French Bulldog Eating Poop: Causes, Health Risks, and Solutions

It’s a gross but surprisingly common problem: your Frenchie or puppy munching on poop. You’re not alone if you’ve caught your adorable French bulldog eating poop – many dog owners face this issue. The good news is, it’s usually a fixable behavior. In this post, we’ll reveal why French bulldogs eat poop, what it might mean about their health or diet, and most importantly, how to stop it. 

We’ll cover common causes and nutritional issues, health-related factors like parasites or medical conditions, behavioral reasons like boredom or anxiety, and practical tips. A curious French Bulldog considers why its poop was so tasty. Fortunately, coprophagia has solutions!

Common Causes of French Bulldog Eating Poop (Coprophagia)

First, let’s look at the main reasons French bulldogs eat poop. Veterinarians call this behavior coprophagia. It sounds strange to us, but to a dog it can make sense. Often it’s not a behavioral “choice” but a response to physical or environmental factors. Some common causes include:

Poor diet or nutritional deficiencies

If the food isn’t meeting your Frenchie’s nutritional needs (poor protein, low nutrients, or easily undigested ingredients), they might try to recycle nutrients by eating stool. In other words, they literally smell leftovers. Puppies on low-quality kibble may find undigested nutrients in their poop. Ensuring a high-quality, well-balanced diet – rich in proteins, vitamins (like B-vitamins), minerals, and digestive enzymes – can cut this drive. A diet lacking in thiamine (vitamin B1), zinc or fiber is often cited when dogs turn to poop as an “extra meal.” For tips on balanced nutrition, check out our guide on the best French Bulldog diet.

Parasites or medical issues

Intestinal worms, giardia, or other parasites can steal your dog’s nutrients, leaving your pup starving even after eating. A hungry dog might eat its own feces out of desperation. Likewise, conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (lack of digestive enzymes), malabsorption syndromes, diabetes, thyroid problems or Cushing’s disease can make dogs feel perpetually hungry. In these cases, the poop-eating is a symptom of underlying illness. Always rule out health problems by getting a stool test and vet check.

Learned puppy behavior (mother’s cleaning instinct)

Mother dogs instinctively clean up after their pups by eating their feces – it keeps the den tidy and predators away. Puppies often learn this from mom. It’s natural for a Frenchie puppy to sniff and sample what mom did. Normally they outgrow it after leaving the litter, but some pups continue the habit, curious about smells or texture.

Cleanliness and hiding waste

Some dogs eat poop to hide evidence of their bathroom break. If you scold your Frenchie for pooping indoors, he might eat it to avoid punishment. Dogs don’t connect scolding a few minutes later; they just learn poop = bad, so they try to conceal it. The result? More coprophagia.

Stress, anxiety or attention-seeking

Dogs under stress or with anxiety (like separation anxiety) sometimes eat their stool as a coping mechanism. Bored or under-stimulated dogs may also explore anything smelly – including poop. If your Frenchie feels anxious, lonely, or bored, he might start this gross habit for stimulation or even to get a reaction from you.

Besides, giving your dog toys to play with can also leave a positive effect on their behavior. French bulldog toys not only keep your dog occupied and distracted, but also improve their intelligence.

Curiosity and boredom

Especially in puppies and playful Frenchies: sometimes they’re just curious. As puppies explore the world, they mouth anything, and poop can be intriguing. Older dogs might eat it if they’re bored and left alone too long. “Nothing to do? Hmm, I’ll sample that log of mystery.” Increasing playtime and mental games can help redirect curious pups to proper chew toys or treats instead of poop.

Poop-eating often comes down to digestive issues, diet, and behavioral instincts. If your Frenchie has suddenly started this habit, think about recent changes: new food, a stressful move, a new medication, or even a time when he had diarrhea (more smell can tempt dogs). 

Sometimes, this is a puppy phase. As French bulldogs grow up, many naturally stop coprophagia by 6–12 months. Still, it’s best to address it early, since a poop-eating adult is harder to break.

