Puppies eating poop is normal due to curiosity, mimicking littermates, and natural instinct.
Normal Behavior
Nutrient deficiencies, parasites, or illness can cause puppies to eat poop to reingest nutrients.
Health Reasons
Puppies are drawn to the strong taste and smell of poop. It smells like food to them.
Taste and Smell
Eating poop can become a habit for bored puppies lacking stimulation and interaction.
Boredom
Redirect, clean up quickly, add fiber, and interact more to curb poop eating behavior.
Solutions
Use positive reinforcement training to teach the "leave it" command to get puppy to avoid poop.
Training
See a vet to rule out health issues if poop eating persists despite lifestyle changes.
Vet Visit