Help! My Dog Eats Poop! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola. Our Ace, ex-shelter dog/puppy mill, won’t eat regular food…he seeks out poop to eat and will only eat sparingly dry dog food sometimes. We have made him all kinds of different foods…pork, beef, sausages, all kinds of prepared dog food. We just cannot get him to eat anything regularly. We are worried he will get ill because he doesn’t eat anything consistently. One thing he does eat is beef jerky, but it seems he doesn’t know what dog treats are and snubs pretty much all of them. We are at a loss as to what to do.” – Gerald
Quick Info about Ace
Hi Gerald,
First of all, thank you for rescuing Ace! It’s not uncommon for dogs from challenging backgrounds, such as shelters or puppy mills, to exhibit selective eating habits and behaviors like coprophagia (stool eating). These behavioral cases often stem from previous neglect, stress, or inadequate nutrition. Sadly, many of these puppies are left unattended and hungry in dirty cages.
To address Ace’s selective eating, it’s important to establish a consistent feeding routine with balanced, high-quality dog food. Gradually introducing new foods and minimizing treats like beef jerky can encourage healthier eating habits. Regarding coprophagia (eating poop), prompt clean-up of feces and providing engaging activities can help reduce this behavior.
Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial to rule out any underlying health issues because his case of coprophagia could also involve medical problems like nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal disorders. A vet will need to collect some samples and rule out medical possibilities. Hopefully, he also guide you on how to help Ace build a strong and healthy gut microbiome to ensure his immune system and overall health improves. Best wishes, and again, thank you for giving Ace a second chance and for your love and care.
Dr. Paola