Does your dog raid the litter box and eat “treats” out of it? It sounds disgusting, but many households that have dogs and cats struggle with this issue. Here are three reasons dogs eat cat poop from the litter box.
1. Nutritional deficiency
Eating the cat’s poop might signal a vitamin deficiency in your dog’s diet. If you feel it might be a nutritional issue, consult with your veterinarian. You may need to switch your dog’s food to a formula that is higher in fat, fiber or protein. Additionally, your dog may need more vitamin B.
2. Taste
As disgusting as it sounds, your dog just might like the taste of the feces. If you think about it, the cat’s feces probably tastes like cat food, and most dogs will gladly eat cat food any chance they get.
3. Boredom
Another reason dogs raid the litter box is because they’re bored. Getting into the litter box adds a little excitement to their day. If you feel this is the issue, burning off your dog’s extra energy can help. Taking one or two walks a day is always recommended. Having a hearty play session or two a day will also help run off the some of your dog’s energy.
If your dog gets into the litter box when you leave, try leaving them with a distraction. This could be a treat that will take them a while to finish, or a complex toy with a treat inside they have to work for.