🐶 Introduction
Let’s be honest — catching your Schnauzer eating poop can be one of the most disgusting and confusing moments of pet ownership. Whether they’re sneaking their own or another dog’s droppings, it’s hard not to feel grossed out or worried.
But before you panic, know this: coprophagia (poop eating) is surprisingly common among dogs — and Schnauzers are no exception. The good news? It can be managed and even stopped completely with the right understanding and approach.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover:
- The 8 most common reasons Schnauzers eat poop
- Vet-approved solutions to break the habit
- How to know if it’s a medical or behavioral issue
- Advanced prevention tips most blogs don’t mention
Let’s dive in.
🧩 Why Does My Schnauzer Eat Poop?
Most Schnauzers eat poop for one of three reasons: behavioral habits, dietary imbalances, or underlying health issues. Below, we’ll explore each cause in depth.
🐕🦺 8 Real Reasons Schnauzers Eat Poop
1. 💔 They Want Your Attention
Some Schnauzers quickly learn that eating poop gets your reaction — yelling, chasing, or scolding.
For them, attention (even negative) is better than being ignored.
To them, this becomes a game: “If I do this, my human pays attention!”
Fix: Stay calm. Avoid reacting. Quietly clean up and redirect them to a toy or command like “leave it.” Over time, the lack of attention breaks the cycle.
2. 😳 Hiding Their Mistake
Schnauzers are intelligent and sensitive. If they’ve been punished for accidents, they might eat their poop to hide the evidence.
This usually happens with puppies still learning house training.
Fix: Never punish for accidents. Reward outdoor potty success instead, and ensure your pup feels safe even if mistakes happen.
3. 🧼 Cleaning Instinct
Dogs are naturally clean animals. Some Schnauzers eat their poop to “clean up” their den, especially in crates or confined spaces.
They’re following an instinct to keep their sleeping area sanitary — ironically, by eating the mess.
Fix: Clean your Schnauzer’s potty area frequently and ensure crate time is limited and positive, not stressful.
4. 😰 High Anxiety or Stress
When stressed, some dogs develop compulsive coping behaviors — like licking, chewing, or eating poop.
This can stem from:
- Separation anxiety
- Loud noises or new environments
- Lack of mental stimulation
Fix: Identify stress triggers. Increase mental exercise with puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, or calming chews. In severe cases, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety supplements or behavior therapy.
5. 🥦 Nutrient Absorption Problems
If your Schnauzer isn’t absorbing nutrients properly, their body might crave more — leading them to eat poop to “recycle” missed nutrients.
This is often linked to food allergies, poor diet quality, or digestive enzyme deficiencies.
Fix: Switch to a high-quality, grain-free dog food or try adding a digestive enzyme supplement. A vet can test for absorption issues or gut imbalances.
6. 🍗 Being Underfed (Or Having a Fast Metabolism)
Schnauzers are energetic little dogs with high metabolisms. If they’re not getting enough calories, they may look for alternative “snacks.”
Puppies, especially during growth spurts, are more prone to this.
Fix: Adjust meal portions, or add a small healthy snack mid-day. If poop eating stops after increasing food slightly, underfeeding was likely the cause.
7. 🤢 They Discovered They Like the Taste
As unpleasant as it sounds, some Schnauzers simply enjoy the taste.
Once they discover it, it can become a habit, especially if they’re bored.
Fix: Make poop unappealing using stool deterrent powders or sprays (like NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent). Also, give them flavored chew toys or natural bones to redirect oral satisfaction.
8. 🩺 Underlying Health Issue
In rare cases, poop eating is caused by medical problems such as:
- Intestinal parasites
- Diabetes or thyroid issues
- Pancreatitis
- Cushing’s disease
Fix: Visit your vet for a complete check-up if the behavior is new, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss.
🧠 5 Expert Tips to Stop Your Schnauzer From Eating Poop
1. 👩⚕️ Get a Vet Exam First
Before trying home remedies, rule out medical causes.
Your vet may suggest:
- Fecal tests for parasites
- Bloodwork for metabolic issues
- Diet evaluation for deficiencies
A vet’s input ensures you’re fixing the root cause, not just the symptom.
2. 🌶️ Make It Taste Awful
If your Schnauzer eats poop out of curiosity or taste, make it unappealing:
- Add stool deterrent supplements to meals.
- Sprinkle a little apple cider vinegar or hot sauce on poop (safe amount only).
- Keep the yard clean — no temptation means no opportunity.
3. 🥩 Try an Elimination Diet
If your dog has allergies or absorption issues, switch to a single-protein or limited-ingredient diet for 8–12 weeks.
Good options: Salmon, venison, duck, or lamb.
Avoid chicken or beef (common allergens).
You’ll know you’ve found the culprit when stool eating stops and digestion improves.
4. 🚫 Break the Habit Early
Consistency is key.
Pick up poop immediately — even in your backyard.
Use commands like “Leave it!” or “No!” followed by a treat when they obey.
Over time, this rewires their habit through positive reinforcement.
5. 🎾 Provide Mental & Physical Stimulation
A bored Schnauzer is a mischievous Schnauzer.
Try:
- Interactive treat toys
- Long walks and sniff games
- Obedience training sessions
Mental fatigue prevents behavioral issues — including poop eating.
⚙️ Advanced Tips Most Owners Miss
✅ Add probiotics to balance gut flora
✅ Try pineapple chunks — the enzymes make poop taste bad
✅ Keep a regular feeding & potty schedule
✅ Don’t punish — it increases anxiety and makes the problem worse
✅ Use positive reinforcement whenever they ignore poop
🐾 When to Worry
If your Schnauzer’s poop eating is persistent, or you notice:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Bad breath
- Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
…it’s time to consult a vet immediately.
💡 Final Thoughts
While poop eating is unpleasant, it’s not hopeless or abnormal.
Your Schnauzer isn’t being “gross” — they’re communicating that something’s missing: attention, nutrients, or peace of mind.
With patience, training, and the right diet, your furry friend will kick this habit for good.
💬 Have you dealt with a poop-eating Schnauzer? Share your experience and tips in the comments below — your story could help another dog owner!