why the heck do my dogs eat dirt???

Question

at first i just thought my dog was crazy- there was a little sandy patch between the driveways an i would see him licking and eating it...but we moved into a new house,and he found a new sandy patch-well the new puppy saw him doing this and now he always eats dirt from the same spot and he goes NUTS digging and eating...my 10 yr. old son insists they do it because they need iron...i wonder if he's right?

Answer 1

www.dogsr.com

"Some dogs will eat dirt because they could be missing some mineral in their diet."


Guess your son is right.

Answer 2

Actually, your son could be right. Depending on size and breed, nutritional requrements can vary. And dogs have been know to eat plants and dirt when their system is telling them they are lacking some sort of mineral. Some even eat their poop because of it. I would reconsider the food he is on, and make sure it is nutritionally balcanced, high quality kibble.(NO grocery store food-even Iams) i would also recommend adding a supplenment to his diet. (i like missing Link because it is easier than a pill and VERY high quality)

Answer 3

you dog is likely lacking certain mineral from his diet that he is finding in the dirt--consult your vet to see if he is deficient and you may be advised to give him supplements or to change the type of food he eats

Answer 4

all of the above. after a check with the vet and there is no deficiency, don't worry. it's just one of God's mysteries, enjoy the show.

Answer 5

It can be a stomache disorder(upset) even if not vomiting,they do it for releif.And no your dog does not need iron.

Answer 6

if thier a senting dogs then there is an over powering sent and they have to conquer it so to speak. As does with any dog but in scent dogs it's more common.

Answer 7

the same reason dogs eat cat poop....theyr'e stupid.....