Today we’re talking about a common issue every dog owner faces at some time- poop eating- and whether cooking for your dog can help prevent it! If you are a new dog owner you might have noticed your furry new friend likes to have a little snack, of his own poop! My mom’s pup was doing this, she was so grossed out! How could he do that?! She may have even thrown up in her mouth a little bit!
I had to explain to her that this is normal behavior for a puppy. He will grow out of this stage when you discourage him from doing so. But her concern was what if he grows and is still snacking on his own poop (or other animals’ poop) and she can not get him to stop? Think about what you are feeding him. That might be the reason for his poop eating habit. Let’s talk about how to stop in, including cooking for your dog!
Related: Useful DogTips and Some Odd Facts
Why is Your Dog Eating His Poop?
Is he bored? You certainly wouldn’t eat your poop if you were bored, but your dog is a different story. We can get busy in our days sometimes and push off that walk with the dog, or keep saying ‘not now’ to him starring at us with a ball in his mouth. He might be eating his own poop because he is bored and needs some exercise and mental stimulation.
Breed: No I am not saying there are only certain breeds who like to eat their own poop, but there are breeds who instinctively like to carry things in their mouths. Not that poop is specifically one of those things, but maybe toss a ball outside a little more than you do now. He won’t be so inclined to run by you with poop hanging out of his mouth. (The image is gross I know!)
Cooking For Your Dog: Will it Stop his Poop-Eating Ways?
Change his food: Sometimes when a dog is being fed food that is not completing his nutritional needs, he will try to meet the needs himself by re-feeding on that consumed food-he will eat his own poop. His stool smells a little like his food. Look at the food you are currently feeding him. Low-quality foods can leave your four-legged friend lacking in some nutrients. Change his food to a higher quality food with more protein and he will feel more satisfied and quit eating his poop.
Go homemade: The thought of making your dog’s food can sound a little overwhelming at first, but it will save you money in the long run and your dog will love it! Be sure to do your research and talk to your vet before you dig deep into cooking for your dog. He does not have a digestive system like ours, and there are certain nutrients he needs to remain healthy and certain foods he can not have. If he has certain issues, he may even need a homemade hypoallergenic dog food diet!
Related: What To Consider When Making Homemade Dog Food
If my adult dog couldn’t shake the poop eating habit, I would first check his food and change it out for a higher quality. It is going to help him in other ways as well, so all in all feeding him a higher quality food is just a good thing to do. Keeping your yard free of poop will also deter him from eating it, and you from stepping in it during a game of ball.
How did you break your dog’s poop eating habit? Did you try cooking for your dog to curb the habit? Share your poop eater stories with us below! Let’s keep it about dog’s though, that is gross enough!
