Dog Eating Dirt Deficiency: What Are They Missing?

1. Iron Deficiency (Anemia)

One of the most common reasons behind eating dirt deficiency is a lack of iron in the diet, which can lead to anemia.

Dogs with anemia have a reduced ability to carry oxygen in the blood, leading to symptoms like fatigue, pale gums, and weakness.

Why it leads to eating dirt:
Dogs may instinctively seek out soil as a source of trace minerals like iron.

While dirt isn’t a reliable or safe source of iron, the craving is driven by the body’s need to compensate for the deficiency.

Potential causes of iron deficiency in dogs:

• Blood loss (internal or external)

• Poor diet lacking in iron

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Parasites (like hookworms or fleas)

2. Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is vital for immune function, skin health, and enzyme activity in dogs.

A zinc deficiency may cause chronic skin problems, poor coat health, weight loss, and behavioral changes — including eating dirt.

Why dogs might eat dirt:
Soil can contain small amounts of zinc, and dogs with zinc deficiencies may be drawn to it in an attempt to self-correct the imbalance.

Common causes of zinc deficiency:

• Diets high in plant-based ingredients (phytates block zinc absorption)

• Poor-quality commercial dog food

• Malabsorption disorders

3. Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency

Dogs that are not receiving enough calcium or magnesium in their diet might seek alternative sources, such as dirt or clay, which naturally contain small amounts of these minerals.

Symptoms of calcium/magnesium deficiency:

• Muscle spasms or tremors

• Weak bones or dental problems

• Restlessness or behavioral shifts

A deficiency in these essential minerals may cause not only physical but also neurological symptoms, increasing the likelihood of abnormal behaviors like compulsive dirt eating.

Related: Dog eating grass and dirt (Here’s why)

4. Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B (especially B12 or cobalamin) is essential for nervous system function and the production of red blood cells.

A vitamin B deficiency can manifest in gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite changes, and can also result in strange behaviors such as eating dirt or other non-food items.

Possible causes:

• Pancreatic insufficiency

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Poor diet or overcooking food (which destroys B vitamins)

Dogs eating dirt could be responding to digestive distress caused by low B vitamin levels.

5. Digestive Enzyme Deficiency or Poor Absorption

In some cases, dogs eating dirt may not be lacking nutrients in their food — instead, their body is failing to absorb those nutrients due to enzyme deficiencies or gastrointestinal problems like leaky gut syndrome, IBD, or parasitic infections.

When nutrients pass through the system without being absorbed, it can mimic the effects of dietary deficiency.

This can lead to unusual cravings, including a desire to eat dirt or other non-food substances.

Related: Why is my dog eating dirt and rocks (Here’s why)

Other Possible Causes of Eating Dirt

While nutrient deficiencies are a major cause of dogs eating dirt, it’s not always about what they’re missing in terms of nutrition.

Here are a few other reasons this behavior may occur:

6. Stress, Anxiety, or Boredom

Like humans biting their nails or pacing, dogs sometimes develop repetitive behaviors like eating dirt due to stress, anxiety, or lack of mental stimulation.

If a dog is under-stimulated or left alone for long periods, they may resort to eating dirt as a form of self-soothing.

Signs your dog might be bored or anxious:

• Destructive chewing

• Excessive barking

• Licking or chewing paws

• Restlessness or panting

7. Behavioral Conditioning or Habit

Sometimes, eating dirt becomes a learned behavior — especially if it has been reinforced (even unintentionally) by attention or a lack of correction.

If a dog has been allowed to eat dirt consistently without redirection, the habit can become ingrained, even after the original cause has been addressed.

Related: Why is my dog eating dirt all of a sudden (Here’s why)

What to Do If Your Dog Is Eating Dirt

If you’re noticing this behavior frequently, it’s time to take action. Here’s what you can do:

1. Schedule a Veterinary Check-Up

The first step in addressing an eating dirt deficiency is ruling out medical causes.

Your vet will likely run blood tests to check for:

• Iron levels (to rule out anemia)

• Zinc, calcium, and magnesium levels

• B vitamin levels

• Red and white blood cell counts

• Parasite presence (via fecal analysis)

2. Evaluate Their Diet

A poor or unbalanced diet is often the root cause of nutritional deficiencies in dogs.

Make sure your dog is eating high-quality, complete, and balanced dog food appropriate for their age, breed, and size.

Look for a dog food that contains:

• Named protein sources (like chicken or beef)

• Whole grains or vegetables

• Added vitamins and minerals (zinc, iron, B12)

• No fillers or artificial additives

If needed, consult with a vet or canine nutritionist about adding supplements to your dog’s diet, especially if tests reveal deficiencies.

3. Prevent Dirt Access

While you’re working on the root cause, it’s important to limit your dog’s ability to eat dirt. Try:

• Keeping your dog on a leash during walks

• Supervising outdoor play

• Providing plenty of toys and chew alternatives

• Enriching their environment with mental stimulation

4. Treat Underlying Behavioral Issues

If your dog is eating dirt due to boredom or stress, address the emotional root of the behavior:

• Offer daily walks and exercise

• Provide puzzle toys or slow feeders

• Establish a consistent routine

• Consider a professional dog trainer or behaviorist

When to Seek Immediate Help

If your dog is showing any of the following signs along with dirt eating, contact your vet right away:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Lethargy or weakness

• Pale gums

• Loss of appetite

• Sudden behavior changes

Key Takeaway

While a one-time nibble of dirt might not be a concern, consistent dirt-eating behavior often signals an eating dirt deficiency — indicating that your dog is missing key nutrients like iron, zinc, or B vitamins.

It may also stem from stress, boredom, or digestive issues.

By identifying and addressing the underlying causes, whether through diet changes, supplements, or medical treatment, you can help your dog stop this behavior and return to full health.

Don’t wait to take action — your dog’s health may depend on it.