Health-Related Reasons for French Bulldog Eating Poop

If you’re worried “why is my Frenchie eating poop”, the first step is always to check health. Medical issues can drive a dog to eat feces. Here are some health-related reasons to consider:

1. Parasites and worms

 Intestinal parasites (like roundworms, hookworms, giardia, coccidia) can really mess up nutrient absorption. Puppies pick these up easily, and adult dogs can get them too. When parasites rob the nutrients, dogs can feel endlessly hungry. Keep up with regular deworming and fecal checks. If you notice weight loss, diarrhea, or a ravenous appetite despite eating normally, ask your vet for a stool sample test. Treating the parasites often stops the poop-eating.

2. Enzyme and digestive deficiencies 

Conditions like pancreatic insufficiency (lack of digestive enzymes) or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) lead to undigested food in the stool. The dog may smell tasty morsels in their poop and gobble it up. If your Frenchie’s poop is unusually soft or greasy, or they have trouble gaining weight, mention these to the vet. Blood tests or stool analyses can identify these issues. Supplemental digestive enzymes, probiotics, or a special diet might be needed.

3. Nutritional deficiencies (vitamins/minerals)

Dogs deficient in certain nutrients have been reported to eat feces. In particular, thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is often linked to coprophagia. Dogs eating too-fast, low-quality kibble, or missing important vitamins/minerals (like zinc, B-vitamins, fiber) may be “hungry” for nutrients. Try upgrading to a top-quality dog food formulated for French bulldogs (sometimes called “flat-faced breed” formulations). Adding a balanced multivitamin or probiotic (after vet approval) can improve digestion and curb the cravings.

4. Poor diet (low-quality food or underfeeding)

Even with no specific deficiency, a diet too low in calories or protein can leave a dog unsatisfied. Some owners feed puppy a high volume of cheap kibble – it fills the tummy but doesn’t nourish. In that case the dog might supplement by eating its own stool. For example, Frenchie Shop notes that a low-nutrient food is a common reason puppies eat poop.

5. Medical conditions and hormones 

Diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Cushing’s disease can increase appetite dramatically. A diabetic dog, for instance, might be so hungry from cells starving of glucose that they’ll scavenge whatever they can – including poop. Steroid medications (used for allergies or autoimmune conditions) can also ramp up hunger. If your Frenchie is on a new medication or showing other symptoms (weight gain, drinking more water, etc.), check with the vet. Addressing the underlying disease often resolves the coprophagia.

Always rule out health issues first. Your vet can do simple stool tests, blood work, or imaging to ensure there’s no medical cause. Once you’ve got a clean bill of health, you can focus on training and prevention.

Behavioral Reasons for French Bulldog Eating Poop

Sometimes, the cause of poop-eating is behavioral rather than physical. Understanding why your Frenchie is doing it can help you fix it:

1. Instinct and learned behavior

Remember, mama dogs clean up puppies’ poop. Young Frenchies often do the same instinctually. If your puppy started this habit at 6–8 weeks, it’s likely from puppyhood learning. They usually grow out of it. But if they see another dog (or even a cat) doing it, they might imitate it too.

2. Attention-seeking

Dogs quickly learn what gets a reaction. If your Frenchie sees poop and you react (whether you yell or rush to stop them), they know it gets attention. Even a scolding or a push can be seen as attention. They might do it again just to watch you react. The trick is to ignore the misbehavior and praise the good instead.

3. Punishment backfiring

Many owners scold or even gently shove a dog’s nose in poop to stop accidents. Unfortunately, this just teaches the dog that “poop = trouble”, so they hide it by eating it. They learn faster how to swallow than to keep poop. Never punish a dog for poop eating (or accidents). Instead, use positive signals and avoid letting them fail (by picking up poop immediately, or using baby gates until housetrained).

4. Boredom or loneliness 

Bored dogs sometimes eat poop out of sheer boredom or anxiety. If your Frenchie is left alone in a yard with nothing to do, and especially if you’re gone for hours, the dog might wander, sniff, and decide to taste-test things it shouldn’t. Ensuring your dog has plenty of chew toys, puzzle feeders, and playtime helps. A tired, mentally stimulated dog is less interested in gross snacks.

