Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

If you’ve ever owned a dog you know they tend to eat things they aren’t supposed to, generally things that we wouldn’t even consider edible. Sometimes that includes dirt. So why is your dog eating dirt? Does it mean anything or is he just bored and looking for attention? Most of the time it’s the latter, but let’s look at the most common reasons.

Lacking Nutrients

Your dog might be eating dirt due to nutritional deficiencies. This could especially be true if you are making homemade meals instead of purchasing commercial dog food specifically designed for most dog’s diets, as you might not have the balanced nutrition your dog needs. Homemade meals are becoming increasingly popular as distrust for dog food companies increases. When switching to homemade meals, consult with your veterinarian. They can give you suggestions on recipes and portion sizes, along with making sure the meals are nutritionally balanced.

Iron Deficiency (Anemia)

Anemic dogs crave iron. He is probably trying to get the nutrient from anywhere possible. There are Petnostics tests available that can test for this specific deficiency, but consult with your vet first if you think this could be the issue.

Pica

This rare eating disorder causes those suffering from pica to eat substances other than food. Sometimes that’s all it is – an urge. However, it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as liver or gastrointestinal disease.

Digestive Issues

Just like dogs eat grass when they have an upset stomach, they might eat dirt. Some types of clay help settle stomach issues. Soil can also help move items through digestion more rapidly.

Boredom

Some dogs get bored and it can lead to some weird habits. Just like we chew gum as an oral fixation, dogs may eat dirt for the same reason. He could be doing it for attention, knowing it will get a rise out of you. Your pooch just might not be getting enough mental stimulation. He might also be doing it because he is anxious. Pay attention to when he is doing it. Does it tend to happen before a storm rolls through? What about loud or new noises?

Whatever the reason for eating dirt, as long as it isn’t too frequent and there aren’t any chemicals or harmful organisms, it shouldn’t be much to worry about it. Every dog is different though, so if you notice your dog acting weird after eating some soil, contact your vet to see what they think. Exercise, both mental and physical, is great for preventing bad habits to develop from boredom. Training can help give them something positive to focus on. Just because you have made it past basic obedience doesn’t mean you should quit! Contact us to see what we can do for you.