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The best stool eating deterrents for dogs are essential for pets who are strangely eager to eat their feces. Dogs consume waste for many reasons, such as nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, or anxiety. However, certain supplements can make your dog’s waste less appealing to them.
These beneficial supplements include various ingredients that support your dog’s digestive health, including parsley, yucca schidigera, chamomile, and probiotics. Some manufacturers also include digestive enzymes such as cellulose, protease, amylase, and lipase. Combined, these components make dogs less likely to eat stool.
Before giving your dog one of these supplements, talk to your vet. They can make sure your dog isn’t consuming poop due to an underlying health concern, and they can recommend a more nutrient-rich diet if needed. Then, if your vet approves it, you can choose one of the best stool eating deterrents for dogs, which we have reviewed to help you choose the best one.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Stool Eating Deterrents for Dogs
Stool-eating, also known as coprophagia, is a common behavior in dogs and can be difficult to prevent. However, there are several stool eating deterrents available that may help. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best stool eating deterrent for your dog.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Before choosing a stool eating deterrent, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there’s an underlying medical condition that may be causing your dog to eat feces. Your veterinarian may also be able to recommend a specific product that will work best for your dog.
Look for Natural Ingredients
When choosing one of these supplements, look for natural ingredients that are safe for your dog to ingest. Some healthy ingredients that may deter your dog from eating feces are yucca, parsley, and chamomile.
Consider the Supplement’s Form
Dog stool eating deterrents come in several forms, including chews, pills, powders, and liquids. Chews are the most common because they look and smell like treats, making them easy to feed to dogs.
Read Reviews
Before purchasing a new supplement, read reviews from other dog parents to see how effective the product was for their dogs. This can give you an idea of how effective the product might be for your dog.
Be Consistent
Regardless of which stool eating deterrent you choose, it’s important to use it consistently and follow the recommended dosage. The behavior may take several weeks or months to stop, so be patient and don’t give up too soon.
Remember, stool-eating can be a complex issue, so it may not be solved by using a single product alone. It’s important to address any underlying medical or behavioral issues by working with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive plan to stop the behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Coprophagia?
Coprophagia is a term used to describe the behavior of consuming feces, which can be seen in various animal species, including dogs. While it’s common in some animals, it’s not considered normal for domestic dogs. It can be a sign of an underlying health issue or behavioral problem.
Coprophagia occurs when your dog eats their stool or another dog’s stool. Feces is filled with many unhealthy bacteria and germs that can harm your dog. They can get stomach infections, food poisoning, parasites, and other illnesses from eating feces.
Coprophagia can be a behavioral problem, or it could point to a medical issue in your dog, such as gastrointestinal issues and malabsorption of nutrients. Dogs who aren’t mentally stimulated enough may also display this behavior.
Why is it Bad for My Dog to Eat Poop?
Eating poop can be harmful to dogs for a variety of reasons. Firstly, feces can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illness in dogs and, in some cases, even be transmitted to humans. Consuming feces can also lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, and other digestive problems in dogs.
In addition to the physical harm caused by coprophagia, it’s also a behavior that’s generally considered undesirable in dogs and can be a sign of an underlying health issue or behavioral problem. It’s important to address the underlying cause of the behavior to prevent it from occurring.
How Does a Poop Eating Deterrent Work?
Poop-eating deterrents make the feces less appealing to dogs. These products usually contain a blend of natural ingredients, such as yucca extract, that are believed to make the feces taste bad or smell unappealing to dogs.
When a dog consumes feces, it can trigger a positive reinforcement in their brains, as they may associate the behavior with receiving attention, exploring their environment, or even a nutritional deficiency. A poop eating deterrent can help break this cycle by reducing the appeal of the feces and, over time, discouraging the behavior altogether.
However, it’s important to note that poop-eating deterrents may not be effective for all dogs. They’re best used with training and addressing any underlying health or behavioral issues causing the habit. Additionally, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplements or medications.
Why is My Dog Eating Poop?
There are various reasons why dogs may eat poop, and it is important to determine the underlying cause of this behavior to address it effectively. Some potential reasons include the following:
- Nutritional deficiencies: Dogs may eat feces if they need more nutrients.
- Boredom or stress: Dogs may engage in coprophagia if bored, anxious, or stressed. This behavior can provide a form of stimulation or comfort.
- Learned behavior: If dogs are not properly house-trained, they may learn to eat feces if they see other dogs in the household or environment engaging in this behavior.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as malabsorption syndromes, pancreatitis, or parasites, can cause dogs to eat feces.
