Coprophagy or stool eating, while it is an unsightly habit, it is rather
natural to dogs. This practice is a hold over from prehistoric times,
in preparation for the winter months, which is why this problem tends to be more of an issue in the fall months.

People report that the frequency of the coprophagy increased during the winter months, and that the dogs most likely to eat stools, were also the ones that exhibit the most instinctual behaviors i.e. stalking, chasing, pointing, digging, nesting, tracking etc. It makes sense this behavior could also be a residual survival instinct which might explain why it was more prevalent in the winter; a time when food would have been scarce and double processing would insure getting the most nutrients from available food sources.

The fact is, dogs are scavengers - they are nature's trash cans. In spite of the fact that we treat them like children. They have lived off the leftovers and trash of human kind for hundreds of thousands of years. Which is why dogs and man came to depend on each other. The wild dogs would serve the purpose of cleaning up the campsite, so when the humans pulled up camp and moved on, there was no evidence of being there. This served two purposes, food for the wild dogs and covering the tracks of the humans, which lessens the chances of being attacked.

Dogs are not only carnivores, they will eat anything that is not tied down....from roadkill, fresh killed prey, garbage, human food, processed food, fruits, nuts berries, rocks, twigs, bugs and feces - human, other critters feces such as deer or horses (predigested vegetation) and last but not least, their own feces. It is a very normal part of their social/dominance gig..... (gag.)

Dogs tend to think cat "doodies" are a real treat too, but there is still usable protein in cat stool, so for them it is a functional treat.

Once in a while this problem of stool eating can be stopped by feeding a better diet:
1) Eagle Pack dog food (Natural or Holistic) 800-255-5959 or others on my
    list of   better foods - write me for a copy.
2) Digestive enzymes (Daily Greens 800-937-1104 or BacPakPlus - 800-872-0073)
3) Dietary enzymes (Nzymes) 877-816-6500

All three things must be used together for a comprehensive program.

On the other hand, some breeds are notorious for stool eating, and NO diet, be it raw or processed will stop them from thinking stool eating is just the neatest thing to do. I will send you a feed program. It may not stop the stool eating, but I guarantee your dogs will be healthier in the long run. Keep in mind, if your dog is consuming stool, they will need to be checked for parasites on a regular basis.

I am enclosing a website for "appropriate" treats for your pet.

Great Healthy Treats - (not for the faint of heart)
Brown Dog Institute
http://www.browndoginstitute.com/

Linda Arndt
Canine Care Consultant
Blackwatch Great Dane Kennels est - 1973
www.daneworld.com/LindaArndt.htm
Click here: Linda Arndt & Blackwatch Great Danes

* If you ask my opinion or for my assistance on health and feeding issues, understand my response is not to be used "in lieu of " veterinarian advise and treatment, and should be discussed with your vet for a comprehensive approach to better health for your pet.