From Dags to Dignity: Why Is My Dog Eating Poo? … And How Digestive Enzymes Might Help

Ever caught your dog mid-poo snack and recoiled in horror? You’re not alone.
Coprophagia – the technical term for poo-eating – is surprisingly common in dogs. While sometimes normal (especially in puppies or anxious rescues), it’s one of the more distressing behaviours for loving pet parents to witness.

At Pawsome Naturals, we believe there’s no shame in asking:

Why is my dog doing this, and can I help them stop?
The answer may lie in a place most people overlook - digestion.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poo?

While behavioural triggers are often to blame, physiology can also play a major role.
Common behavioural reasons include:

• Boredom or lack of stimulation

• Stress, anxiety, or confinement

• Learned behaviours (especially in shelter dogs)

• Seeking attention

• Maternal cleaning instincts in nursing mums

But if your dog’s digestive system isn’t functioning well, their body might not be fully breaking down food. This can lead to stools that still smell like food, especially to a dog’s super-sensitive nose.

A Closer Look at Digestion

Digestive enzymes are special proteins that help break food into smaller, usable nutrients. They’re made by the pancreas and small intestine, and they’re essential for:

Proper nutrient absorption

Gut health and comfort

Preventing undigested food from passing through

Dogs recovering from illness, under stress, or entering their senior years may produce fewer enzymes. When this happens, digestion becomes incomplete, and that partially digested food? It ends up in their stool.

What Are Digestive Enzymes – and Where Do They Come From?

Plant-based enzymes, such as bromelain and papain, have been used for centuries to support digestion and alleviate inflammation. They help reduce digestive strain and improve the breakdown of protein which may help make your dog’s poo smell less like food.

How Digestive Enzymes May Help with Poo-Eating

By improving food breakdown, enzyme supplements can:

Enhance nutrient absorption

Reduce cravings linked to deficiencies

Minimise undigested food in stool

Support microbiome balance (which affects mood, behaviour, and stool quality)

Dogs with gut imbalances or poor digestion are more likely to engage in coprophagia, also known as stool-eating. Supporting digestion can make a real difference.

Other Signs Your Dog May Need Digestive Support

In addition to coprophagia, signs of digestive insufficiency may include:

Gas, bloating, or gurgling tummies

Loose or inconsistent stools

Itchy skin or ears

Tummy upsets or vomiting

Behavioural changes like anxiety or restlessness

Remember, the gut affects far more than digestion — it also plays a huge role in immunity, skin health, and mood.

Natural Fruit Enzymes: What and How Much to Feed

Start slowly and watch for signs of tummy trouble (loose stools, itching, gas).
Avoid for dogs with:

IBS, IBD, sensitive stomachs

Diabetes or weight concerns (fruit sugar)

Yeast overgrowth history (it's not the enzymes that are the problem, it is the sugars in the fruit)

Pancreatitis (unless vet-approved)

If you're using a digestive enzyme supplement (like SymbioPaws), there's no need to add fruit enzymes — more isn’t always better.

Pawsome Tip

Some fresh papaya or pineapple can support digestion thanks to their natural enzymes, but not all dogs tolerate fruit well. If your dog’s tummy is sensitive or you're already using a supplement like SymbioPaws, there’s no need to add more it’s all about balance.

A Gentle Gut-First Approach

At Pawsome Naturals, we’ve seen how improving digestion can transform not just gut health, but also behaviour, skin, and overall wellbeing.

That’s why we created SymbioPaws – a gentle, vet-formulated blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes, including natural compounds from papaya and pineapple.

We believe that good digestion sets the stage for everything else. While no supplement is a magic wand, supporting the gut is often the first and most powerful step toward real change.

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FAQs: Digestive Enzymes & Coprophagia

How can I tell if my dog is experiencing digestive issues?

Watch for:

Excess gas or bloating

Loose or inconsistent stools

Undigested food in poo

Vomiting after meals

Itchy skin or ears

Behavioural signs (floor licking, scavenging, irritability)

How long will it take to see results with SymbioPaws?

Most pet pawrents notice:

• 2–4 weeks for gut-related improvements

• 6–8 weeks for skin or behaviour changes
  Consistency is key, and pairing enzymes with a high-quality, digestible diet helps speed things along.

Are digestive enzymes safe?

Yes, especially natural ones like bromelain and papain.
Side effects are rare and usually mild:

Slight stool changes

Temporary gas as the gut adjusts

Consult your vet if your dog has pancreatitis or plant allergies.

From Dags to Dignity

Whether your dog is gassy, itchy, or sneakily circling their poo, digestive health may hold the key. Sometimes, what looks like bad behaviour is simply a body asking for a little help.