Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Faeces and What Foods Can Help Stop It
Learn why do dogs eat their own faeces, the nutritional deficiencies that may drive coprophagia, and which safe human foods can help curb this behavior.
If you've been searching for why do dogs eat their own faeces, the answer often involves nutritional gaps, digestive enzyme deficiencies, or behavioral patterns. While coprophagia itself is a behavior problem rather than a food safety issue, specific safe human foods — including canned pumpkin, pineapple, cooked sweet potato, and plain yogurt — can help correct underlying dietary triggers. These foods are safe for most adult dogs when prepared correctly and fed in appropriate portions. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.
Understanding Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Faeces: The Coprophagia Connection
Coprophagia — the clinical term for stool-eating — affects an estimated 25% of dogs at some point in their lives, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. While the behavior is deeply unsettling for owners, understanding the root causes is the first step toward addressing it.
Researchers and veterinary behaviorists have identified several primary drivers:
- Nutritional deficiencies: Dogs lacking certain B vitamins, fiber, or digestive enzymes may instinctively seek these nutrients in feces
- Malabsorption issues: Conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) cause undigested nutrients to pass through stool, making it smell like food to the dog
- Behavioral causes: Attention-seeking, boredom, anxiety, or learned behavior from observing other dogs
- Parasitic infections: Intestinal worms compete for nutrients, leaving the dog perpetually hungry
- Underfeeding: Dogs on calorie-restricted diets may resort to coprophagia out of genuine hunger
The nutritional angle is where safe human foods become a practical intervention tool. By supplementing your dog's diet with specific fiber-rich, enzyme-rich, and vitamin-rich foods, you can address some of the dietary triggers that make feces appealing.
Best Human Foods to Help Reduce Coprophagia
These four foods are evidence-supported options that address the most common nutritional gaps linked to stool-eating behavior. Each targets a different potential cause.
1. Canned Pumpkin (Plain, Not Pie Filling)
Pumpkin is one of the most veterinarian-recommended foods for digestive health. It contains 7 grams of fiber per cup (USDA data), along with beta-carotene, vitamin E, and potassium. The high soluble fiber content improves stool quality and digestion, which can reduce the nutritional appeal of feces.
Why it helps with coprophagia: Fiber improves nutrient absorption in the gut, meaning less undigested material passes into stool. It also creates a feeling of fullness, reducing hunger-driven poop-eating.
2. Fresh Pineapple Chunks
Pineapple contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that aids protein digestion. When dogs digest protein more thoroughly, their stool contains less residual protein — making it less palatable. Pineapple also provides vitamin C (79 mg per cup), manganese, and thiamine.
Why it helps with coprophagia: The bromelain enzyme theory is widely cited by veterinarians. Additionally, pineapple changes the taste and smell of stool, making it less attractive to the dog.
3. Cooked Sweet Potato
Sweet potato delivers 6.6 grams of fiber per cup (cooked, mashed), plus vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin B6, and potassium. It's a low-glycemic carbohydrate that stabilizes blood sugar and supports consistent energy levels.
Why it helps with coprophagia: The combination of fiber and complex carbohydrates improves satiety and stool consistency, addressing both hunger-driven and malabsorption-related coprophagia.
4. Plain Unsweetened Yogurt (with Live Active Cultures)
Yogurt with live cultures provides probiotics — beneficial bacteria that support gut microbiome health. A healthy microbiome improves nutrient extraction from food, reducing the nutrient content of waste. One tablespoon of plain yogurt contains approximately 1 gram of protein and 50 mg of calcium.
Why it helps with coprophagia: Probiotic supplementation has been shown to improve digestive efficiency. When the gut properly absorbs nutrients, stool becomes less nutritionally interesting to dogs.
Safe Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
Precise portions matter. Overfeeding even safe foods causes digestive upset, obesity, and ironically, may worsen coprophagia by creating poorly digested stools.
| Dog Weight | Canned Pumpkin | Fresh Pineapple | Cooked Sweet Potato | Plain Yogurt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lb / 9 kg) | 1–2 teaspoons daily | 1–2 small chunks (½-inch cubes) | 1 tablespoon, mashed | 1 teaspoon daily |
| Medium (20–50 lb / 9–23 kg) | 1–2 tablespoons daily | 3–4 chunks (½-inch cubes) | 2–3 tablespoons, mashed | 1 tablespoon daily |
| Large (50–90 lb / 23–41 kg) | 2–4 tablespoons daily | 5–6 chunks (½-inch cubes) | ¼ cup, mashed | 2 tablespoons daily |
| Giant (over 90 lb / 41 kg) | ¼–½ cup daily | 8–10 chunks (½-inch cubes) | ⅓–½ cup, mashed | 3 tablespoons daily |
Note: These portions assume the food is given as a supplement alongside a complete and balanced AAFCO-approved diet. Treats and supplements should not exceed 10% of total daily caloric intake.
How to Prepare These Foods Safely
Preparation Checklist
- Canned pumpkin: Use ONLY 100% pure canned pumpkin — never pumpkin pie filling, which contains xylitol (highly toxic to dogs), sugar, and spices like nutmeg. Check the ingredient label: it should list only "pumpkin."
