{"id":17120,"date":"2026-09-17T15:52:37","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T22:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=17120"},"modified":"2026-09-17T15:52:39","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T22:52:39","slug":"why-does-my-dog-eat-cat-poop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/why-does-my-dog-eat-cat-poop","title":{"rendered":"Why Dogs Eat Cat Poop and How to Stop It"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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When your dog runs up to lick your face, most pet owners probably don\u2019t want to smell cat poop!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Litter-box snacking is a common but frustrating habit that can expose dogs (and humans) to germs. Read on to learn likely causes, symptoms to watch for, and realistic steps to keep dogs away from cat feces long-term.<\/span><\/p>

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?<\/b><\/h2>

Eating the feces of other animals is called coprophagia, but why do dogs want to eat cat poop? There are usually identifiable reasons behind it, and understanding them is the first step toward stopping it.<\/span><\/p>

It’s a Bad Habit<\/b><\/h3>

Dogs and puppies are opportunistic scavengers by nature, and cat feces often smell appealing to them because of the undigested protein content in cat food. If a<\/span> dog eating cat poop<\/span><\/a> finds it rewarding, there’s a strong chance it will do it again. Over time, this casual snacking becomes a conditioned habit. The litter box essentially becomes an unsupervised snack station, and each successful visit reinforces the habit further.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Boredom<\/b><\/h3>

Dogs that aren’t getting enough<\/span> physical exercise<\/span><\/a> or mental stimulation will find their own entertainment. A dog left alone for long stretches with nothing to occupy its mind may begin exploring the litter box simply because it’s something to do. The act of seeking, sniffing, and consuming gives the dog a form of sensory engagement that it’s otherwise missing. Once the dog learns that the litter box reliably provides this stimulation, it will return to it again and again.<\/span><\/p>

Stress or Anxiety<\/b><\/h3>

Anxious dogs often engage in compulsive or displacement behaviors as a way of coping with psychological discomfort. Changes in household routine, the arrival of a new pet or person, separation anxiety, or a generally stressful environment can all trigger unusual behaviors \u2014 including eating feces. If stress-eating cat litter makes the dog feel even marginally calmer, its brain logs that association, and the behavior becomes a go-to coping mechanism whenever anxiety spikes.<\/span><\/p>

Malnutrition or Nutritional Deficiency<\/b><\/h3>

If a<\/span> dog’s diet<\/span><\/a> is lacking in key nutrients, it may instinctively seek out alternative food sources. Cat feces are particularly attractive in this context because they’re rich in protein and fat from the cat’s diet. Dogs with enzyme deficiencies, poor-quality diets, or underlying digestive issues that impair nutrient absorption are especially susceptible. The body’s drive to correct a nutritional gap is powerful. Once a dog eating cat litter and cat poop thinks it seems to help, the behavior becomes strongly self-reinforcing. Talk to a vet about your dog’s diet.<\/span><\/p>

Intestinal Parasites<\/b><\/h3>

Internal parasites compete directly with the dog for the nutrients it consumes. This can leave the dog in a state of near-constant hunger or nutritional deficiency even when eating normally. It’s worth noting that this also creates a problematic cycle \u2014 eating feces can expose the dog to further parasites, which deepens the deficiency and intensifies the craving. A fecal exam from a vet is always a good idea when coprophagia appears suddenly.<\/span><\/p>

What are the symptoms of a dog eating cat poop?<\/b><\/h2>

You might notice one or more of the following symptoms if your dog has eaten cat poop. If any are severe or persistent, it’s time to call your vet.<\/span><\/p>