- Attention-seeking behavior: In some cases, dogs may eat feces to get attention from their owners.
To determine the underlying cause and develop a strategy, you should speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s behavior. This may include dietary changes, behavior modification techniques, or medical treatment, depending on the specific cause of the behavior.
Our Top 12 Supplements To Stop Dogs From Eating Poop In 2023
- Nutri-Vet Nasty Habit Chewable Tablets for Dogs
- Zesty Paws Chew No Poo Bites for Dogs
- Healthy Solutions Stool Eating Deterrent For Dogs
- NEXPAW Poop Eating Deterrent Soft Chew Supplement
- Solid Gold No Stool Eating Supplement
- For-Bid Coprophagia Deterrent for Dogs
- GNC Pets ADVANCED Coprophagia Dog Supplements
- Pro-Sense P-87077 Poop Eater Solutions for Dogs
- Global Pet Coprovent Coprophagia Soft Chews for Dogs
- PetNC Natural Care Stool Eating Deterrent Chewables for Dogs
- Stool Eating Deterrent with Yucca Schidigera Extract for Dogs
- iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Probiotic Dog Chews
- Liver-flavored chewable tablet
- Makes feces taste less appealing to dogs
- Contains yucca, parsley seed, and chamomile
- Formulated by veterinarians
Nutri-Vet Nasty Habit Chewable Tablets for Dogs can discourage dogs from consuming their feces or other waste. The tablets contain ingredients such as yucca, parsley seed, and chamomile, making stool less appealing to dogs. Veterinarians formulated it, and all Nutri-Vet products are made with the highest standards of quality and consistency. The tablets are liver-flavored, so some dogs may eat them directly.
In A Nutshell:
The Nasty Habit liver chewables prevent young pups and adult dogs from eating their excrement. This product, which has a unique blend of components that gives stool a peculiar flavor, should be used daily to curb this repulsive behavior. However, some dogs may dislike the supplement’s flavor.
Pros
- Easy to serve
- Makes dogs avoid their waste and other feces
- Works for puppies and adult dogs
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some dogs dislike the supplement’s taste
- Good for overall digestion, reducing gas and constipation
- Each chew contains a Healthy Teeth & Gum Proprietary Blend to support dental health
- Contains Capsimax, an advanced, controlled-release form of Capsicum Extract
- Supplements are soft and chicken-flavored like treats
Zesty Paws Chew No Poo Bites is a dog supplement containing ingredients like yucca extract, pumpkin powder, and probiotics to make feces less appealing to dogs. These treats contain Capsimax, an advanced, controlled-release form of Capsicum Extract (chili) that gives stool an unpleasant taste to any pup with coprophagia (stool-eating) troubles. Best of all, these chews are soft and chicken-flavored, making them seem like treats. The advanced ingredients in these functional supplements are a great way to improve your furry friend’s digestion.
In A Nutshell:
Many dogs love the taste of these supplements, so they’ll eat them like treats. Each chew features enzymes to support gut function and probiotics to support gut flora. Some customers noted that the supplements didn’t work long-term for their dogs.
Pros
- Premium probiotics to benefit gut function
- Supports the body’s immune system
- Makes stool unappealing to dogs
- Chicken-flavored soft chews
Cons
- May be ineffective after long-term use
- Contains glutamic acid and yucca schidigera extract to reduce stool odors
- 100% natural and completely free from grains, gluten, and GMOs
- Supports your dog’s digestion
- Uses parsley to freshen your dog’s breath
Healthy Solutions No Stool Eating Soft Chews will help deter dogs from consuming stool, whether it’s their own or from another animal. These supplements are made with yucca schidigera extract and glutamic acid to help reduce stool odors, making them less appealing to your pup. Enzymes and probiotics in the recipe support the digestive process, while parsley freshens your pet’s breath. These supplements are soft and flavorful so many dogs will think they’re treats.
In A Nutshell:
Healthy Solutions No Stool Eating formula has quickly become one of the best supplements due to its effectiveness in treating coprophagia in dogs. It also uses digestive enzymes and probiotics to help with tummy troubles, along with parsley to freshen breath. Yet, it may not eliminate poop-eating completely.
