Why do dogs eat their own poo?!

[doglover]

The title says it all, really! One of our dogs has very recently started doing this after showing no interest before! Why would he do this?????

I know this is gross but I'm genuinely intrigued. We've had dogs all my life - always Labs - so are used to them eating any and everything. This new interest in his own .......... poo ............., however is truly disgusting. Could it be a dietry deficiency or is it just a 'phase'?!

I think I've seen it mentioned on here before, something to do with needing more nutrition or something or other???

I thought I'd seen something on here but haven't been able to find it. I'm anxious if it is a nutrition-based problem. Thanks for answering.

because they can??

Isn't it that their food is too rich and so is still appealing as a waste product, so they yoffle it down?

Certainly a change of food has helped with our little poo eaters. dirty wee buggers

it provides enzymes that their digestive system is deficient in. iirc.

It often a dietary issue, either not enough food or not enough of the right minerals and nutrients. Try to adjust your dogs diet to the best you can age appropriate food and see if that helps. If not then you might need to create a training programme to help him overcome the issue. Good Luck!!

That wasn't typed very well I do apologise

Many thanks for your replies. I'll phone the vet and ask her advice.

I've spoken to vets and behaviourist about this. They have all said that they do it because to them, its tastes nice. Its nothing to do with nutrition or needing more in their diet.

A lot of dog food, especially dry food tastes similar when it comes out as is does when it goes in.

The only way to stop them is to pick it up straight away.

Try telling one of mine that, she will literally do one, turn around and eat it

Vets and trainers have said it does them no harm and to carry on feeding them as normal.

Thanks, MB, that's reassuring to know. I can't quite get my head around why, but at least it's not completely abnormal ................... if utterly disgusting!!!!!! (Running off to be sick......... No, the dog will eat that, too!)

No problems. It is disgusting. Ours eat their own poo, sheep poo, cow poo, horse poo.

I was worried too but since I found out why they do it, it doesnt really bother me.

My dogs spend hours digging up cat poo if they can possibly get away with it. Vile