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Like any companion or roommate, dogs — for all their love and cuteness—have habits we just don’t understand. One question dog owners often ask their pets: “Why? Why would you eat poop?”
When we polled* dog owners recently, most thought it was because a dog is lacking nutrients (49%), they’re anxious (43%) or they just think it tastes good (40%).
Dogs are significantly more likely to eat the droppings of another species (e.g., horses, rabbits) than their own.
We held our noses and got to the bottom of the issue with the help of some experts.
While those in our poll thought this was the number-one reason for the behavior, it has actually never been proven. “It’s a myth dogs eat poop because they’re seeking nutrients they aren’t getting. There’s no evidence to back this,” says
Opens a new windowDr. Jo Gale, BVetMed CertLAS MRCVS, Senior Manager, Global Science Advocacy at Waltham Petcare Science Institute.
According to
Opens a new windowDr. Tammie King, Applied Behavior Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, “It can occur where there is lack of environmental enrichment. You see this often in dogs who are kenneled and have a lack of opportunity to exhibit normal canine behavior.” So if you need another excuse to get out and play with your pooch, this is a good one.
Believe it or not, this is the main reason dogs eat poop. Dr. Jo Gale explains: “Dogs are scavengers by nature and use any opportunity to eat what they can, when they can. They consider it a ‘tasty snack.’” Dr. Tammie King adds that “[Dogs eating poop] is a learned behavior. They’ve done it, enjoyed it, and that behavior is repeated.”
We love our dogs so much that we’re willing to trust our best friends on this. Maybe we should come out with a line of doggie breath mints though. Hmm.
“Ingesting feces from any animal increases potential for ingesting parasites and pathogens,” cautions Opens a new windowDr. James Serpell BSc, Phd Professor of Humane Ethics & Animal Welfare at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He went on to say, “[It’s] not something humans should ignore, but it's not worth getting too excited about it.”
All the experts we consulted said that if your dog occasionally eats poop, it’s nothing to be overly alarmed by. Just keep an eye on the frequency and their overall health. And as always, make sure they’re getting a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise and attention. If you have any concerns contact your vet.
Despite dogs liking the taste of poop, we’re going to stick with the healthy range of more traditional flavors offered in all IAMS dog foods.
*Surveyed U.S. dog owners, age 18+
Sample Size: n=201
Fielded May 8 to May 10, 2020
Obesity in dogs is a more common problem than you might think. Between 25% and 40% of dogs are overweight, but often, owners don’t realize it until they take their dog to the veterinarian for another reason. Yet even vets can’t tell if a dog is obese by their weight alone. Ideal weight varies by breed, and quite widely within breeds.(Did you know, for instance, that Labrador retrievers, dachshunds and beagles areall prone to obesity?) In short, there’s no ideal healthy weight chart for all dogs!
The good news is that if your dog is overweight, there are a number of ways to help them reach a healthy weight. Don’t underestimate the power of daily walks and a weight management dog diet — IAMS™ Adult Healthy Weight can help return your dog to a healthy weight, providing a path to help keep them fit for life.
Can you feel individual ribs easily? Is your dog’s abdomen slightly tucked up whenviewed from the side? That’s a sign your dog is at their ideal weight.
If you can't feel the ribs easily, your dog has no waist and their abdomen drags,your pup is carrying extra weight. Your veterinarian can help you further evaluateyour dog’s condition and determine their ideal weight.
Dogs gain weight for the same reason people do: They eat more calories than theyuse. Today’s dogs share another problem with their human parents: lack of activity.Many pet parents work all day and are too tired to play with their dog afterward.
Dogs’ metabolisms might slow as they age or after they’re spayed or neutered,which means they require less food. Another common reason for weight gain isfrequently eating high-calorie treats. Sometimes more than one family member isfeeding the dog, and the dog sure isn’t telling!
Other factors that could contribute to canine obesity include:
If you suspect that your dog is overweight or obese, the !rst step is to set up anappointment with your veterinarian so they can evaluate their condition. Likewise,before beginning any weight loss program with your dog, make sure to discuss itwith your vet.
If your dog is overweight, it’s time to implement a weight-management regimen. Ifyou usually feed one large meal a day or keep food available at all times, try adifferent dog-feeding schedule by dividing the daily ration into several small meals— at least two meals a day. It takes energy to digest food, and dividing your dog’sdaily ration into separate feedings will help. If your dog leaves any food in theirbowl, pick it up 30 minutes after each meal.
Your goal is to help your dog be healthier, so select their food carefully. Payattention to the ratio of fat, !ber, protein, carbohydrates and special ingredients inyour dog’s weight-management food:
After your dog reaches their ideal weight, select a maintenance food to keep theirweight steady.
Losing weight isn’t easy. Changing habits is the key. Here are some ways you can
help keep your dog on track:
A total weight-management program can lead to successful weight loss inoverweight or obese dogs. Remember: Your support is essential to your dog’sweight-control success.