Pros
- Fully functioning soft chew
- Suitable for all types of dogs
- Easy to give
- Reduces stool odors
- Improves digestion and dental health
Cons
- May not eliminate poop eating completely
- Reduces the smell of stool using a mix of herbs and enzymes
- Contains an enzyme blend to aid your dog’s digestive system
- Uses parsley to freshen breath
- Works for both puppies and adult dogs
These soft, treat-like chews are great for your dog’s digestive system while also preventing them from eating stool. They use a mix of herbs and enzymes to reduce the smell of stool, making dogs less interested in eating it. The enzyme blend also soothes your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. This product contains parsley to freshen your dog’s breath. These natural, wheat-free supplements are effective for both dogs and puppies, and they’re always formulated in USA facilities.
In A Nutshell:
With this product, you get a two-in-one solution; you stop the nasty habit and add fresh breath. The ingredients make the stool less appealing to dogs who eat their poop. However, not all customers saw results.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Makes stool less appealing to dogs
- Easy-to-serve chews
- Wheat-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not effective for every dog
- Freshens breath with natural peppermint oil and parsley oil
- Odor-fighting yucca extract helps reduce stool odors to make poop less appealing to dogs
- Digestive enzymes improve your dog’s digestive health
- The soft texture and tasty flavor are great for picky eaters
- Comes in either soft chews or a powder form
Help break your puppy’s habit of eating poop with Solid Gold’s supplements. These supplements come in soft chews or a powder form. Give this supplement to the pup whose feces gets eaten, even if they’re not the one eating it. Naturally, it gives your dog’s poop a bitter taste, preventing any of your dogs from eating the stool. The product also has digestive enzymes that help your furry friend’s stomach absorb more nutrients from food, so they poop a little less. The yucca extract included reduces the overall fecal odor.
In A Nutshell:
This easy-to-use supplement naturally makes the stool taste and smell less appealing to the dog consuming it. A decrease in stool-eating behavior generally occurs after 2-4 weeks. Unfortunately, not all customers noticed improvements.
Pros
- Holistic grain-free supplement
- Benefits digestion
- Reduces stool output
- Makes stool smell less and taste worse
- Plant-sourced active ingredients
Cons
- Not effective for all dogs
- Flavorless powder supplement can be sprinkled on your dog’s food
- Vegetable protein and sodium glutamate work in the digestive system to give stools a bad taste
- It’s a protein supplement, not an enzyme mixture
- Fast-acting, typically effective in under a week
This product is widely used to break dogs and puppies of their undesirable stool-eating habits. For-Bid is a purified protein supplement, not an enzyme mixture. The powder is flavorless, but it creates an unappealing taste in the stool after digestion. It helps deter dogs, cats, and other pets from eating their own or other animals’ stools. It’s typically effective in under 1 week. Yet, it may require 2-3 weeks of additional treatment depending on the underlying cause of your pet’s poop-eating behaviors.
In A Nutshell:
Since For-Bid is not an enzyme mixture, it doesn’t affect the animal’s regular digestive system. Thus, the flavorless powder only focuses on making your dog’s stool less appealing. Some potential side effects are vomiting and diarrhea.
Pros
- Flavorless powder supplement
- Made in the USA
- Typically works within one week
- Focuses on making stools unappealing to dogs
Cons
- Sometimes causes vomiting and diarrhea
- Formulated to deter dogs from eating stool and reduce feces odor
- Works for all dog breeds that are at least 6 months old
- Features a delicious chicken flavor in the form of a chewy treat
- Improves digestion and intestinal health
GNC Pets Advanced Coprophagia Dog Supplements can keep any dog breeds happy and healthy, as long as they’re six months or older. These products come in soft, chicken-flavored chews, so most dogs will happily gobble them up. Yucca schidigera, digestive enzymes, and probiotics are among the quality components used in this formula to effectively prevent dogs from eating their feces. The ingredients also reduce the odor of your dog’s stool while improving their digestion and intestinal health.
In A Nutshell:
GNC Pets Advanced Coprophagia Soft Chews are a convenient and easy way to support your dog’s digestion and put your pup on the road to better intestinal health. The supplements may have a strong odor, but they can reduce the odor of your dog’s stool, making your dog less likely to eat their poop.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Chicken-flavored soft chews
- Good for digestion and intestinal health
- Works for all dog breeds, as long as they’re 6 months or older
Cons
- Helps deter dogs from consuming their feces
- It can help reduce the odor of the stool
- Great for dogs of all ages and is suitable for daily use
The Pro-Sense brand offers a variety of proactive, sensible solutions for all your pet’s health and wellness needs. This product is a poop-eating solution that comes in the form of tablets. It can deter dogs from consuming their feces while reducing stool odor since yucca is one of the main ingredients. This formula is great for dogs of all ages and is suitable for everyday use when used as directed.
