How To Stop Dog From Eating Poop

My dog used to eat poop, and it really worried me. I started adding a little pumpkin to his food and trained him to “leave it”—and slowly, he stopped.

To stop your dog from eating poop, give natural things like pumpkin or pineapple and clean up poop right away. Also, train them with “leave it” commands.

Stay tuned with us as we dive into simple, natural ways to help you with how to stop dog from eating poop—you won’t want to miss these easy tips!

Table of Contents

What Is Coprophagia in Dogs?

Coprophagia refers to the act of eating feces, and while it’s disturbing for pet parents, it’s not unusual for dogs. Puppies often explore the world by tasting everything, including their own poop or that of other animals. But when adult dogs develop this habit, it’s often a sign of deeper issues.

The causes may be nutritional, behavioral, or medical. Understanding why it happens is the first step in stopping it.

Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Poop?

There are situations where poop-eating is considered normal. Mother dogs will often clean their puppies by licking them and consuming their waste. Puppies may imitate this behavior and eat poop occasionally.

However, when adult dogs begin eating poop—especially if it’s frequent—it could point to underlying concerns like stress, poor diet, or health problems. This is when action becomes necessary.

Why Dogs Eat Poop: Common Reasons

There isn’t a single reason dogs eat poop. Instead, a range of physical and psychological factors may trigger this behavior. Here are the most common ones:

Nutritional Deficiencies

If your dog is lacking key nutrients like vitamin B, enzymes, or protein, they might eat poop in an attempt to fulfill those missing elements.

Imitation and Learned Behavior

Puppies who see older dogs eating poop may copy the behavior. Over time, this can turn into a habit.

Stress and Anxiety

Dogs left alone for long periods, kept in small spaces, or those rescued from harsh environments may develop this behavior as a stress response.

Attention-Seeking

Even negative attention can encourage the behavior. If your dog notices that eating poop gets a reaction from you, they may repeat it just for the response.

Poor Digestion

Some dogs may eat poop because their food isn’t being fully digested. This means their stool still contains nutrients and smells like food.

Health Risks of Coprophagia

While it may seem harmless, poop-eating can be dangerous for your dog. Some of the risks include

Intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms
Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli
Exposure to viruses or toxins in animal waste
Digestive upset and infections
Bad breath and poor oral hygiene

This makes it even more important to stop the behavior as soon as possible.

7 Natural Home Remedies to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop

Now let’s dive into the core of our article—home remedies that can help stop your dog from eating poop. These are safe, simple, and vet-recommended methods that have worked for many dog owners.

1. Add Pumpkin to Their Food

Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps improve digestion. It also alters the taste and texture of your dog’s poop, making it less appealing to them.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of plain, canned pumpkin to your dog’s food daily.
Avoid pumpkin pie mix, which contains sugar and spices.

-2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Sometimes dogs eat poop due to a lack of stomach acid. Apple cider vinegar can help restore gut balance.

Mix 1 teaspoon (for small dogs) to 1 tablespoon (for large dogs) of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into their food once daily.

Be sure to start with a small amount and check with your vet before beginning.

3. Try Pineapple Chunks

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion and creates a bitter taste in poop.

Feed your dog a few small chunks of fresh pineapple as a treat.
Avoid canned pineapple with syrup or added sugar.

Over time, they may find their own stool unappetizing.

4. Feed Papaya or Digestive Enzymes

Dogs eating poop may not be digesting their food properly. Papaya contains enzymes that support digestion.

Add a small amount of ripe, mashed papaya to their food daily.
Alternatively, use a vet-recommended digestive enzyme supplement.

5. Add Coconut Oil to Meals

Coconut oil can improve digestion, strengthen immunity, and make poop less tasty to dogs.

Start with 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs or 1 teaspoon for medium to large dogs.
Mix it into their meal once daily.

It’s also a good source of healthy fats and can improve coat health.

6. Use Probiotic Yogurt

A healthy gut may discourage poop-eating. Natural yogurt provides probiotics to balance gut bacteria.

Add 1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt to your dog’s food daily.
Choose options without added sugars or artificial ingredients.

This can help reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption.

7. Add Natural Herbs Like Parsley or Mint

These herbs are not only safe for dogs but also serve as **natural breath fresheners** and poop deterrents.

Mix a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or mint into their food.
These herbs may also reduce intestinal gas and improve digestion.

Bonus: DIY Dog Treat Recipe to Prevent Coprophagia

Here’s a simple homemade treat you can make using natural ingredients known to deter poop-eating:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon parsley

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl

2. Spoon into silicone molds or ice cube trays

3. Freeze and serve as a treat once a day

These treats can help mask stool smell and support digestion.

Training Techniques That Reinforce Good Behavior

Home remedies work best when paired with consistent training. Here are proven strategies:

Practice “Leave It” Command

Train your dog to respond to the command “Leave it” using treats and praise.

Supervised Bathroom Breaks

Always accompany your dog outside. When they finish pooping, call them to you immediately and offer a reward.

Keep the Yard Clean

Regularly pick up poop in your yard to reduce temptation.

Lifestyle and Environmental Changes

Simple changes to your dog’s daily life can go a long way:

Don’t feed your dog near the area they poop
Avoid boredom with interactive toys and games
Ensure regular feeding schedules with nutritionally balanced meals
Provide more exercise and mental stimulation

A tired and fulfilled dog is less likely to engage in unwanted behavior.

When to See the Vet

If your dog suddenly begins eating poop or the behavior becomes compulsive, consult your vet. Possible medical causes include:

Parasites
Diabetes
Thyroid issues
Enzyme deficiencies
Digestive problems

Your vet can perform tests and recommend treatment based on diagnosis.

More Read: What is the Immediate Remedy for Shortness of Breath?

What to Avoid

Some methods can make the problem worse:

Don’t yell or punish your dog—it can lead to anxiety and worsen the behavior.
Don’t use spicy sprays or hot sauce—they can harm your dog’s digestive system.
Don’t assume it’s just a phase—act early to prevent long-term habit formation.
Long-Term Prevention Plan

Here’s a quick checklist to stay consistent:

Use home remedies daily
Supervise potty time
Clean the environment regularly
Offer praise and treats when they ignore poop
Use leash and command training
Keep your dog mentally and physically engaged

With patience and consistency, most dogs overcome this habit within weeks.

FAQs:

1. What is the most effective home remedy to stop dogs from eating poop?

Pumpkin and pineapple are among the most popular and effective natural remedies. They change the taste of stool, making it less appealing.

2. Can a poor diet cause poop eating in dogs?

Yes, nutritional deficiencies can lead to coprophagia. Feeding a well-balanced, protein-rich diet helps prevent this behavior.

3. Do probiotics help reduce poop eating?

Yes. Probiotics improve gut health and digestion, which can lower the chances of your dog finding value in feces.

4. Is it okay to give apple cider vinegar daily?

In small amounts, yes. Always start slow and monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or allergic reaction.

5. Will my puppy grow out of poop-eating?

In many cases, yes. Most puppies stop eating poop by nine months. If the habit persists, it’s time to intervene.

Final Thoughts:

Seeing your dog eat poop can be upsetting, but it’s a fixable problem. With the right mix of home remedies, training, and patience, you can help your dog stop this behavior naturally. These gentle, effective solutions work without harsh chemicals or punishment. Your pup deserves the best, and with your help, they can live healthier and poop-free.

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How To Stop Dog From Eating Poop_using Home Remedies!