How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Poop Using Natural Deterrents

Dogs have many curious habits, but coprophagia—the act of eating feces—is one of the most unsettling for pet owners. While it may seem bizarre, this behavior is relatively common and often rooted in biological instinct, nutritional deficiency, or learned behavior. Rather than resorting to harsh training methods or chemical-laden sprays, many pet owners are turning to natural deterrents that are both effective and safe. This guide explores science-backed, holistic approaches to discourage your dog from eating poop, focusing on diet, environment, training, and natural taste aversion.

Understanding Why Dogs Eat Poop

Coprophagia isn’t just a gross habit—it’s often a symptom of deeper issues. In the wild, mother dogs clean their puppies’ den by consuming their waste, which helps protect them from predators. Some domesticated dogs retain this instinct. Others may eat feces due to boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, or even mimicry if they see another dog doing it.

Nutritional gaps can also play a role. If a dog isn’t absorbing nutrients properly or is fed low-quality food, their body may signal them to scavenge for additional nourishment—even from feces. Certain medical conditions like pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasites, or diabetes can increase appetite abnormally, leading to unusual eating behaviors.

“While occasional poop-eating may not be harmful, consistent coprophagia should prompt a veterinary check-up to rule out underlying health problems.” — Dr. Laura Bennett, DVM, Canine Behavior Specialist

Natural Dietary Adjustments That Work

One of the most effective long-term solutions is adjusting your dog’s diet. A well-balanced, species-appropriate diet supports digestive health and reduces the likelihood of nutrient deficiencies that drive scavenging behavior.

Incorporate high-quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or fish, and ensure fiber intake comes from vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or green beans. These ingredients support gut motility and nutrient absorption. Adding digestive enzymes or probiotics to meals can further improve digestion, reducing the chance that undigested food ends up in feces—which can make it smell appealing to dogs.

Tip: Mix 1–2 teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) into your dog’s meal daily. The fiber improves stool quality and makes feces less palatable.

Some owners report success by adding meat tenderizer containing papain, an enzyme derived from papaya. Though anecdotal, many believe it alters the taste of feces without harming the dog. Always choose a product free of garlic and onions, which are toxic to dogs.

Foods That Naturally Deter Coprophagia

Food Additive	How It Helps	Recommended Amount (per 20 lbs)
Pumpkin (canned, plain)	Increases fiber, firms stools, reduces appeal	1 tsp daily
Pineapple chunks	Bromelain enzyme may alter stool taste	2–3 small pieces daily
Kefir or plain yogurt	Probiotics improve gut health	1 tbsp daily (if lactose tolerant)
Coconut oil	Supports digestion and skin health	¼ tsp daily

Behavioral Training and Environmental Management

Even with dietary improvements, behavioral reinforcement is essential. Dogs learn through repetition and consequence. If your dog has developed a habit of eating poop, breaking it requires consistency, supervision, and redirection.

Leash walks in controlled environments allow you to intervene quickly. When your dog sniffs near waste, use a firm “leave it” command followed by a distraction—such as a toy or treat. Reward compliance generously. Over time, this builds a new association: poop means nothing good happens, but obeying brings rewards.

Immediate cleanup is critical. Remove access to feces by picking up waste in your yard within 24 hours—or ideally, right after your dog defecates. Install motion-activated sprinklers or fencing to restrict access to problem areas. For households with multiple pets, separate animals during bathroom breaks if one is a known coprophagic eater.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reduce Poop-Eating Behavior

1. Rule out medical causes: Schedule a vet visit to test for parasites, malabsorption, or endocrine disorders.
2. Upgrade your dog’s diet: Switch to a high-protein, whole-food-based kibble or raw diet with minimal fillers.
3. Add digestive support: Introduce probiotics and fiber-rich foods like pumpkin or psyllium husk.
4. Supervise outdoor time: Keep your dog on a leash during potty breaks and clean up waste immediately.
5. Train the “leave it” command: Practice daily with treats, gradually introducing distractions.
6. Use natural taste deterrents: Try adding pineapple or meat tenderizer to meals for several weeks.
7. Monitor progress: Track incidents weekly and adjust strategies as needed.

Tip: Carry high-value treats (like freeze-dried liver) during walks to reinforce good behavior when your dog ignores feces.

