your dog:
Is vomiting or has diarrhea after eating dirt or poop
Shows signs of poisoning (drooling, seizures, rapid heart rate)
Becomes lethargic or unresponsive
Has pale gums or signs of anemia
Key Takeaway
If your dog is eating dirt and poop, it could be due to curiosity, hunger, stress, or a medical issue.
While occasional dirt sniffing or poop nibbling may not be dangerous, frequent or obsessive behavior warrants attention.
By understanding the reasons why your dog eats dirt and poop—and taking steps to prevent and correct the behavior—you can help keep your pup safe, healthy, and happy.
Always involve your veterinarian to rule out medical concerns and guide you in making the best choices for your dog’s well-being.