In A Nutshell:
Dogs of all breeds and ages can use this product if you follow the instructions. Even though these tablets can reduce poop-eating, not all dogs like the flavor.
Pros
- Great for dogs of all ages
- Suitable for daily use when used as directed
- Formulated with yucca to reduce poop eating and stool odor
- Chewable tablets
Cons
- Not all dogs like the flavor
- Safely and effectively deters your dog from eating their stool
- Soft, flavorful chews that seem like treats
- 400 mg of yucca schidigera per chew
- Developed by veterinarians
These CoProvent Coprophagia soft chews can safely and efficiently stop your dog from continuing to eat their feces. The supplements seem like treats to dogs because they’re beef or cheese flavored. Each chew has 400 mg of yucca to make your dog’s stool less appealing to them. The chews are sugar- and gluten-free, making them a safe choice for sensitive dogs. These supplements are developed by veterinarians.
In A Nutshell:
Dogs who continue to eat their stool should effectively and safely stop when taking these soft chews. However, the strong smell may be unappealing to both dogs and pet parents.
Pros
- Soft, flavorful chews
- Good for sensitive dogs
- Made by vets
- Makes stool less appealing to dogs
Cons
- Yucca and cayenne pepper deters dogs from eating stool
- Reduces the smell of your dog’s feces
- Made with plant-based and human-grade ingredients
- Liver-flavored chewable tablets
PetNC’s Natural Care Stool-Eating Deterrent Soft Chews contain a special combination of ingredients that create a bitter taste in feces, discouraging dogs from consuming their stool. This product uses plant-based and human-grade active ingredients that help reduce stool odor. These chewable tablets are liver-flavored to appeal to most dogs. They contain yucca and cayenne pepper, which may make feces less appetizing to dogs. Any dog 18 weeks or older can use this product.
In A Nutshell:
This best stool eating deterrent for dogs is made with plant-based, human-grade ingredients, including yucca schidigera extract. Its liver flavor makes it a tasty, healthy treat that’s easy to serve, but sadly, it’s not effective for all dogs.
Pros
- Helps make stool less appetizing
- Aids in digestion
- Liver-flavored chews
- Human-grade ingredients
Cons
- Not effective for all dogs
- Contains a special combination of ingredients that creates a bitter taste in feces
- Yucca schidigera extract reduces your dog’s stool odor
- Absorbs more nutrients from food and reduces the size of stool
- Made with human-grade ingredients in an FDA-registered facility
- Formulated by veterinarians
This fecal eating deterrent contains a special combination of ingredients that creates a bitter taste in stool, making dogs less interested in consuming their feces. It also contains parsley leaves and chamomile to help keep your dog’s breath fresh and soothe their digestion. The formulation also features digestive enzymes to provide all-around gut health and reduced stool output. This supplement is formulated by veterinarians. The chewable tablets are also liver-flavored, making them appealing to many dogs.
In A Nutshell:
With a unique combination of materials, these supplements prevent your dog from eating their feces by giving it a bitter taste and less odor. However, not all customers noticed a significant change in their dog’s habits.
Pros
- Reduces dog’s stool odor
- Helps dogs absorb more nutrients
- Vet-formulated
- Liver-flavored chewable tablets
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not all dogs experience a significant change
- Soft, chewable supplements
- Contains pumpkin and papaya for digestive health
- Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Boosts the immune system and reduces stomach discomfort
The iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Probiotic may not be designed specifically for stopping stool eating, but its positive effects can make dogs less likely to eat poop as a result. These chewable supplements have probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to improve your dog’s digestive health and immune system. With these extra nutrients, your dog will likely have less interest in eating stool. Dogs who eat these chews will face less gas and diarrhea. Every bag purchased donates 12 healthy meals to shelter dogs.
In A Nutshell:
These chewy supplements can make your dog feel healthier overall by reducing digestive issues and improving the immune system. As a result, your dog will be less interested in eating poop. However, these supplements aren’t specifically labeled as stool eating deterrents.
Pros
- Improves digestive health
- Boosts the immune system
- Easy to chew
- Reduces gas and diarrhea
- Donates meals to shelter dogs
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not made specifically for deterring poop eating
Conclusion
When a dog eats their waste, they pose a danger to themselves and their owners. Consider serving your furry friend one of the best stool eating deterrents for dogs if your pup has a bad habit of eating waste. If you choose the right product, your canine companion may soon break their disgusting habit.
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