What is Coprophagia?

What is Coprophagia

Humans find feces eating, aka Coprophagia, one of the most disgusting behaviors that their dog could engage in; yet to your dog it is perfectly normal.

Vets have found that diets with low digestibility, containing relatively low levels of fiber and high levels of starch, increase Coprophagia.

Therefore, high-fiber diets may decrease the likelihood of your dog eating feces. To discourage this behavior, feed nutritionally complete food in the proper amount. If changes in his diet do not seem to work, and no medical cause can be found, you will have to modify his/her behavior through environmental control before it becomes a habit.  

There are some tricks you can try, such as adding an unpleasant-tasting substance to the feces to make them unpalatable or adding something to your dog’s food which will make it unpleasant tasting after it passes through the dog. The best way to prevent your dog from eating his stool is to make it unavailable – clean up after he eliminates and remove any stool from the yard. If it is not there, he cannot eat it.

Never reprimand your dog for stool eating, as this rarely impresses your dog. Vets recommend distracting your German Shepherd while he is in the act.

Another option is to muzzle your dog when he/she goes in the yard to relieve his/herself; this usually is effective within 30 to 60 days.

Coprophagia is mostly seen in pups 6 to 12 months old, and usually disappears around the dog's first birthday.

Remember the first ingredient in every formula of your partner’s food needs to be animal sourced protein from trusted sources, for superior taste and nutrition. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for all-day energy, while fruits and vegetables add powerful natural antioxidants for optimal health and vitality. Remember the main things your GSD requires and the systems they support.

Protein blends provide dogs with the amino acid building blocks necessary for ideal lean body condition. Natural fiber ingredients, including prebiotic fiber (dried chicory root), help support healthy digestion. The right antioxidant formulation contains guaranteed levels of selenium and vitamin E help support a healthy and active lifestyle. Omega Fatty Acids- a blend of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids from fish meal, flaxseed and either chicken fat or canola oil helps keep the skin and coat healthy and shinny.