Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks...And Why Bruno Had Me Freaking Out Last Weekend

Dogs will eat just about anything. But dogs eating rocks? That’s a new one.

The first time I saw Bruno chomping on a rock, my brain practically short-circuited. One second, he was sniffing around the tulip bed. The next—he was crunching down on something that sounded way too solid.

“Bruno, drop it!” I called, holding out a quickly drawn treat to lure him away from his weird little quarry snack. I sometimes keep dog treats at the ready in my hip pouch. I did not raise a rock biter.

He spit it out, eventually, and shot me a look that said, But Mom, it’s crunchy.

Nonetheless, dogs eating rocks isn’t just weird—it’s downright dangerous. So, I went into full research mode to figure out why do dogs eat rocks and what to do about it. Spoiler alert: giving them a long-lasting dog bone can be the answer.

Why Dogs Eat Rocks (And Other Ridiculous Things)

Now, some animals do eat rocks. Parakeets, wild birds, backyard chickens—okay, all birds. Because they don't have teeth, they have to swallow food whole. They fill their gizzard with pebbles that they can shift around to grind up food.

Dogs—on the other hand, have teeth and no gizzard. If a dog is eating rocks, there's another reason.

1. Pica (A Fancy Name for Eating Non-Food Things)

Pica is when dogs (or people) eat things that aren’t food. It can be caused by:

• Nutritional deficiencies (Their body craves minerals they’re not getting.)
• Boredom or stress (Especially in high-energy dogs)
• Attention-seeking behavior (Some dogs figure out that eating something weird gets your immediate reaction. So, similar to my college kids, they do it for the likes.)

2. Curiosity

Let’s be real—dogs are basically toddlers with paws. They explore the world with their mouths. Sometimes they grab rocks because they’re curious, or because the rock feels interesting to chew. It may have a scent on it from a squirrel, stray cat, or other dog. We won't talk about how those scents get there.

3. Teething (Especially for Puppies)

Puppies going through the teething phase will chew on anything. Rocks feel solid and cool, even on a hot day—soothing on sore gums.

4. Anxiety or Compulsion

Dogs with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies may chew on rocks as a coping mechanism. It’s like a dog version of nail-biting or pacing. But in terms of the damage—more like ice chewing. But we'll get to the dangers of rock eating a little later.

5. Underlying Health Issues

Sometimes, digestive issues or even parasites cause weird cravings. If the rock-eating habit is frequent, it’s worth checking with a vet.

Why Dogs Eating Rocks Is Dangerous

It's not just weird or annoying. It's definitely not funny. Dogs eating rocks can be life-threatening.

Dogs eating rocks can cause:

• Broken teeth (Hello, expensive dental bills... and less solid food when they're older.)
• Mouth injuries (From sharp edges or just plain impact. Like ice chewing, rock chewing is terrible for teeth.)
• Intestinal blockages (Which can be fatal if not treated.)
• Perforation of the stomach or intestines (Sounds awful, and it is.)

What a difference a gizzard makes!

Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Straining to poop or inability to poop
• Lethargy

Signs of Intestinal Perforation

• Abdominal tenderness or swelling
• Vomiting
• Blood in stools
• Fever/Chills (which may just look like a dog who doesn't want to play if you don't carry a dog thermometer in your pocket)

See these? …head to the vet ASAP. Rock eating is not something to mess around with.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Rocks

First things first—don’t panic. You don't have to jerk it out of their mouth. One rock-eating incident is not likely to lead to the worst cases listed above.

If you catch them in the act, try to calmly redirect their attention with a treat or toy. I keep these at arm's length, not only because it sometimes feels like my house is a big dog house but also because incidents like this can come up.

Don’t chase them or scream. That just makes the rock seem even more interesting. Rock-eating could become their new favorite game to "play" with you.

Here's what I do instead:

Offer High-Value Dog Treats

My terrier Pixie will drop anything fast if she thinks she'll get a beef lung dog treat out of it. It might sound like I'm bribing her to do bad things for treats. But in practice, that doesn't seem to be how the dog brain works. I ensure she drops it first to avoid rewarding bad behavior.

If she gulps it down, no deal!

Use the Drop Command

Practice this dog command regularly so they’re more likely to obey when it counts. Dog commands are vital for communication with a dog. Experts believe dogs can learn over 120 distinct commands.

If your dog already knows "leave it", that can work too until they learn drop it! Drop it and leave it are technically different.

The drop command means "let go or drop what you have in your mouth". Leave it means, "stay away from that. Don't chase it, get near it, or pick it up."

Provide Alternative Dog Chews

If your dog just loves to chew, give them something safe—like a dog bone. Bones not only satisfy their chewing urge but also provide mental stimulation and nutrients dogs need for better mental and physical dog health.

When dogs aren't given something safe to chew on regularly, destructive chewing ensues—house shoes and coffee table legs suffer. They're feeding a need to chew. As a dog mom, it's up to me to ensure my babies have appropriate chew toys and bones.

Address Boredom and Anxiety

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. A bored dog is a dog looking for trouble.

Not because they're bad. They're more like a child in the dentist's waiting room before smartphone games. They're climbing the walls for something to do.

Again, when you give them a meaty marrow-filled dog bone, you alleviate boredom and nervous behaviors.

Address Any Nutritional Deficiency

An all-kibble diet lacks several key nutrients, such as essential omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Regular dog bone sessions can fill in the gaps for better dog health, especially when you choose grass-fed beef bones and treats.

Grass fed beef has 2.5X more omega 3 fats of grain-fed.

Enhance Your Dog's Routine

Dogs thrive on consistent routines and clear expectations. Positive reinforcement training teaches your dog commands you can use throughout the day to communicate with your dog. Your dog's life becomes more predictable, and they experience less frustration (from them or you) because you understand each other and work together.

With positive reinforcement you can teach your dog to walk slack leash beside you, come when you call no matter what, and greet guests politely. A well-trained dog is a happier, healthier dog.

Want to teach your dog to drop that rock before it becomes a problem? The 7-Day Dog Training Challenge can help.

In just a week, you’ll learn:

• How to train impulse control
• Fun games to redirect unwanted behaviors and alleviate boredom
• How to use high-value treats like K9 Connoisseur’s beef lung bites to train faster.

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