- Fresh pineapple: Remove the tough outer skin, core, and crown. Cut into bite-sized ½-inch cubes. Never feed canned pineapple in syrup — the sugar content is excessive. Fresh or frozen (thawed) only.
- Sweet potato: Always cook thoroughly — boiling, baking, or steaming until soft. Raw sweet potato is difficult to digest and poses a choking hazard. Remove the skin for small dogs. Mash or cut into small pieces. No butter, salt, brown sugar, or marshmallows.
- Plain yogurt: Select unsweetened, unflavored yogurt with "live active cultures" listed on the label. Avoid any yogurt containing artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), added fruit, or flavoring. Greek yogurt is acceptable but has higher protein concentration — use slightly smaller portions.
Nutritional Benefits Breakdown
| Nutrient | Pumpkin (per 1 cup) | Pineapple (per 1 cup) | Sweet Potato (per 1 cup, cooked) | Yogurt (per 1 tbsp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 7.1 g | 2.3 g | 6.6 g | 0 g |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 24,500 | 96 | 21,900 | 5 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 12 | 79 | 39 | 0.2 |
| Potassium (mg) | 505 | 181 | 950 | 18 |
| Key Enzymes/Probiotics | — | Bromelain | — | Lactobacillus spp. |
| Calories (approx.) | 83 | 82 | 180 | 9 |
Source: USDA FoodData Central nutritional database. Values represent plain, unseasoned preparations.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Even safe foods carry risks when fed incorrectly. Here's what to watch for with each food:
Pumpkin Risks
- Overfeeding: Excessive fiber (more than the recommended portions) can cause diarrhea, gas, and paradoxically worsen coprophagia by creating loose, poorly digested stools
- Vitamin A toxicity: Extremely rare at recommended doses, but chronic overfeeding of pumpkin (or any high-vitamin-A food) can accumulate over time
- Pumpkin pie filling confusion: Xylitol-containing products can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure within 30 minutes of ingestion — this is a life-threatening emergency
Pineapple Risks
- Sugar content: Pineapple contains approximately 16 grams of natural sugar per cup. Diabetic dogs or overweight dogs should receive smaller portions
- Bromelain sensitivity: Some dogs experience mouth irritation or mild stomach upset from the enzyme content
- Choking hazard: The fibrous core is tough and can lodge in small dogs' throats — always remove it
Sweet Potato Risks
- Caloric density: At 180 calories per cup, sweet potato can contribute to obesity if portions aren't carefully measured against daily caloric needs
- Raw sweet potato: Contains trypsin inhibitors that interfere with protein digestion — must always be cooked
- Oxalate content: Dogs prone to calcium oxalate bladder stones should avoid frequent sweet potato consumption
Yogurt Risks
- Lactose intolerance: Approximately 50% of adult dogs have reduced lactase production. Symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting within 2–12 hours of consumption
- Xylitol in flavored yogurts: Always check labels — some "light" or "diet" yogurts contain xylitol
- Fat content: Full-fat yogurt can trigger pancreatitis in predisposed breeds (Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels). Choose low-fat or nonfat varieties
Foods Related to Coprophagia That Are Dangerous
Some owners mistakenly try home remedies for coprophagia that are actually toxic. Never use these:
- Meat tenderizer (papain-based): An old folk remedy suggests sprinkling meat tenderizer on dog food to make stool taste bad. Many tenderizers contain onion powder, garlic powder, or excessive sodium — all harmful to dogs
- Hot sauce or pepper: Applying capsaicin-based deterrents to stool can cause oral burns, gastric irritation, and pain. This is an aversive punishment method that does not address the underlying cause
- Garlic: Sometimes suggested as a "natural" deterrent, garlic is toxic to dogs at doses of approximately 15–30 g/kg body weight, causing Heinz body anemia
- Raw potato or potato skins: Contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Only cooked sweet potato flesh is safe
- Grapes and raisins: While unrelated to coprophagia treatment, these are sometimes fed as treats without awareness that they cause acute kidney failure in dogs — even in small amounts. If your coprophagic dog steals food from counters, ensure grapes and raisins are completely inaccessible
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies) or Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
How to Introduce These Foods Safely
Follow this protocol when adding any new food to your dog's diet:
- Start with 25% of the recommended serving for your dog's weight class on Day 1
- Offer the food separately from regular meals so you can monitor acceptance and any adverse reactions
- Monitor for 24–48 hours for signs of digestive upset: loose stools, vomiting, excessive gas, decreased appetite, or lethargy
- If no adverse reactions occur, increase to 50% of the recommended serving on Day 3
- Reach full serving size by Day 5–7, assuming no digestive issues
- Introduce only one new food at a time — wait at least 3 days between introducing different foods so you can identify the culprit if a reaction occurs
- Mix into regular food once tolerance is established, or offer as a separate treat during training sessions
When NOT to Feed These Foods
Not every dog is a candidate for dietary coprophagia intervention. Avoid or modify these foods for:
- Puppies under 6 months: Immature digestive systems are more sensitive to fiber changes and new foods. Address coprophagia in puppies through management (immediate stool cleanup, supervision) rather than dietary supplements unless directed by your veterinarian
- Dogs with diabetes: Pineapple and sweet potato's natural sugars can destabilize blood glucose. Consult your vet before adding these
- Dogs with pancreatitis: Even small amounts of full-fat yogurt can trigger a flare-up. Pumpkin is generally safe but should be discussed with your vet
