Health & Diseases

Coprophagia in Dogs: Why Dogs Eat Feces & What Can Be Done

Coprophagie bezeichnet das Fressen von Kot — eigenem oder fremdem. Beim Hund ist sie häufiger als oft angenommen und reicht von kurzfristiger Welpenphase bis zu lebenslanger Gewohnheit. Muttertierhundinnen säubern ihre Welpen in den ersten Wochen durch Belecken und Kotfressen — das ist biologisch normal und hat mit Pathologie nichts zu tun.

Coprophagia in Dogs: Why Dogs Eat Feces & What Can Be Done

What is coprophagia in dogs?

Coprophagia refers to the Eat feces—whether one’s own or another’s. In dogs, it is more common than is often assumed and can range from a temporary phase in puppies to a lifelong habit. Mother dogs clean their puppies in the first few weeks by licking them and eating their feces—this is biologically normal and has nothing to do with pathology.

Coprophagia is particularly problematic when it results from malabsorption, nutritional deficiency, or learned behavior—and when there is a risk of zoonotic diseases (parasites, bacteria).

Background + Scientific Context

Hart et al. (2018, Veterinary Medicine and Science, PubMed 29479898) conducted a survey of dog owners: Approximately 16% of dogs were observed repeatedly eating feces (more than 6 times). Consumption of other dogs’ feces was more common than consumption of their own feces; intact female dogs and dogs in multi-dog households had a higher prevalence. No single dietary additive significantly reduced coprophagia in controlled evaluations—an indication that dietary supplements are not a reliable solution.

Westermarck and Wiberg (2012, Veterinary Clinics of North America, PubMed 22980022) described exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): EPI leads to severe malabsorption—nutrients pass through the intestines undigested. Affected dogs exhibit coprophagia as well as severely altered, poor-quality feces, dramatic weight loss despite a ravenous appetite, and bloating. Coprophagia accompanied by weight loss despite a good appetite is a warning sign of EPI and must be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Pirrone and Albertini (2017, Veterinary Sciences, PubMed 28040466) analyzed the prevalence and risk factors for problem behaviors in dogs: coprophagia was one of the most frequently cited behavioral phenomena. Dogs that were left alone, had little stimulation, or lived in socially restrictive environments showed an increased prevalence—suggesting a behavioral component in addition to medical causes.

Vitomalia-Position

Coprophagia is not a sign of dominance or “poor training.” It usually has an identifiable cause: malabsorption, boredom, imitation, seeking attention, or puppy behavior that hasn’t stopped. Before resorting to deterrents or punishment, a medical cause should be ruled out—especially if weight loss, poor stool quality, or bloating are also present.

Punishment often encourages coprophagia: the dog learns to eat the feces more quickly before getting caught.

When does coprophagia become a concern in dogs?

  • In puppies: often self-limiting; management and distraction until 6 months of age
  • If you're losing weight despite having cravings: EPI testing is essential
  • If there is a risk of parasites: Eating feces from other animals = risk of infection with Giardia, worms, and Toxoplasma
  • If the dog is kept alone or is bored: assess behavioral factors
  • Dogs that eat cat feces (litter box problem): common, but a hygiene issue; make the litter box inaccessible

Practical application

Causes and Differentiation:

Cause Warning signs Action
And then Weight loss, loose stools Veterinarian: TLI test, enzyme therapy
Malabsorption/IBD Chronic diarrhea, varying stool consistency Stool testing, nutritional counseling
Puppy stage For young dogs only, age-appropriate Management: Pick it up immediately
Behavioral Boredom, attention Employment, Training
Learned behavior Always, with no medical abnormalities Positive distraction, diversion

Was hilft (evidence-based): - Pick up dog poop in the yard right away — take the opportunity - Place the litter box on a raised surface or in a restricted area - Train "Stop it!" as a conditioned stop signal - Sufficient activity and mental stimulation

What doesn't help: - Kotekel supplements in feed (no significant evidence, according to Hart 2018) - Punishing after Eat (conditions stealth)

Common Mistakes & Myths

  • “Dogs eat feces because they have a vitamin deficiency.” That’s not generally true—actual deficiencies are rare. If there are nutritional problems, other symptoms will appear. EPI is the most common medical cause.
  • “Eating poop is gross, so I have to punish it.” Punishment often speeds up the Eat —the dog learns to act quickly. Positive redirection (recall, offering a treat when the dog sees poop) is more effective.
  • “It’ll stop on its own.” That’s often true for puppies. But for adult dogs with ingrained behaviors or underlying medical conditions, it won’t happen without intervention.

Current State of Research (2026)

Coprophagia has not been extensively studied scientifically. Hart et al. (2018) demonstrated that dietary supplements do not have a reliable effect. The behavioral component (environment, attention, conditioning) is increasingly recognized as an important factor. A medical evaluation is standard practice in cases of persistent coprophagia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog eat poop?

Possible causes: Malabsorption (especially EPI), puppy behavior, boredom, learned behavior, or opportunism (e.g., using the litter box). If weight loss or poor stool quality are also present, a visit to the vet is essential. Otherwise: Seize opportunities to redirect the behavior through training.

Can coprophagia be dangerous for dogs?

Yes, when parasites or pathogens are transmitted—especially through the feces of other animals (Giardia, worms, Toxoplasma, Salmonella). Cat feces are particularly problematic. Eating one’s own feces is less risky from a medical standpoint, but it is a hygiene issue.

Are there any remedies that can reliably stop coprophagia?

None backed by reliable scientific evidence. Deterrents added to food to discourage coprophagia have shown no significant effect in survey studies. What helps: picking up feces immediately, redirecting the dog’s attention, and ruling out medical causes.

Related terms

Sources & Further Reading

  1. Hart, B. L., Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., Tran, A., & Bain, M. J. (2018). The paradox of canine conspecific coprophagy. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 4(2), 106–114. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29479898/

  2. Westermarck, E., & Wiberg, M. (2012). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 42(2), 379–389. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22980022/

  3. Pirrone, F., & Albertini, M. (2017). Prevalence and risk factors of problem behaviors in dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 4(4), 48. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28040466/

Wissenschaftliche Einordnung

Hart et al. (2018, Veterinary Medicine and Science, PubMed 29479898) conducted a survey among dog owners: Approximately 16% of dogs were observed to repeatedly eat feces (more than 6 times). Fecal consumption from other dogs was more common than of their own feces; intact females and dogs in multi-dog households had a higher prevalence. Not a single food additive significantly reduced coprophagia in controlled evaluations—an indication that food supplements are not a reliable solution.

Westermarck and Wiberg (2012, Veterinary Clinics of North America, PubMed 22980022) described exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): EPI leads to massive malabsorption—nutrients pass through the intestine undigested. Affected dogs show, in addition to coprophagia, massively altered, foul-smelling stools, dramatic weight loss despite ravenous appetite, and flatulence. Coprophagia accompanied by weight loss despite appetite is a warning sign for EPI and must be clarified by a veterinarian.

Pirrone and Albertini (2017, Veterinary Sciences, PubMed 28040466) analyzed the prevalence and risk factors for problem behaviors in dogs: Coprophagia was one of the frequently mentioned behavioral phenomena. Dogs that were left alone, had little activity, or lived in socially restrictive environments showed increased prevalence—an indication of a behavioral component in addition to medical causes.