Effective Natural Deterrents and What to Avoid

Many commercial products claim to stop coprophagia, but some contain artificial ingredients or strong chemicals that may upset your dog’s stomach. Natural alternatives are gentler and often just as effective.

One popular method is coating stools with bitter-tasting substances. While you can’t apply spray directly to every pile, you can use oral supplements that make feces taste unpleasant. For example, For-Bid and similar products contain yucca extract and enzymes that naturally alter stool odor and flavor. These are added to food and work systemically.

You can also create a homemade deterrent spray using safe, bitter ingredients. A mixture of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and water sprayed lightly around litter boxes or yard zones where dogs defecate may discourage return visits. Avoid using hot sauce or essential oils, which can irritate mucous membranes or cause toxicity.

“The key is making the behavior unrewarding. If the poop no longer tastes good and yields no benefit, the dog will eventually lose interest.” — Sarah Lin, Certified Canine Trainer

Do’s and Don’ts of Natural Deterrence

Do	Don't
Use pumpkin, pineapple, or probiotics in meals	Give table scraps high in fat or sugar
Clean up waste within minutes of defecation	Yell or punish after the fact (ineffective)
Train “leave it” with positive reinforcement	Use garlic, onion, or essential oils as deterrents
Try vet-approved oral deterrent supplements	Rely solely on sprays without addressing root causes

Real-Life Example: Turning Around a Persistent Habit

Meet Max, a three-year-old Labrador mix adopted from a shelter. His new family loved his energy but were horrified when they caught him eating both his own and neighborhood cats’ feces. After ruling out parasites and confirming he was otherwise healthy, they consulted a canine nutritionist.

The first step was switching Max to a grain-free, high-protein diet rich in animal fats and supplemented with pumpkin and kefir. They began walking him on a leash and carried treats to reward him for ignoring droppings. Within two weeks, incidents dropped by half. They also started using a natural oral deterrent containing yucca, which Max took willingly mixed into wet food.

After six weeks of consistent effort—immediate cleanup, daily training, and diet upgrades—Max stopped eating poop entirely. His coat improved, and his energy stabilized. His owners credit the combination of natural interventions and patience for the turnaround.

Checklist: How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop Naturally

• ☑ Schedule a veterinary exam to rule out medical causes
• ☑ Transition to a high-quality, digestible dog food
• ☑ Add 1 tsp pumpkin or 1 tbsp kefir to daily meals
• ☑ Feed pineapple chunks at breakfast for 2–3 weeks
• ☑ Pick up feces immediately after elimination
• ☑ Train and reinforce the “leave it” command daily
• ☑ Use a natural oral deterrent supplement for 4–6 weeks
• ☑ Supervise all outdoor activity until behavior stops
• ☑ Avoid punitive reactions; focus on positive redirection
• ☑ Monitor progress and adjust approach as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eating poop dangerous for dogs?

Occasional consumption of their own feces is usually not harmful, but ingesting feces from other animals—especially cats or wildlife—can expose dogs to parasites like roundworms, coccidia, or bacteria such as salmonella. Chronic coprophagia may also indicate an underlying health issue and should be evaluated by a vet.

How long does it take to stop this behavior?

With consistent intervention, most dogs show improvement within 2–6 weeks. However, complete cessation depends on the cause. Dogs with deep-seated behavioral habits or those exposed to persistent environmental triggers may require longer management.

Can I use apple cider vinegar as a deterrent?

Yes, diluted apple cider vinegar (one part vinegar to four parts water) can be sprayed in areas where dogs tend to eat feces. It’s safe and has a strong taste most dogs dislike. However, it should complement—not replace—dietary and behavioral strategies.

Conclusion: A Patient, Holistic Approach Wins

Stopping your dog from eating poop isn’t about finding a quick fix—it’s about understanding the why behind the behavior and responding with compassion and consistency. Natural deterrents offer a safe, sustainable path forward, combining better nutrition, smart training, and environmental control.

Every dog is different. What works for one may take longer for another. The key is persistence. With time, most dogs unlearn this habit when their physical needs are met and their environment supports better choices.

💬 Have a success story or tip that helped your dog stop eating poop? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help another pet owner find relief.