Dogs eat poop primarily due to an instinctual behavior inherited from their wild ancestors, such as wolves, who consumed feces to keep their dens clean and to protect against parasites. This behavior, known as coprophagia, is relatively common and has several explanations including nutritional deficiencies, behavioral reasons like stress, boredom, anxiety, or seeking attention, and sometimes medical causes such as enzyme deficiencies or parasites. Some dogs might also simply like the taste or texture of feces, which can contain undigested nutrients that appeal to them differently than to humans. Key reasons dogs eat poop include:
- Ancestral survival instincts rooted in hygiene and parasite control.
- Nutritional gaps or malabsorption issues.
- Behavior driven by stress, anxiety, or seeking attention.
- Copying mother dogs who eat puppy feces to keep the den clean.
- Curiosity and playfulness especially in puppies.
- Medical conditions like digestive enzyme deficiencies or parasites.
While unpleasant to humans, this behavior is natural for dogs in many cases, but it may indicate health or behavioral issues that can be addressed with veterinary advice and training.
