How to Stop Dog from Eating Poop

Watching your dog eat poop can be both baffling and unpleasant. The behaviour, known as coprophagia, is surprisingly common, especially in puppies. While it might be instinctual or linked to curiosity, it’s a habit most dog owners want to stop as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are natural, at-home remedies that can help discourage the behaviour gently and effectively.

Why Dogs Eat Poop

Before stopping the behaviour, it helps to understand why it’s happening. Puppies often explore with their mouths, and eating stool can be part of that phase. In some cases, dogs eat poop due to boredom, anxiety, or attention-seeking. Others may do it because of diet deficiencies, parasites, or digestive issues. Sometimes, it’s simply because they like the taste or smell, especially if the stool comes from another animal with a rich diet.

Understanding the cause will help you choose the most effective remedy—and rule out any medical concerns that might need a vet’s attention.

Adding Pineapple or Pumpkin to Meals

One well-known home remedy is to add small amounts of pineapple or pumpkin to your dog’s food. These ingredients are safe, natural, and often change the flavour or smell of the stool in a way that makes it less appealing to eat. Pineapple contains enzymes that can make faeces taste unpleasant to dogs, while plain pumpkin can aid digestion and help with any underlying digestive discomfort.

It’s important to use unsweetened tinned pumpkin or fresh, cooked pumpkin with no added sugars or spices. A teaspoon mixed into meals once or twice a day is often enough to help.

Boosting Digestive Health Naturally

A poor or unbalanced diet can contribute to stool eating. Sometimes dogs aren’t fully digesting their food, and undigested nutrients in the stool attract them back to it. You can support better digestion by feeding high-quality dog food and adding probiotics or natural yoghurt to meals. This can improve nutrient absorption and reduce the chance of your dog finding their own waste “interesting” enough to eat.

Some owners also report success using digestive enzyme supplements. These help break down proteins and fats in food, which may reduce the nutritional appeal of faeces.

Keeping the Garden and Walking Routes Clean

One of the most practical ways to break the habit is environmental management. The less access your dog has to stool, the less opportunity they have to eat it. Scoop the garden quickly after your dog goes and stay close during walks so you can intervene if they show interest in droppings from other animals.

Consistency is key here. Reducing the chance for repeat behaviour gives your dog time to forget the habit and helps any dietary or digestive changes take effect.

Positive Reinforcement and Distraction

Training plays a big role in stopping this behaviour. If you catch your dog in the act or approaching faeces, calmly call them away and reward them with a treat or praise for listening. Over time, they’ll associate leaving stool alone with something positive. Avoid punishment—it often increases anxiety and can make the problem worse.

You can also use basic obedience commands like “leave it” or “come” to interrupt the behaviour. Teaching these cues ahead of time and practising regularly makes them more reliable in the moment.

When to See a Vet

If home remedies don’t work or the behaviour seems compulsive or sudden, it’s a good idea to get a veterinary check-up. Conditions like parasites, enzyme deficiencies, malabsorption, and diabetes can all cause increased interest in stool. If your dog has recently started this behaviour or is also losing weight, vomiting, or showing signs of discomfort, it’s worth getting professional advice.

In some cases, stool-eating starts as a health issue and becomes a habit, so early intervention is important.

Apple Cider Vinegar as a Digestive Support

Some owners find success using apple cider vinegar. A small amount added to food—typically no more than half a teaspoon for a medium-sized dog—may help balance stomach acid and improve digestion. When a dog digests food more efficiently, the stool becomes less appealing to revisit. Make sure it’s raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, and always start with a low amount to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.

Meat Tenderiser Trick

Unseasoned meat tenderiser, sprinkled lightly over your dog’s food, is another old-school home remedy. It contains enzymes (like papain) that can make the resulting waste unappealing. Just be sure the product is free from salt, garlic, and other additives that could harm your dog. While this method has anecdotal support, it’s best used short-term and only under guidance from a vet or trainer if you're unsure.

Increase Fibre with Natural Ingredients

Sometimes, adding fibre helps firm up stools and promotes better digestion. Natural options include cooked green beans, carrots, or a spoonful of oat bran added to meals. Fibre helps regulate the digestive system and may help if your dog is eating poop because of a mild upset or irregularity. A dog that feels full and balanced nutritionally is less likely to scavenge.

Feeding More Frequent, Smaller Meals

Dogs that eat poop may be trying to meet an unmet nutritional need or may simply be hungry. Splitting their daily food into smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the urge to scavenge. This strategy can be particularly helpful for puppies, active breeds, or dogs on restricted diets.

Distraction with Chew Toys or Puzzle Feeders

If your dog tends to eat poop when left alone or bored in the garden, giving them a chew toy or food puzzle to focus on can redirect their energy and break the cycle. Keeping their mind stimulated and their mouth busy is often enough to reduce the behaviour over time.

Clean Diet = Less Temptation

If your dog is eating their own poop or that of other dogs, it’s worth reviewing their diet. Highly processed foods, fillers, and low-quality ingredients can result in waste that still smells edible to a dog. Switching to a more natural, high-protein, low-filler food can lead to less tempting stool and a healthier digestive tract overall.

Summary

Stopping your dog from eating poop often takes a mix of dietary tweaks, supervision, and positive reinforcement. Natural remedies like pineapple, pumpkin and probiotics can make a real difference, especially when combined with clean-up routines and basic training. If the habit continues despite your efforts, a health check can rule out any underlying medical issues. With time, consistency and care, most dogs grow out of the habit for good.