Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

Since moving into our new house and now having a fenced in backyard sometimes instead of running around the yard and playing Davinia and Indiana will dig in the dirt and then eat it. I know why they occasionally did this in Miami. We had street cats that hung out in the backyard that well left what I like to refer to as kitty cookies and the girls would dig out the poop from under dirt or leaves and try to eat it but here there are no cats at least none recently and they do it even more then before. Which made me start thinking about why dogs eat dirt and if it is a problem.

Yes dogs eating dirt could signal a medical issue or a dietary issue but I don’t think that is what is going on here at all. The girls are on a very high quality food and they are healthy so it has to be something else. At least in our case. My dogs also eat grass for no other reason then to eat grass but that is a whole other post. I think that for Davinia the digging is behavioral. It is like she is obsessed with digging the hole and then eating it. Indiana is more the monkey see monkey do type and so she will eat the dirt because she sees Davinia doing it but i think Indiana thinks there must be some sort of treat Davinia found and she wants some too.

It rained a lot this summer and we live out in the country which makes me think that the soil is very rich and dense in nutrients and while I would prefer her not to eat dirt I don’t feel like it is something that I need to make her stop doing. I have also read that there might be something digestive in the dirt that helps clean any toxin in their systems out of their systems. Truth is she is only in the yard when I am with her and we only go out for a 10 – 15 minutes at a time unless they are on a leash for a walk. I think it is partially boredom in the yard which I do plan on fixing. Right now the only excitement is the leaves that are falling and getting stuck in the chain link or leaves or bugs on the other side of the fence. So I know I need to do something – more smells, activities, etc just not sure what yet. Whatever I do I want it to have purpose and not just be a random object in the yard.

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? Dogs Eat Dirt for one of 4 main reasons.

1. Malnutrition
2. Health Issue
3. Mineral, Nutrient, Vitamin Deficiency
4. Boredom / Behavioral

1. Make sure you dog is on a high quality food that has a protein source as the main ingredient.

2. If your dog has been feeling off take them to the vet for a full exam and possibly blood work to ensure that there is nothing medical that can be easily treated with a change in diet, added supplements, or medication.

3. Might also need a change in Diet or a Trip to the Vet to determine what is lacking so that you can add a supplement to their diet or add a treat high in whatever it is possibly iron or natural salts.

4. Give your dog something to do so they aren’t bored. If they are in he yard for long periods of time on their own give them toys and treats to occupy their time. If they are only outside for short periods fo time with you then keep them occupied in other ways. Play chase or throw a tennis ball, buy agility like equipment to keep their minds busy.

If all else fails put them on a leash and take them for a walk around the block or bring them inside where they can no longer engage in the behavior.