We love our dogs, but sometimes their eating habits can be concerning. Whether they're eating grass or animal faeces, or chewing things they shouldn't, canine behaviourist Jackie Murphy shares her advice.
🕒 5 min read
Our dogs' strange eating habits can stem from both physiological and behavioural issues – and although puppies are more likely to engage in grass eating, inappropriate chewing and faeces consumption (due to their natural curiosity, and because during this developmental stage they often explore their environment with their mouths) these behaviours can also begin in older dogs.
Sudden grass-eating in older dogs, for instance, may indicate digestive upset, boredom, or a change in routine. Likewise, chewing on inappropriate objects can result from anxiety, cognitive decline, or boredom. Stressful events, changes in diet, or health issues like malabsorption can trigger adult dogs to start eating faeces.
The good news is that there are plenty of training, nutrition, and management strategies to help keep these behaviours in check, and keep our dogs healthy and happy.
Why do dogs eat grass?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and although this behaviour is not always harmful, it can raise some concerns. It is usually due to one of the following reasons:
- Normal behaviour. Grass-eating is often seen in puppies, who, being curious, often explore the world around them using their mouths. Dogs may also enjoy the texture or taste.
- Digestive issues. Some dogs eat grass when they have mild gastrointestinal discomfort, and use it to induce vomiting or calm their stomachs. However, not all dogs vomit after eating grass.
- Boredom or anxiety. Dogs may graze on grass when they're bored, stressed, or under-stimulated.
How to stop your dog eating grass
Firstly, rule out health issues. If your dog is eating grass excessively or they vomit or have diarrhoea after eating grass, then it is important to consult with your veterinarian.
Secondly, spend more time on training commands. Teach a reliable "leave it", or some other good recall command to redirect your dog when they start eating grass. Reward them for coming away and focusing on you instead.
Enrichment activities are also a good idea. Toys, puzzles, or regular interactive play will keep your dog mentally stimulated and therefore less likely to eat grass out of boredom.
I also recommend checking up on their diet, ensuring they are getting enough fibre and nutrients to meet their needs. It is usually best to do this in consultation with your vet.
Grass eating is often seen in puppies, but may be a sign of stomach trouble or just boredom.
Why do dogs eat poop?
If your dog is eating faeces (also known as coprophagia), the chances are you're feeling pretty bewildered – and are keen to put a stop it.
Here are some key reasons why dogs eat their own poop:
- In puppies: The mother will often clear up after young puppies and she will also lick her puppies to clean them. This behaviour is often observed and learned by the young puppy.
- Nutritional deficiencies: In dogs who may lack certain nutrients in their diet, they might eat faeces to try and obtain the missing vitamins and minerals.
- Attention-seeking behaviour: Some dogs may learn that they get attention when they carry out this behaviour and are therefore prone to repeat it.
- Stress or anxiety: Dogs may become stressed in certain environments or situations that could be linked to their previous history, and eating faeces can often become a coping mechanism.
How to stop your dog eating poo
- Clean up after your dog. Remove faeces promptly to eliminate access.
- Use deterrents. Certain supplements that contain natural enzymes or bitter flavours can make faeces unappealing to dogs.
- Adopt positive reinforcement. Train your dog to “leave it” or a good recall and reward them for redirecting their focus.
- Address any stresses. Provide a calm environment and ensure your dog gets regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- Consult your veterinarian. A vet can check for underlying medical or nutritional issues.
Why do dogs chew furniture, shoes, and other objects?
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and puppies, but chewing inappropriate items like furniture or shoes can become a problem. Here are some of the reasons why puppies might exhibit this behaviour:
- Teething in puppies. Puppies chew to relieve the pain of teething.
- Boredom or anxiety. Dogs left alone for long periods may chew to relieve stress or boredom.
- Lack of training. Dogs that haven't been taught appropriate chewing behaviours may choose inappropriate items.
How to stop dogs chewing
- Provide appropriate chew toys. Offer a variety of toys to satisfy your dog's chewing instinct. Rotate them to keep your pet interested.
- Supervise and redirect. When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to a toy and reward them for using it.
- Use deterrents. Bitter sprays can discourage chewing on furniture or other items.
- Maximise exercise and enrichment. A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing.
Can nutrition help prevent these behaviours?
A balanced diet plays an important part in preventing unwanted eating habits. Ensure they eat a high-quality diet that meets all their nutritional needs, including sufficient fibre to support digestion and satiety. A multivitamin can help to plug any gaps.
I also recommend digestive supplements. Probiotics and enzymes can promote good gut health and reduce the urge to eat grass or poop.
For dogs that rush through meals and engage in unwanted behaviours afterwards, slow or puzzle feeders can prolong eating and improve satiety.
Pet Pro Digest
Designed to promote the healthy balance of live 'friendly' bacteria in your pet's digestive system
- Supports your pet's digestive and dental health
- Bifidobacterium lactis, Enterococcus faecium and fibre
When to seek professional help
Unwanted eating behaviours in dogs and/or puppies can be frustrating, but by identifying the reasons behind these behaviours and implementing appropriate training, dietary adjustments, and enrichment activities, most problems can be resolved effectively.
If your dog's behaviour persists despite training and dietary adjustments, consult a veterinarian or a qualified and registered animal behaviourist. Persistent or escalating behaviours may signal underlying health issues that could be gastrointestinal (malabsorption, parasites, or other digestive disorders) or show underlying anxiety or stress that requires a specific behavioural programme.
