Why Does My Dog Eat Cat Waste?

Question:
My German Shepherd is eating dried cat poop. What makes a dog want to do this? Is she lacking something in her diet? She eats Purina Dog Chow.

A:  Your dog is not alone.  Many dogs like to eat cat stool for no reason other than it tastes good.

Many dogs enjoy invading the litterbox for any stool left by the cat.  This is not indicative of a nutritional deficiency.  Feline stool is very rich in bacteria and some proteins, which are highly palatable to dogs.  I would recommend discouraging your dog from consuming your cat's stool as much as possible, to prevent the transmission of any diseases or parasites.  Try cleaning out the litterbox more frequently.  Meat tenderizer can also be sprinkled on the cat's food.  This doesn't have much of a taste on the way in, but once digested is very bitter and may deter your dog from eating the stool.  Forbid is a veterinary product that can also be used similarly, but is a little stronger acting than the meat tenderizer alone.

~Dr. Page Wages

Oberlin Animal Hospital