My Maggie is eating Cat Poop!

[esabbott]

Is this really bad for her? Does anyone know why she would be doing this? Could she be missing nutrients in her Diet? Maggie is 6 months and on a Vet Fish and Potato diet, because of so many problems with her stools and this has seemed to help with her loose stool problem. We give her lots of healthy snacks, and she eats 3 times a day(2cups of food) Does anyone have any ideas? thanks Ellen

 

[gmacleod]

Eating cat poop (actually, the stools of many other animals) isn't uncommon with dogs. But it should be prevented as far as possible - amongst other things, it is a great way to spread disease.

Where/how is she getting hold of the cat poop?

One poop-eating theory does indeed relate to protein in the diet. I can imagine a vet diet might be quite low for a still-growing puppy. What is the overall protein content of her food? 22% would be the bare minimum she should consume (though +24-26% would be more satisfactory). If its lower than that, couldn't you consider adding some real meat (or in this case, fish) to compensate?

 

[esabbott]

The food that the Vet has her on is the Iams Vet formula (fish and Potato) and it has 22% protein. We have been adding fish whenever I cook it, and I have started to add hamburg, and a few times chicken. She had so many problems with loose stools that the vet thought she may be allergic to the foods, I tried Merrick, Canidae, and California Natural. It does say on the bag that is for short term use, but the Vet said it is not a problem to leave her on it for awhile.
As far as the poop goes it is everywhere, we have alot of cats in our neighborhood, and even though we are fencing our back yard in, she seems to find it around in the bushes in our own yard, we also have a cat that goes outside. Maybe I should change her food for a higher protein. What would you recommend? thanks

 

[gmacleod]

An Iams fish/potato formula? The only one I find in their veterinary range is for skin/coat problems, and not aimed at dogs with intestinal issues at all. That's the FP veterinary formula (which you probably wouldn't want to be feeding your dog anyway, since it contains a few nasty low grade ingredients, and chemical preservatives banned from human food due to being carcinogenic). That said, its one of the least nasty formulas in that food range... Which formula are you actually feeding?

The 22% protein thing is less of a concern if you're adding real meat to her diet - but you should be aware that if it says for short term or supplemental use, its because it is inadequate to cover dietary needs in the longer term.

Since you are adding additional meats - of a variety, it would seem - to her diet, and presumably not having problems with that, one tends to beleive that the problem with previous kibbles probably has little to do with the meat source and more to do with other ingredients. That is, the grains in those foods. Possibly you'd find that that is all that is required - to keep grains out of her diet.

If you need a grain-free formula with higher quality ingredients, more meat, etc here are a few options you might consider (there are others also - this is just a small selection): http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=1300
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=1284
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=1742

As for the cat poop, if its a range of unknown animals whose poop she is consuming, you're really at risk of the dog constantly contracting parasites and other diseases. I think that it would be greatly worth your while to leach or closely supervise her outdoors, unless you're able to do a daily round of "poop duty" getting it out of her reach.

 

[esabbott]

yes it is the Iams vet FP formula and it does say Skin and Coat---But the vet said it also helps with a loose stool problem---I guess I need to question this further with the Vet---especially after the info you just gave me! I want my dog to be on a healthy food for her. It sounds like I definitely need to make a change! Thanks for the good information and the site on the dog foods. I was actually told by the vet that a food high in protein could be causing her to have loose stools. It is very confusing! But the Core Wellness looks like this might be an option. Thanks for your recommendations! I am going to question this further with the Vet.

 

[palemask]

cat poop

I was reading your problem about your pet eating cat poop. My son is a head serg. Vet tech. I take my dogs there because he is there but I always opt. for a second vet op. if I am unconvertable with what my vet tells me. Were I you I would go to another vet for another evaluation, for conformation of the first vet or an new outlook. Just as I would do for myself on health issues. Just my two cents. Good luck.

 

[amauer]

cat poop/dog truffles

It doubt that it has anything to do with your food, the breed, or otherwise. I have had dogs who do and dogs who don't. Justlike the rolling delightfully in dead things or deer poop. They think it is wonderful and do not have our preconceived notions. The rolling goes back to covering thier own scent and the eating is just fun, oo atstes good. The best way unless you intend and catching him each time, is to keep the litter box away from the dog, another room, basement, laundry room, etc. They can get dieseases and it is not good for them. There are pills that can make it taste bad to them at petsmart and others. Ask you vet. My current dogs do not eat poop, but my pit likes to roll in dead things. The boxer does not. She just plays in mud!

 

[esabbott]

Thanks for all your helpful suggestions. I will definitely be looking into everything. As far as the cat poop she is getting it outside. My litter box is in my cellar and my cat only uses it in the winter. It could very well be other animals poop! That is a scary thought! I think I will go and deworm her now! Thanks Everyone