What to Put in Dog Food to Stop Eating Poop?

A dog’s love can truly fill the void in your life. With that, they quickly become cherished family members. But nothing kills the cuddle mood faster than catching them snacking on poop, right?

Known as coprophagia, this gross behavior is surprisingly common, appearing as a nightmare for pet parents like you.

You’ve probably Googled fixes, bought sprays, and begged your vet—but nothing sticks. The answer might be hiding in their food bowl. Wondering what to put in your dog food to stop them eating poop?

Let’s break it down!

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Every happening has a reason. So, before you start stopping your furry friends from eating feces, it’s important to know, why they’re doing so. Here are some reasons for this action:

• Lack of Essential Nutrients
  Your dog might eat poop if their diet lacks essential nutrients. Even with a balanced diet, some dogs can’t properly absorb nutrients. A lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can trigger cravings for unusual ‘snacks’ like feces. This is especially common in dogs on raw or homemade meals, where gaps in nutrition are easier to miss.
• Chronic Health Problems
  Sometimes, dogs eat stools because of hidden health problems. For example, conditions like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or hypothyroidism can spike their appetite. Samelike, gut issues might stop them from absorbing nutrients properly, while liver disease can trigger pica—a craving to eat non-food items.
• Intestinal Parasites
  Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms could also be the reason. These pests steal nutrients from your dog’s gut. This makes them hungry despite eating normally. The inflammation they cause also blocks nutrient absorption, making poop seem like a desperate snack.
• Anxiety Issues
  Anxiety or stress makes people make wrong decisions. The same goes for the case of your pups. Those with separation anxiety might do it when left alone. Others learn to “hide the evidence” if scolded for accidents during potty training. It’s a coping mechanism, not mischief. So, patience and calming strategies work better than punishment to break this habit.
• Evolutionary Scavenging Instincts
  Lastly, this might be rooted in their wild past. A 2018 study found that 38% of dogs do this simply because they’re opportunistic scavengers, not hungry or sick. Breeds like Huskies inherit this instinct from ancestors who ate feces to survive. For walkers, keep them leashed near poop hotspots. This is the reason your dog eats even human poop.

5 Ingredients to Put in Dog Food to Stop Eating Poop

Problems can be resolved when addressed wisely, right? So, don’t sweat when your dogs start eating feces, there is a light at the end of the tunnel:

• Pineapple
  Pineapple is a surprising fix for poop-eating dogs. It contains bromelain, an enzyme that changes the taste and smell of your dog’s poop, making it unappetizing.

  Fresh pineapple works best. Its natural bromelain levels are higher. For small dogs, add 1-2 teaspoons daily; larger dogs can handle a tablespoon.

  Likewise, canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) works too. But avoid overfeeding. If you feed too much, it can upset their stomach. That’s why, a few chunks mixed into meals a few times a week is enough to deter the habit.

  Always remove the tough core and skin to prevent choking!

• Pumpkin Puree
  Pumpkin puree is a dog-friendly superfood. It helps in two ways.

  First, its high fiber content keeps your dog’s digestion regular, which makes their poop firmer and less tempting to eat. Second, the fiber also helps their anal glands empty naturally during bowel movements, which prevents painful blockages.

  For that, you should use plain, unsweetened pumpkin, not pie filling. Amazing part? Dogs love the taste. This makes it an easy fix for picky eaters. Just a spoonful a day keeps the poop-eating and gland issues away.

• Probiotics
  When it comes to “how to stop dog from eating poop home remedies” look no further than adding probiotics to your pups’ foods.

  An imbalanced stomach can make poop seem tasty, but probiotics add good bacteria to improve digestion and reduce weird cravings. Here, you can choose a vet-approved powder or chew like FortiFlora or Purina Pro Plan and mix it into their food daily.

  Slow and steady is helpful in every way, so, you can start with small doses to avoid tummy trouble. Over time, a healthy gut makes their poop less appealing to them. Another advantage of probiotics? It eases gas and bad breath!

  But stick to the recommended amount based on your dog’s size, and stay consistent.

• Meat Tenderizers
  Meat tenderizers with papain, an enzyme from papaya, can help by breaking down proteins in your dog’s food. This makes their poop taste bitter.

  Though it works wonders but you should use only pure papain supplements or dog-safe products. Avoid tenderizers with added salt or MSG.

  As we mentioned above, add these ingredients as per the dogs’ size. So, for small dogs, you can sprinkle a pinch on their meals. On the flip side, larger dogs can handle ¼ teaspoon daily.

  If your dog has health issues, vet-visit is too important.

• Vitamin B Supplements
  Our list of what to put in dog food to stop eating poop ends with Vitamin B supplements. A lack of Vitamin B can cause various health issues, including fatigue, poor appetite, and even unusual behaviors like eating poop.

  This deficiency is common in some dogs, and adding a Vitamin B supplement can help improve their overall health. It supports digestion, energy levels, and a shiny coat.

  Many pet owners notice a positive change in their dog’s behavior and energy after including Vitamin B in their diet.