9 Week puppy eats his feces!

[Purely Canadian]

Hi guys,

We finally got our puppy, an English Cream Golden Retriever. He is just adorable but, WOW, is he bouncy!

We are dealing with typical puppy behaviors such as nipping, chewing, and digging but the one thing that is driving me batty is if Lincoln does a #2 on the floor before I notice, he will eat it! UGH! I have heard the reason they do this is because they can smell the dog food base in the stool. How can I curb this behavior? I am crate training and I am doing my best to get him outside at regular intervals and after eating, napping, and exercising.

If he does his business outside, he will still try to eat his poop but since he is on lead, I just say "Leave it" in a loud voice and pull him away.

Is this normal behavior?

Okay, forgive me but I just have to share a couple of photos. I'm a proud momma

[erykah1310]

Sorry I have no advice what so ever about poo eating but I have to say that is one cute puppy!

[jesse's mommy]

Adorable puppy. We definitely need more pictures.

As for the poop eating, what food are you feeding him? Usually feces eating is because of a lower quality food. They poop out the corn and by products and it seems appealing to them when they take a sniff. A higher quality food is digested better and doesn't leave the "appealing" smell in the poop. I'm sure someone else will pop on here shortly that can give a better explanation.

But yes, we've had a few turds fly around the backyard on occassion. Our lovely baby found an interesting turd (I think it may have been cat poop) in our backyard about 8 months ago at 2:00 am that she decided to pounce, roll, and throw around, then she left her little paw prints through the house. Needless to say we weren't too happy about giving her a bath and shampooing the carpets when we had to be up in four hours for work.

[Purely Canadian]

Originally Posted by jesse's mommy

Adorable puppy. We definitely need more pictures.

As for the poop eating, what food are you feeding him? Usually feces eating is because of a lower quality food. They poop out the corn and by products and it seems appealing to them when they take a sniff. A higher quality food is digested better and doesn't leave the "appealing" smell in the poop. I'm sure someone else will pop on here shortly that can give a better explanation.

But yes, we've had a few turds fly around the backyard on occassion. Our lovely baby found an interesting turd (I think it may have been cat poop) in our backyard about 8 months ago at 2:00 am that she decided to pounce, roll, and throw around, then she left her little paw prints through the house. Needless to say we weren't too happy about giving her a bath and shampooing the carpets when we had to be up in four hours for work.

I am feeding the same premium quality food that the breeder was feeding, Purina Pro Plan Puppy (Chicken & Rice Formula). I purchase it from the vet and it isn't cheap. It costs me $23 for a very small bag. I was wondering if the puppy was just hungry but I am feeding per the breeder's instructions (1/2 to 3/4 cups, 3 times daily). It just grosses me out. I literally have to hold the dog back by the collar while I clean it up.

[jessi76]

Originally Posted by Purely Canadian

I am feeding the same premium quality food that the breeder was feeding, Purina Pro Plan Puppy (Chicken & Rice Formula). I purchase it from the vet and it isn't cheap. It costs me $23 for a very small bag. I was wondering if the puppy was just hungry but I am feeding per the breeder's instructions (1/2 to 3/4 cups, 3 times daily). It just grosses me out. I literally have to hold the dog back by the collar while I clean it up.

purina is NOT premium. in fact, foods that are sold by vets aren't premium. check out the dog food forum here for some good recommendations.

That said, you can keep the dog on leash while it does it's business, and if it goes for the poo - gently, but firmly, say NO! and give a slight correction. Essentially teaching the dog to leave it.

[jesse's mommy]

Purina? Actually that's exactly why she is eating her feces. It's really not good food at all. Take a look at the food forum here and you'll see a lot of suggestions. Unfortunately vets are not nutritionists and pretty much get kickbacks from their sales. Also, I'm really not sure why your breeder is suggesting it. But if anything, you definitely have an answer to your question. It's the food.

[Purely Canadian]

Thank you so much guys!! See, I knew there was a reason I joined this forum!!

I am off to check out the food forum.

[H.P.]

He is too cute, does he have a name yet?

We had the same problem when we were on pedigree puppy. We switched to Canidea and the poo eating stopped. Well, she still likes rabbit and deer poo...The food forum has a TON of good info and opinions on the high quality foods that are out there.

[Purely Canadian]

I really appreciate all of your advice, guys. I plead ignorance. I assumed that if you purchased a food from a vet, it would be a premium quality . I have checked into some of the food availability in my area and it seems that I might be able to obtain Canidae. I am going to make the switch!