6 Reasons Puppies Eat Poop
Normal exploration
Puppies investigate everything with their mouths. Mother dogs also clean up after newborn pups, and some puppies copy the behavior.
Hunger or diet gaps
Underfeeding, too few meals, or a diet that digests poorly can leave appealing smells in stool. Review your puppy’s portions with our feeding schedule guide.
Medical causes
Intestinal parasites, malabsorption, pancreatic problems, and some medications can increase appetite or change stool. Sudden onset or weight loss needs a vet visit.
Boredom and confinement
Puppies left alone in small spaces with nothing to do may “clean up” out of boredom.
Learned attention
A dramatic reaction — shouting, chasing — can turn poop into a high-value item your puppy grabs and runs with.
Stress after punishment
Puppies punished for accidents may try to hide the evidence by eating it. Never punish house-training accidents.
The Stop-It Plan: Management First
Every successful grab rewards the habit, so prevention matters more than anything else. Take your puppy out on a leash for every potty break for the next few weeks. As soon as they finish, mark “yes,” call them a few steps away for a treat, and clean up while they are eating. At home, keep crates and pens spotless and supervise closely after meals, when puppies usually need to go.
Training That Makes It Last
- Teach a strong leave it and practice near (not on) the potty area.
- Build a “finish and come” routine: after eliminating, your puppy runs to you for a jackpot reward.
- Stay calm. A big reaction can make poop a prize to steal.
- Add enrichment so boredom isn’t a driver — see our enrichment games.
When to Call the Vet
Book a visit if the behavior appears suddenly, your puppy seems ravenous or is losing weight, or you notice diarrhea, vomiting, or worms in stool. Keep up with your deworming and health checks. This article is general information, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Related Guides
Puppy Feeding Schedule →
Meals per day and portions by age.
Potty Training Guide →
Schedules that make supervision easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for puppies to eat poop?
It is common, especially under 6 months, and many puppies outgrow it by 9 to 12 months. It is still worth managing because stool can carry parasites and bacteria.
Will pineapple or food additives stop my puppy eating poop?
Taste-deterrent additives and home remedies like pineapple have mixed, mostly anecdotal results. Immediate clean-up, supervision, and training a reliable leave it are far more effective.
When should I see a vet about my puppy eating poop?
See your vet if the behavior starts suddenly, your puppy seems constantly hungry, is losing weight, has diarrhea, or is vomiting. A fecal test can rule out parasites.
My puppy eats cat poop from the litter box. What should I do?
Move the litter box behind a baby gate with a cat-sized opening or use a covered, top-entry box. Cat food is rich in protein and fat, which makes litter boxes especially tempting.