Eating poop, also known as coprophagia, is a common and unpleasant habit among some dogs. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to stop this behavior, there are some dietary changes you can make to discourage your dog from eating poop.
What to put in dog food to stop eating poop?
- Add fiber to your dog’s diet: Adding more fiber to your dog’s diet can help reduce their desire to eat poop. This is because the poop of dogs who eat high-fiber diets is less appetizing to them. Fiber-rich foods, such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and leafy green vegetables, can be added to your dog’s meals.
- Feed a high-quality diet: Feeding your dog a high-quality diet that is rich in nutrients can help prevent nutrient deficiencies that can lead to coprophagia. Look for dog food that is made with high-quality ingredients and is formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
- Add digestive enzymes: Adding digestive enzymes to your dog’s food can help improve their digestion and reduce their desire to eat poop. Digestive enzymes break down food and make it easier for your dog to absorb nutrients. You can find digestive enzyme supplements at your local pet store or online.
- Add probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve your dog’s gut health. Adding probiotics to your dog’s food can help improve their digestion and reduce their desire to eat poop. You can find probiotic supplements at your local pet store or online.
- Add apple cider vinegar: Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food can help improve their digestion and reduce their desire to eat poop. Apple cider vinegar is also a natural deterrent for dogs who like to eat poop.
- Change your dog’s feeding schedule: Changing your dog’s feeding schedule can help reduce their desire to eat poop. Feed your dog at regular times throughout the day and avoid leaving food out for extended periods of time. This can help prevent your dog from eating poop out of boredom.
- Train your dog: Training your dog to stop eating poop can be a long process, but it is possible. Teach your dog the “leave it” command and reward them with treats and praise when they obey. You can also try using a deterrent spray, such as bitter apple spray, on poop to discourage your dog from eating it.
It is important to note that some dogs may eat poop due to medical conditions, such as malabsorption, parasites, or pancreatic insufficiency. If your dog’s coprophagia is not improving with dietary changes, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Summary
In summary, there are several dietary changes you can make to discourage your dog from eating poop. Adding fiber, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and apple cider vinegar to your dog’s diet can help improve their digestion and reduce their desire to eat poop. Additionally, changing your dog’s feeding schedule, training them, and using deterrent sprays can also help discourage this behavior.
