What To Put in Dog Food To Stop Eating Poop? As a pet owner, it’s natural to be grossed out by the thought of your dog eating poop. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous for your pup if they’re consuming feces from other animals that may be contaminated with parasites, viruses, or toxins.
Luckily, there are several things you can put in your dog’s food to help discourage them from eating poop. Some of these options may require additional training, but they’re generally safe for your dog and could potentially help put a stop to this gross behavior.
Dog Multivitamins
B vitamins are essential for dogs in order to keep them from eating poop. A lack of B vitamins can lead to coprophagic behavior, so it’s important to make sure your dog is getting enough of these vital nutrients. You can add B vitamins to your dog’s diet by giving them a multivitamin supplement designed specifically for dogs.
These supplements can be given to dogs of all sizes, and you should give them 1/8 tablet per day for a 25-30 pound dog, 1/4 tablet per day for a 30-60 pound dog, and 1/2 tablet per day for larger breeds. Give your dog the supplement for 1-2 weeks, and you should notice a decrease in coprophagic behavior.
Digestive Supplements
There are many digestive supplements on the market that can help a dog stop eating poop. Bromelain and papain supplements are two examples of supplements that can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, ultimately leading to an end to coprophagic behavior.
Raw honey is another potential option, as it is a natural source of enzymes that can improve digestion. Honey, however, should be given in moderation since it is a high-sugar food. Prozyme is another digestive supplement that can be helpful for dogs struggling with poop eating.
Green tripe is another option that contains enzymes and nutrients that can improve digestion and help a dog stop eating poop. It will ultimately be a matter of your dog’s individual needs that determines the best digestive supplement.
Meat Tenderizers
As a general overview, Meat Tenderizers can help to stop your dog from eating poop as it will change the taste of the poop after it is expelled. This is because meat tenderizers create an unpleasant smell and taste when sprinkled on your dog’s food.
Local grocery stores sell meat tenderizers. Although people believe that meat tenderizers that can help your dog stop eating poop must contain MSG—a food additive with a characteristic metallic taste, which can be discouraging to a poop eater—you should note that some canine experts believe that MSG may be harmful to some dogs.
To err on the side of caution, opt for options like Adolphs Meat Tenderizers, which have no MSG and contain no artificial flavors or colors but will still help deter your dog from eating his poop.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Vinegar made from fermented apple cider is known as apple cider vinegar. It is rich in acetic acid, which has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. ACV also contains pectin, a soluble fiber that can help regulate digestion.
For a few reasons, apple cider vinegar can help stop your dog from eating poop . First, the acetic acid in ACV can aid in food digestion, making it less likely that your dog will find nutrients in their poop.
Second, the pectin in ACV can help give your dog a feeling of fullness, which may stop them from seeking out food sources like poop. Finally, the acidic nature of ACV can make poop less palatable to your dog, deterring them from eating it.
If you’re interested in using ACV to stop your dog from eating poop, talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you determine the right amount of ACV to add to your dog’s food based on their size and health status.
Pineapple
Pineapple may be able to help your dog stop eating poop as the bromelain enzyme in pineapple can make a dog’s poop taste bad.
Not only that, but the acidity in pineapple can change the taste of a dog’s poop, making it less appetizing. However, pineapple is high in fiber and sugar, so only feed your dog small quantities. Additionally, the spiky skin of pineapples can cause choking or blockages, so only add the soft flesh to your dog’s food.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a popular food item to add to dog food in order to stop them from eating their own feces. The reason for this is that the pumpkin alters the taste of the feces, making it less palatable to the dog.
Besides deterring dogs from coprophagy, pumpkin also helps with constipation and diarrhea. Pumpkin also promotes urinary tract health, making it a well-rounded food item to add to your dog’s diet.
Probiotics
Dogs are believed to eat their poops because the stools contain beneficial bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one such bacterium that resides in your dog’s gut and aids digestion, bolsters his immune system, and fights off pathogens.
It is thought that Lactobacillus acidophilus and other beneficial microbes are often shed in feces and that’s why dogs may opt to eat their poops from time to time—to replenish their supply of these bacteria.
You can discourage your dog from eating his poop if you feed him probiotics that contain these microbes. At the same time, your dog will be receiving beneficial bacteria.
Also, puppies that are bored may begin playing with or eating their own poo. Anxiety probiotics or supplements may come in handy in such instances as they can help calm anxiety.
Green Veggies
Green veggies are a great way to add fiber to your dog’s diet. By adding green veggies like spinach or minced broccoli, you will not only be mimicking what is in his stool but you will also be offering him something that he craves. Keeping your dog healthy and satisfied will prevent him from eating poop.
Dietary Fat
Dietary fat can be a helpful way to stop a dog from eating poop. This is because fat replicates some of the things that may be tempting to a dog in their poop. Most dog owners use coconut oil because it is metabolized differently.
Adding 1/4 tablespoon per 15 pounds body weight of organic, cold-pressed coconut oil for 1-2 weeks can help a dog stop their poop-eating behavior.
Cooked Grain
To avoid the dog’s interest in poop, add a small number of overcooked grains like brown rice or quinoa to the diet. Brown rice contains natural anti-glutamyl amino acids which help promote glucosamine nutrition and enrich your pup with healthy bones.
OTC Deterrents
Lastly, there is a wide range of off-the-shelf deterrents that you can purchase to make their poop taste really bad and lessen its appeal. For example, we highlighted home remedies in this post along with supplements that have been known as effective tools against dog waste disposal problems around homes or properties where they live!
Conclusion
While we can’t say with certainty that adding these specific ingredients to your dog’s food will stop them from eating poop, it couldn’t hurt to try. If you do decide to add any of the items on this list to your pup’s diet, be sure to monitor their stool closely and adjust the ingredients as needed. What have you got to lose? And who knows – maybe once you start putting these things in their food, they won’t even want to eat poop anymore!