Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop: Those Litter Box Antics Explained

Ever wonder why do dogs eat cat poop? Surely the thousands of dogs waiting patiently for their cat housemates to exit litter boxes right now can't be wrong. There must be something to the taboo treat.

But regardless of why dogs do it, the bottom line is that it's gross and may be harmful. The cat poop habit is undoubtedly one to break.

You ever catch your dog snacking in the yard like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet—only to realize the “treat” in question is something the stray cat left behind?

Yeah. Been there. And it’s not just yucky. It’s mysteriously ewww. Like, why are they doing this when they’ve got a perfectly good bowl of food and a pantry full of beef lung bites?

I first discovered this delightful habit during a peaceful spring morning in my front yard. Birds chirping, coffee in hand, and there’s Duke, the neighbor dog… nose-deep in new mulch left the night before, tail wagging like he just dug up a meaty dog bone my 3 pups buried for later.

This, Fellow Dog Parent, is what dog trainers call coprophagia. What I called it that morning can’t be printed here.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

Turns out, there are a few reasons. Some are behavioral, some are biological, and all of them are equally nasty. But this is a conversation you and I need to have.

• It smells… edible. To a dog’s nose, cat poop smells like high-protein leftovers. Dogs are always looking for good protein. When I was a kid, we had a German Shepherd that loved to stir up a hornet's nest and then catch and eat the angry swarm. Why? More protein, I guess. At least cat poop can't sting.
• Nutritional deficiencies. If your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients—especially protein—they might go looking elsewhere. Dogs have strong survival instincts that include scavenging behaviors when their body tells them they don't have enough. That's why some dogs have no problem tipping over your trash cans at night to get at the day's old garbage.
• Boredom or stress. Dogs left unsupervised—or those feeling anxious—may turn to scavenging as a way to self-soothe. Cat poop may not taste great. But it's exciting—new textures and flavors a bored dog may be all too eager to explore.
• Learned behavior. If they did it once and you freaked out (hello, me), they may have learned it gets attention. Funny, how easy it is to accidentally reinforce bad behaviors. I've since learned how to be more intentional about training, using positive reward to actively teach good behaviors—and redirect away from harmful ones.
• On a weight loss journey. Ever had a pudgy pup who the vet said needed to lose a few pounds to avoid developing dog health problems? They may be looking for a clever way to break their diet.

Of these canine nutrition is one of the most common culprits. But fortunately, the solutions I'll share can address all of these causes.

Is Cat Poop Bad for Dogs?

Short answer: Yes.

Me: Well, that's no surprise.

Cat poop can carry parasites, bacteria, and even traces of litter that can mess with your dog’s digestion.

If this behavior is new and persistent, always check in with your vet. You might also want to review signs of digestive problems in dogs.

How to Stop Dog from Eating Cat Poop

Let’s get to the good part—stopping the behavior.

How to Keep Dog Out of the Litter Box

Cats can easily climb and squeeze into spaces most dogs can't. So, try baby gates, covered boxes, or furniture that hides the litter but blocks your dog.

I even knew someone who, at their wits' end, had put the litter box in a bathtub that no one ever used in the house. Of course, who has a bath they don't use? But it worked for them.

Just don't put it somewhere that you forget to clean it. Cats aren't shy about going somewhere else if their box isn't cleaned regularly.

Teach “Leave It.”

If your dog doesn’t know this command yet, now’s the time. Need help? These dog training commands are a great place to start.

Reinforce with Rewards

The moment your pup ignores the box or walks away, try giving them a beef trachea chew instead. It gives them something to focus on that isn’t a litter box snack. Plus, it's packed with protein, so maybe it can prevent future poopy raids.

Stimulate their Mind

Nose work games or puzzle toys can help curb boredom-driven behavior. This can lead to less attention-seeking and compulsiveness.

It's no secret I'm going to also mention marrow-filled dog bones here. They're the perfect boredom buster.

Increase Protein

Let's face it. Cats have a higher protein diet than dogs. That cat poop might actually be a fairly good source if we forget about the potential parasites and bacteria. Most high-quality dog foods have only around 18% protein, while cat food is closer to 30%. Some dogs just need more.

Puppies and seniors. Working dogs. Hyper dogs. Active dogs. They each need closer to 23%. Doesn't sound like much of a difference. But it adds up to a deficiency.

When you add single-ingredient marrow dog bones and chews to their diet, you ensure they meet their protein needs.

Review their Diet Overall

Nutrient deficiencies can sometimes spark strange cravings. Try offering high-protein, single-ingredient treats that help keep their cravings satisfied in a cleaner way that doesn't involve poop.

For example, if you buy grass-fed beef dog bones, you're giving your dog extra omega-3, which is an anti-inflammatory fat. Dog bones also contain numerous vitamins and minerals that promote mental health and overall dog health.

Training That Sticks

Dog training is an integral part of stopping an unwanted behavior. And sadly, yelling, flailing your arms, or sticking their nose in it just doesn't work. Positive reward training does.

When you catch your pup making a good choice, reward it right away. You might need to keep a dog treat pouch on yourself at all times in those early days so you're ready for those learning opportunities.

I like to use high-value beef lung bites to reinforce better behavior. They’re crunchy, all-natural, and easy on the stomach—which makes them ideal for training picky or sensitive eaters.

And if your dog needs a longer-lasting distraction after walking away from the cat box? Try offering a single-ingredient bone to chew on instead.

You get the picture. Need a full plan to build better habits? The 7-Day Dog Training Challenge walks you through how to build obedience with consistency and rewards.

Midnight Runs to the Litter Box Become a Thing of the Past

Dogs eat cat poop for all kinds of reasons—instinct, diet, boredom—but with a little training and the right rewards, you can help them quit the habit.

Use positive reinforcement with high-value dog treats. Offer safer chew alternatives like nutritious marrow-filled dog bones. And celebrate the wins, even the small ones.

Because nothing says progress like a dog who chooses a treat over a cat's digestive leftovers.

We may never understand why that's even a choice dogs have to make. But now at least you know why dogs even consider poop a mid-day snack option.