Dog Nutrition & Feeding: Your Questions Answered

At Wee Walkies, we hear the same questions from dog owners time and time again. Two of the biggest ones are about some rather unusual eating habits — and both have perfectly natural explanations. Let's get into the facts.

This behaviour is called coprophagia, and while it might seem shocking, it's actually very common in dogs.

It can be completely normal. Mother dogs routinely eat the faeces of their puppies to keep the den clean — it's an instinctive behaviour passed down from their wild ancestors. Some puppies pick this up and carry it into adulthood.

Nutritional deficiency may be a cause. If a dog's diet is lacking in certain nutrients — particularly digestive enzymes or vitamins — they may seek them out in faeces. This is more common in dogs fed a poor-quality diet.

Boredom and attention-seeking. Dogs that are under-stimulated or left alone for long periods may eat poo simply out of boredom. In some cases, they've learned it gets a big reaction from their owner, which becomes a form of attention-seeking.

Underlying health conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or parasites can increase appetite and lead to coprophagia. If the behaviour starts suddenly in an adult dog, a vet check is always a good idea.

Stress or anxiety. Dogs in stressful environments — such as kennels or homes with conflict — sometimes develop this habit as a coping mechanism.

• Ensure your dog is on a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet
• Pick up faeces immediately so there's nothing to eat
• Increase exercise and mental stimulation
• Speak to your vet if the behaviour is persistent or sudden-onset
• Consider a digestive enzyme supplement (always check with your vet first)

Almost every dog owner has watched their dog munch on grass at some point. It's one of the most frequently asked questions in dog care — and the answer might surprise you.

It's very common and usually harmless. Studies suggest that the vast majority of dogs eat grass regularly, and most show no signs of illness before or after doing so.

Dogs are not strictly carnivores. Unlike cats, dogs are omnivores. In the wild, their ancestors would eat the stomach contents of prey animals, which often included plant matter. Eating grass may simply be an extension of this natural behaviour.

They might just enjoy it. Some dogs eat grass because they like the taste or texture — particularly in spring when fresh grass is tender and sweet. It doesn't always mean something is wrong.

It can help with digestion. Grass contains fibre, which can help move things along in the digestive system. Some dogs seem to seek it out when they have an upset stomach, though research on whether dogs intentionally eat grass to make themselves sick is mixed.

It rarely causes vomiting. Despite the popular belief that dogs eat grass to be sick, studies show that fewer than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, and most don't appear ill beforehand.

• If your dog is eating grass obsessively and seems distressed
• If vomiting is frequent after eating grass
• If the grass may have been treated with pesticides or herbicides — this is the biggest risk, as the grass itself is rarely the problem

• Allow occasional grass eating — it's generally nothing to worry about
• Ensure your garden and walking routes are free from chemical treatments
• If your dog seems to crave grass constantly, review their diet and speak to your vet
• Offer dog-safe herbs or vegetables as an alternative if you'd prefer to redirect the behaviour

Understanding your dog's behaviour is one of the most rewarding parts of being a pet owner. Both of these habits — while a little unpleasant to witness — are usually nothing to worry about. The key is knowing when it's normal and when it's worth a trip to the vet.

If you'd like to learn more about dog nutrition, behaviour, and health, check out our free courses with certificates in the Courses section — available to all Wee Walkies members at no cost.

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