- Dogs with kidney disease: Sweet potato's high potassium content (950 mg per cup) can be dangerous for dogs on potassium-restricted diets
- Dogs with calcium oxalate urolithiasis: Sweet potato contains oxalates that may contribute to stone formation
- Dogs with known food allergies: If your dog has a confirmed dairy allergy, skip yogurt entirely. For dogs on novel protein or limited-ingredient elimination diets, do not add any new foods without veterinary approval
- Senior dogs with reduced kidney function: High-vitamin-A foods like pumpkin and sweet potato require renal processing — discuss with your vet first
🩺 When to See the Vet About Coprophagia
Schedule a veterinary appointment if your dog's coprophagia:
- Persists for more than 2 weeks despite dietary adjustments and management
- Is accompanied by weight loss, increased appetite, or changes in stool consistency
- Started suddenly in an adult dog who never exhibited the behavior before
- Is paired with vomiting, lethargy, or signs of abdominal discomfort
- Occurs alongside increased thirst and urination (possible diabetes or Cushing's disease)
Your vet may recommend fecal analysis for parasites, a complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and potentially a trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) test to rule out exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Expect diagnostic costs of $150–$400 depending on tests ordered.
Beyond Food: Management Strategies That Actually Work
Dietary changes alone rarely eliminate coprophagia entirely. The American Kennel Club recommends a multi-pronged approach:
- Immediate stool removal: Pick up feces within 2 minutes of elimination. This is the single most effective management tool
- Leash supervision: Walk your dog on-leash in the yard during the training period so you can redirect away from stool
- Positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with a high-value treat (like a small piece of cooked chicken) immediately after they eliminate and move away from the area. This creates a stronger reinforcement for leaving stool alone than eating it provides
- Teach "leave it": A reliable "leave it" cue gives you verbal control when you spot stool before your dog does
- Environmental enrichment: Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and daily structured exercise reduce boredom-driven coprophagia
- Deworming: Have your vet run a fecal flotation test. Common parasites like roundworms and hookworms steal nutrients and are a frequent hidden cause of coprophagia
Never use punishment-based methods such as yelling, rubbing the dog's nose in feces, or aversive sprays. These methods increase anxiety and can worsen the behavior or damage your relationship with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat pineapple to stop eating poop?
Yes, fresh pineapple in appropriate portions (see serving table above) may help reduce coprophagia. The bromelain enzyme aids protein digestion, potentially making stool less nutritionally appealing. However, pineapple is not a guaranteed cure — it works best as part of a comprehensive approach that includes management, training, and veterinary evaluation of underlying causes.
How much pumpkin should I give my dog for coprophagia?
For a medium-sized dog (20–50 lb / 9–23 kg), 1–2 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin daily is the recommended amount. Start with half this amount and increase gradually over 5–7 days. Exceeding recommended portions can cause diarrhea, which may actually make stool more appealing rather than less.
Is coprophagia a sign of a serious health problem?
It can be. While many dogs eat stool for behavioral reasons, sudden-onset coprophagia in an adult dog warrants veterinary investigation. Conditions including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), intestinal parasites, diabetes, Cushing's disease, and malabsorption syndromes can all trigger the behavior. Your vet can rule these out with bloodwork and fecal testing.
What happens if my dog eats too much pumpkin or pineapple?
Overconsumption of high-fiber foods typically causes diarrhea, gas, and abdominal cramping within 6–24 hours. If your dog has a single episode of loose stool, withhold food for 12 hours and offer small amounts of water. If diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by vomiting or lethargy, contact your veterinarian. For xylitol-containing products (like pumpkin pie filling), seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Are there any dogs who should not eat these coprophagia-helper foods?
Yes. Puppies under 6 months, diabetic dogs, dogs with kidney disease, dogs with pancreatitis, dogs with calcium oxalate bladder stones, and dogs with known food allergies should avoid some or all of these foods. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to a therapeutic or prescription diet.
How long does it take for dietary changes to reduce coprophagia?
If nutritional deficiency is the primary driver, you may see improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent dietary supplementation. However, if the behavior is primarily learned or behavioral, dietary changes alone may have minimal effect. Most veterinary behaviorists recommend evaluating progress after 30 days and adjusting the approach if no improvement is observed.
Should I switch my dog's food entirely instead of adding supplements?
Sometimes, yes. If your dog's current food is low-quality, lacks adequate fiber, or has poor digestibility, switching to a higher-quality AAFCO-approved diet with better protein sources and appropriate fiber content may resolve coprophagia without additional supplements. Discuss your dog's specific food with your vet — they can evaluate the guaranteed analysis and recommend whether a diet change is warranted.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your dog exhibits persistent coprophagia or any concerning health symptoms, consult your veterinarian for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
