5 Reasons Dogs Eat Dirt

Dogs do the darnedest things, don't they? Between the head tilts and the zoomies, they also have a habit of snacking on stuff they probably shouldn't—including plain old dirt.

If you've caught your pup nibbling the backyard, you're not alone. Here are five common reasons dogs eat dirt, plus a few signs that it's time to loop in your veterinarian.

1. It Simply Tastes Good

Sometimes the answer is as ordinary as it sounds. If a cookout left food scraps in the grass, your dog may be sampling the soil that soaked up those tasty smells and flavors.

This is usually the least worrisome reason. An occasional taste-test after a backyard barbecue rarely signals a problem.

2. Gaps in the Diet

Dogs will sometimes eat dirt while instinctively searching for minerals and vitamins missing from their daily meals. Consistent dirt-eating can be your dog's way of hunting for nutrients he isn't getting at the bowl.

Feeding a complete, high-quality diet is the best defense. Whether you have an energetic Labrador Retriever or a compact Yorkshire Terrier, make sure the food matches your dog's size, age, and activity level.

3. Boredom and Behavior Issues

Just like people, dogs get bored—and boredom can lead to strange habits. Eating dirt may start as a way to pass the time and then stick around as a routine.

In some cases, repetitive dirt-eating can be tied to an obsessive-compulsive behavior. If the habit seems compulsive or hard to interrupt, a veterinarian or animal behaviorist can help you sort out the cause.

4. Underlying Health Concerns

As with the diet issue above, digging for minerals and vitamins can point to something more serious. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease can drive a dog to seek out unusual things to eat.

Persistent, craving-like eating of non-food items is sometimes called pica. The VCA guide to pica and unusual eating behavior in dogs explains why a checkup matters when the habit becomes chronic.

5. Soothing an Upset Stomach

Certain soils contain clay that can help settle digestive upset. Some experts believe dogs instinctively eat this kind of dirt to ease an uneasy stomach and, in a sense, self-medicate.

For more background on this quirky habit, the American Kennel Club's overview of why dogs eat dirt is a helpful read.

When to Call Your Vet

An occasional mouthful of dirt usually isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's worth monitoring for all the reasons above. If it becomes a regular habit—or comes with vomiting, weight changes, or low energy—contact your veterinarian.

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