Puppies are cute, cuddly, and endlessly curious. But they also do some truly bizarre things, like eating their own poop. If you’ve caught your pup mid-act and wondered why, you’re definitely not alone.
As gross as it seems, your puppy eating poop (aka coprophagia) is surprisingly common. Here’s why dogs eat poop, what it might mean, and how to help them kick the habit.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Let’s break down the most common reasons behind this unpleasant behavior in young puppies and adult dogs alike:
Exploration & Instinct
Puppies experience the world through their mouths. From toys to shoes to animal feces, they’ll taste test it all. It can also be instinctual. Mother dogs clean up after their litter in the early weeks, and puppies sometimes mimic this behavior.
Boredom or Stress
A lack of mental stimulation, too much alone time, or changes in environment can trigger unwanted behaviors, including eating poop. For some puppies, it’s simply a way to pass the time or soothe themselves.
Digestive Curiosity
Your puppy might be drawn to their own stool because it smells like undigested food. This can be especially true if their current dog’s diet is difficult to digest or does not fully meet their nutritional needs.
Could It Be a Nutrition Issue?
Yes, sometimes dogs eating poop is connected to a nutritional deficiency or an improperly balanced diet.
Low-quality food or formulas with poor digestibility can leave nutrients behind in the stool. This can cause your pup to feel unsatisfied, leading them to eat poop in an effort to “reclaim” those nutrients.
A complete and balanced diet helps minimize behaviors linked to poor digestion or nutrient gaps. When a puppy's food is formulated for growth and easy on the tummy, they're far less likely to develop strange food-related behaviors.
Signs to Watch For:
- Frequent gas, bloating, or loose stool
- A puppy who always seems hungry, even after meals
- Behavior continues despite training and redirection
- Stool eating extends to cat feces or other animal feces
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s in the bowl.
Support Healthy Digestion with Weruva Puppy
At Weruva, we believe that good habits start with good food. Weruva Puppy is specially formulated to support young puppies through every stage of growth. Each recipe features:
- Boneless, skinless meats for digestible, high-quality protein
- White rice and pumpkin to support gentle digestion
- Omega fatty acids to promote brain and vision development
- Inulin (a prebiotic) to help balance gut health
Great nutrition prevents bad habits before they start by helping your puppy feel full, supported, and less tempted to explore what’s in the litter box or backyard. With three delicious recipes to choose from, Weruva Puppy is a win-win.
Simple Tips to Help Stop Poop Eating
While diet is key, some smart strategies can help you train your dog away from this habit:
- Clean up poop immediately during walks and yard time
- Keep your pup engaged with toys, positive reinforcement, and interactive play
- Feed consistent meals to reduce scavenging behavior
- Use training cues like “leave it” to redirect their attention
- Talk to your vet if the behavior seems excessive to rule out a medical condition or intestinal parasites.
And if your dog is eating cat poop (a common issue in multi-pet homes) consider a litter box with a covered design or pet-proof access.
You’ve Got This, Puppy Parent
Why do puppies eat poop? It's a messy mystery, but one that can usually be solved with patience, the right food, and a few consistent habits. With Weruva Puppy, you’re giving your pup the balanced nutrition they need to be healthy and leave their strange habits behind.
