Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

You’re in the backyard playing with your dog when all of a sudden you notice they’re…eating dirt?  

It’s an odd behavior, to be sure—but why do dogs eat dirt in the first place?  

Here’s what you need to know, including how to put a stop to the behavior and when to see a vet.  

Why Is My Dog Eating Dirt?

Pica is a common condition where a dog eats things—such as dirt—that are not food items. A form of pica called geophagia causes dogs to eat dirt or mud. 

Here are some common reasons for this behavior.   

Nutritional Deficiencies  

Not all dog foods are created equally. Some diets do not contain all the nutrients that a dog needs to live a healthy lifestyle. 

Dietary deficiencies can cause dogs of any age to eat dirt to obtain minerals—like sodium, iron, and calcium—from the soil. Dogs who are underfed may also eat dirt and other objects due to hunger and nutritional deficiencies. 

When selecting a good-quality dog food, make sure the food:  

• Meets the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) nutritional guidelines  
• Is made by an experienced and reputable manufacturer  
• Is AAFCO compliant   

They’re Bored or Anxious  

Dogs can get bored if they don’t have enough exercise or enrichment, and some will eat dirt to occupy their time. 

Anxiety can also cause dogs to eat dirt.  

They Have a Health Condition 

Several medical issues can also cause dogs to want to eat dirt. 

Anemia 

Anemia occurs when your dog has a low red blood cell count. As a result, your dog might seek out minerals found in dirt.   

It can be caused by a variety of things, such as:  

• Hookworms 
• Flea infestation 
• Tick disease 
• Cancer 
• Immune-mediated diseases 
• Bleeding disorders 

Portosystemic (Liver) Shunt 

While rare, a shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood to bypass a dog’s liver.  

As a result, the liver receives an inadequate blood supply and does not function properly, which could cause your dog to crave minerals in dirt.   

Gastritis  

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach.  

When dogs have an upset stomach, they sometimes eat dirt or grass to try to make themselves vomit. 

Is Eating Dirt Bad for Dogs?

Yes, eating dirt is bad for dogs.  

Eating clumps of dirt, mud, or other objects can pose a choking hazard. Chewing and consuming hard objects, like rocks and animal bones that may be mixed in with the dirt, can also fracture teeth. 

Here are more reasons why you should dissuade your dog from eating dirt.  

Gastrointestinal Obstruction 

Dirt, rocks, sticks, or other objects can get stuck in a dog’s esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This is called a gastrointestinal obstruction.  

Surgery is often needed to treat an obstruction. If your dog has ingested something that could be an obstruction, call your veterinarian or head to an emergency vet right away.  

You must get your dog to a vet within an hour of ingestion of the foreign material because a dog’s stomach usually empties within two hours. 

Toxins 

Another risk of eating dirt or grass is that it may contain pesticides, fertilizers, or other toxins that can be severely harmful to your dog. 

If you see your dog eating dirt from a lawn that may have been treated with pesticides or fertilizer, call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661; a fee applies) immediately. 

Damage to the Gastrointestinal Tract 

Dirt and rocks may also cause abrasions and inflammation to the lining of a dog’s GI tract, leading to pain, damage, and the need for further care.  

Parasites 

Dogs who eat dirt are more prone to ingesting soil-dwelling parasites, such as Capillaria, Giardia, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.  

They may also ingest fleas that are on the ground, which can transmit tapeworms. 

When To Take Your Dog to the Vet for Eating Dirt

Eating small amounts of dirt once or twice will likely not harm your dog, but it should still be discouraged.  

Take your dog to a vet if they have any of the following symptoms: 

• Eating dirt frequently or suddenly 
• Decreased appetite 
• Straining to poop or irregular bowel movements 
• Lethargy 
• Pale gums (sign of anemia) 
• Vomiting multiple times in a 24-hour period, especially if vomiting occurs soon after eating or drinking 

How to Keep Your Dog From Eating Dirt

Here are some proactive things to do to keep your pup from eating dirt.  

Feed Them a Proper Diet 

Make sure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet. Most dogs should eat twice a day, while dogs less than 10 pounds can eat 3–4 smaller meals a day.  

The formula matters, and you should make sure it’s AAFCO compliant.  

There are lots of good vet-approved options to choose from.  

Supervise Their Walks  

You already take your dog on fun walks, but make sure they’re always on a leash and harness so they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t.  

It can also help to teach them cues like “leave it” so that they know to drop a stick, rock, or clump of dirt they might pick up.  

Keep Up With Parasite Prevention 

Year-round heartworm and flea and tick prevention is a must to protect your dog from intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease.  

Give Your Dog Lots of Exercise   

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and has toys to play with. This will help prevent your dog from eating dirt out of boredom.  

Offer Lots of Mental Enrichment  

Mental enrichment counts too—keep your pup’s brain occupied with puzzles.  

Get Your Dog Help for Anxiety  

If your dog has severe anxiety, talk to your vet. They might recommend starting a medication to help, or they might suggest working with a behaviorist to help your dog feel better.