In the realm of canine behaviours, few topics raise eyebrows (and noses) quite like the habit of poo eating, or coprophagy, as it’s properly termed. It’s a quirky, sometimes distressing habit that many dog owners encounter and struggle to understand. In our latest exploration of canine quirks, we’re thrilled to team up with Burns Pet Nutrition, the doggy nutrition aficionados, to offer practical advice and to shed light on this peculiar question ‘why do dogs eat poo?’.
The Science Behind the Scoop
First off, let’s get the proper terms out there. Coprophagy might sound like something out of a science book, but it simply means poo-eating. And then there’s the terms ‘pica’, or ‘depraved appetite’, which is a fancy way of saying your pooch has a craving for things it really shouldn’t eat. Whether it’s gourmet rabbit droppings or the less appetising offerings from other canines, it’s a topic that has many dog owners scratching their heads.
According to John Burns, founder and vet surgeon at Burns Pet Nutrition, this isn’t just a naughty habit; it’s something many dogs are into. Eating poo, especially herbivore poo, isn’t harmful and it’s unlikely to cause health issues. However there is a risk of parasites. So, it’s essential to keep your dog up-to-date with worm prevention.
Reasons Why They Might Be Eating Poo
Puppies are like toddlers; they explore the world with their mouths. So, a bit of poo tasting is part of their learning curve. But what starts as curiosity can turn into a full-blown hobby if they decide they like it. That’s when you might need to step in with some training.
If an adult dog starts showing a taste for poo, or if a puppy doesn’t grow out of it, it’s time to take a closer look. It might seem counterintuitive, but even dogs on balanced diets can develop this habit. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re hungry or lacking nutrients. Instead, it highlights the importance of not just the quality of their diet but also how it’s digested and processed by their bodies.
Let’s dive into why they may be eating this not so tasty treat:
Poor Quality Food: Dogs eating low-digestibility food may turn to coprophagy. This could be due to the food’s poor nutritional value not meeting their dietary needs, prompting them to seek out alternative sources of nutrients, albeit in an undesirable way.
Overfeeding: Ironically, giving your dog too much to eat can also lead to coprophagy. Overfeeding can overwhelm a dog’s digestive system, leading to a paradox where they seek out poo as a source of ‘food’.
Food Intolerance and Dietary Imbalance: Some dogs might have intolerances or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food, leading them to eat poo. Additionally, diets high in excess protein and fat, but low in complex carbohydrates, can contribute to this behaviour.
Chemicals and Toxic Waste Build-up: The presence of chemicals in food or an accumulation of toxic waste in a dog’s system can lead to a range of health issues, including the peculiar habit of poo eating. This is a dog’s misguided attempt to rectify an internal imbalance.
Practical Tips To Consider
When tackling poo eating, simplicity in diet is key. Initially, it’s advisable to limit dietary variety—no treats, alternative pet food brands, or human foods rich in meat and fat. Vegetables are generally safe. This strategy helps pinpoint what works best for your dog, with the potential to reintroduce treats once the behaviour is under control.
How much and how often you feed your dog can also influence their poo-eating habits. Overfeeding, even with high-quality food, can overload the digestive system and contribute to the problem. Feed your dog sparingly, and tailor portions to your dog’s unique needs rather than strictly following package recommendations. This approach not only addresses coprophagy but also results in less waste for you to manage.
Diet plays a pivotal role in addressing coprophagy. Burns Pet Nutrition advocates for a holistic approach, focusing on high-quality, digestible, and hypoallergenic food. Their experience shows that diets based on whole grains, with low protein and fat content, significantly enhance digestive efficiency, reducing the appeal of poo as a snack.
If you’ve determined that your dog’s poopy palate isn’t down to diet, it could be the result of habit. Alongside diet management, you may also need to consider seeking support from a behaviourist who specialises in the subject. Especially if your dog has started poo-eating later in life.
Final Thoughts
While coprophagy might be a baffling aspect of dog behaviour, it’s often a manageable one. Through a combination of dietary management, tailored nutrition, and mindful feeding practices, many pet owners can mitigate or even eliminate this habit. With the support of specialists like Burns Pet Nutrition and their commitment to holistic dog health, navigating the challenges of coprophagy becomes a much clearer path.
Burns Pet Nutrition has a free helpline where you can talk to a doggy nutritionist for tailored advice. Whether it’s through email, live chat, or a phone call at 0800 083 6696, the Burns’ team are always ready to assist, ensuring no query is too small.
In the quest to understand and adjust our furry friends’ less appealing habits, patience, consistency, and a bit of expert advice can go a long way. Whether you’re dealing with a curious puppy or a seasoned poo connoisseur, remember that you’re not alone—and help is always available to ensure your pet’s health and happiness.
