How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Feces: Understanding and Managing Coprophagia

As a pet owner, it can be disturbing and frustrating to see your dog eating its own feces or the feces of another dog. The technical term for this behavior is coprophagia, and although it’s unsettling, it’s more common than you might think. In this article, I’ll explain why some dogs engage in this behavior and provide practical at-home solutions to help curb it.

Why Do Dogs Eat Feces?

While coprophagia can be an unpleasant behavior for pet owners, it’s not unusual. This behavior can also be observed in other animals, such as rabbits, rodents, pigs, horses, and even primates. In dogs, it can become a concern, especially as our dogs have become more integrated into our lives—licking our faces and sharing our space.

Puppies, in particular, often eat feces simply because they’re curious and tend to chew or eat anything. However, the issue arises when this habit continues into adulthood, potentially leading to established behaviors. In some cases, coprophagia may be linked to a nutritional deficiency, which is why a diet change may help resolve the problem.

How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Feces: Practical Solutions

If your dog is eating feces, there are several effective strategies you can try at home. These remedies involve dietary adjustments and products that can alter the taste of the feces, making it less appealing to your dog.

1. Diet Change: A Nutritional Approach

Some dogs benefit from a diet change, especially if their current food lacks key nutrients. Start by switching to a high-quality premium dog food. If your dog is already on a premium food, try switching to a natural diet, such as Innova or California Natural. Another option is to experiment with a raw food diet.

A diet rich in fat, protein, and fiber, and low in carbohydrates, is thought to help reduce the tendency for feces-eating. This change may address any nutritional deficiencies contributing to the behavior.

2. Altering the Flavor of Feces

It may sound counterintuitive, but changing the taste of your dog’s stool can help break the feces-eating habit. While feces already taste unpleasant, adding spices to the stool can make it even more unappealing. Consider sprinkling Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper on stool in your backyard or on your cat’s litter box.

You can also add meat tenderizer to your dog’s food. This will help with digestion and, more importantly, make your dog’s stool taste horrible. The recommended dose is 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Alternatively, you can try For-Bid, a product available from your veterinarian that makes feces taste bad.

3. Nutritional Supplements

Another way to stop coprophagia is by supplementing your dog’s diet. Some dogs eat stool because they are nutrient deficient. Adding a vitamin and mineral supplement to your dog’s diet may help curb the behavior. I recommend Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula, which is a popular choice among pet owners.

4. Citronella Spray Collar

For dogs that persist in eating feces despite dietary changes, a citronella spray collar may help. Studies have shown that citronella collars can be effective in reducing the frequency of coprophagia. The collar works by spraying a burst of citronella whenever your dog engages in the undesired behavior. The effect persists even after treatment has stopped. This approach requires you to be vigilant as the pet owner, ensuring that the spray is triggered when your dog attempts to eat feces.

A Comprehensive Approach to Coprophagia

If your dog is eating feces, you can follow a combination of the strategies above to help address the issue. Start by changing your dog’s food to one higher in fat, protein, and fiber and low in carbohydrates. Consider supplementing with a high-quality dog supplement, such as Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula. You can also use products to make feces less appealing, like meat tenderizer or a citronella spray collar. With time, these approaches can help eliminate the behavior.

P.S. If you found this article helpful, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter. You’ll receive my free book and videos on how to heal your pets at home using my top natural remedies. Knowing what to feed your pet, what vaccines to give (and avoid), and how to treat chronic illnesses like allergies can keep your dog or cat healthy.

I’ll show you exactly what to do to both prevent and treat common pet diseases. My holistic tips and remedies are simple, easy to follow, and highly effective.

P.S. If you found this article helpful, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter. You’ll receive my free book and videos on how to heal your pets at home using my top natural remedies. Knowing what to feed your pet, what vaccines to give (and avoid), and how to treat chronic illnesses like allergies can keep your dog or cat healthy.

I’ll show you exactly what to do to both prevent and treat common pet diseases. My holistic tips and remedies are simple, easy to follow, and highly effective.

Sound interesting? Download our FREE E-Book! 
Enter your name and email address below and click “Sign Me Up” to get free updates and start your journey toward a healthier pet today!