Why does a puppy eat poop and how do I stop it?

A common problem that is not a punishment

If your 3-6 month old puppy is eating his own poop, there's no need to be embarrassed or panic. It's one of the most common situations faced by new puppy owners. This phenomenon is called coprophagia , and it has completely logical explanations.

What is really happening?

Many people think it's a behavioral problem or a puppy's "badness." However, the reality is quite different - it's an instinctive response to physiological problems in the digestive system.

The bottom line is this: when a puppy's body can't properly digest food (usually due to the wrong food), a lot of undigested nutrients - proteins, fats and other elements - remain in his feces. A puppy's sense of smell is thousands of times more sensitive than ours, so to him that feces smells like food, not waste .

He's simply trying to eat again what his body didn't absorb the first time. This isn't "badness" - it's a survival instinct.

How do you know that digestion is to blame?

Coprophagia rarely comes alone. Most often, you will notice it along with:

• Tear trails under the eyes
• Unstable stools (either diarrhea or too hard)
• Gas buildup
• Itching or redness of the skin
• Low energy or slow growth

If you see several of these signs, the problem is definitely with digestion.

How to solve the problem: a three-step plan

Step 1: Change your food (most important!)

This is the main and most effective solution. You need to choose a quality puppy food that is easily digestible. Look for:

• Premium feed with high absorption rate
• Special formulas for puppies (not for adult dogs!)
• Clear composition without cheap fillers

Once the body starts to digest everything properly, there will be nothing of value left in the stool. The puppy will lose interest in it naturally. Expected result: within 2 weeks.

Step 2: Respond appropriately (psychology)

Your reaction can either solve the situation or make it worse.

What NOT to do:

• Shouting, running, showing emotions
• Punishing or scaring a puppy
• To make a drama out of it

Why? Because the puppy interprets your reaction as play, attention, or a signal to hurry ("you need to eat quickly!").

What to DO:

• To approach quietly without words
• Distract with a toy or take them aside
• Silently remove feces
• The less emotions = the faster the problem will disappear

Step 3: Natural enzymes (if needed)

If after 2 weeks of changing the food the problem has not gone away (this is rare), you can add:

Dried beef tripe – not white, but darker, natural. It contains enzymes that young puppies may lack. It is not a treat, but a digestive supplement. Give 2-3 times a week in small bites.

The most important things to know

✓ Coprophagia in young puppies is a normal reaction to inappropriate food , not a behavioral disorder

✓ In 90% of cases, the problem is solved simply by changing the diet

✓ Your calm reaction is essential for success

✓ If nothing has changed after 3 weeks – contact your veterinarian

Conclusion

Your puppy is not "bad" or "broken." He is simply trying to survive on what his body is getting. By changing his food to the right one and staying calm, this problem usually goes away on its own within a few weeks.

Remember: this is a temporary problem that has a simple solution.

Do you have questions about your puppy's nutrition or behavior? Contact us for a consultation.