5. Stress and anxiety

Life changes – like moving house, a new baby, new pet, or a change in routine – can stress your Frenchie. Stressed dogs sometimes comfort-eat their poop, kind of like people stress-eating snacks. If your dog has signs of anxiety (whining, pacing, chewing furniture), work on reducing stress. Establish calm routines, use pheromone diffusers, or consult a behaviorist if separation anxiety is severe.

6.Hygiene instinct (“hiding” feces) 

In a multi-dog home, one dog may eat the other’s poop. This can be due to dominance or simply scavenging. Also, dogs sometimes eat poop to “clean up” and avoid conflicts. If you have multiple bulldogs or pets, clean up more frequently and prevent confrontations at the poop spot.

Effective Ways to Stop Poop Eating in Frenchies

Now for the good part: how to stop your Frenchie (or English Bulldog!) from this yucky habit. Here are proven strategies:

Provide a high-quality, balanced diet

Ensure your French bulldog’s food is rich in digestible proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid fillers that lead to loose stool. If your vet approves, you can add digestion aids: probiotics, digestive enzyme supplements, or vitamin B complex supplements can help correct any deficiencies. A well-fed dog is less likely to chew his own droppings. 

Rule out and treat medical issues 

Schedule a vet visit to check for parasites and other issues. Deworm regularly and ensure vaccinations. If your vet finds a condition (like worms or thyroid issues), follow through on treatment. Even if nothing is found, let them run a quick stool test to be sure. Knowing there’s nothing medically wrong gives you confidence to move on to training.

Keep the yard and space clean 

One of the simplest fixes: pick up poop immediately. Don’t give your dog the chance. Right after your Frenchie does its business, scoop it up. If needed, keep your dog on leash during walks or in the yard until you can clean up. Using gates or crates can help you supervise; don’t allow unsupervised roams in the yard where poop accumulates. Remember, no poop around = no temptation to eat it. Even useful products like a long-handled pooper scooper or biodegradable bags make cleanup easier.

Training and commands

Teach your French bulldog a strong “Leave it” or “Drop it” command. Start by practicing with treats on the floor. Show a treat, say “leave it,” close hand, reward when he backs off. Gradually progress to less obvious temptations, and eventually to poop. When he ignores the poop on command, praise him lavishly or give a tasty treat. Always reward the behavior you want. Be consistent: use the same command word each time. Over time, he’ll learn that obeying you is better than eating anything gross. (Some owners also teach “look at me” so the dog focuses on the owner, not on ground matter.)

Positive reinforcement, not punishment

If you catch your Frenchie in the act, clap your hands or say “Awww!” in a light surprised tone to interrupt (do not yell or hit). Immediately trade it for something better: offer a chew toy or a treat, and say “good leave it!” as soon as he obeys. Then walk away and pick up the poop. End on a positive note. Punishment after the fact (scolding after he’s swallowed it) will just stress him out and won’t teach him.

Supervise and redirect

Watch your dog closely during potty time. If you see the sniffing start, be ready to interrupt with “no” or “leave it” and quickly reward when he stops. Carry a leash or keep him on a long line when outdoors to cut short the habit immediately. You might also carry some kibble or tiny treats to distract him the moment he’s about to be sloppy.

Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation

 A tired Frenchie is a well-behaved one. Boredom is a big trigger for poop-eating. Increase playtime, walks, and interactive games. Give puzzle feeders or stuffed Kongs (you can even freeze them) to give your dog something positive to chew on and think about. Chew toys and dog-safe bones are great too. If you leave your Frenchie alone, make sure he has toys to do rather than poop to eat.

Use taste deterrents (with caution)

 There are products (or home tricks) that make poop taste bad to dogs. For example, adding crushed pineapple, pumpkin, or commercial deterrent powders to your dog’s food can change the taste of stool. Many owners swear by it: once the dog realizes poop tastes bad, they stop. If you try this, be consistent and do it every day, as it takes time. Also note: some dogs are not bothered by these bitter tastes, but it’s worth trying. Always ask your vet before adding anything.

Consistency and patience

Breaking a habit takes time. Every member of the family should follow the rules: no scolding, prompt cleanup, reward success. Even if the problem persists, stick with the plan. Eventually most Frenchies give it up, especially when they learn there’s a good snack or toy for staying away from poop.

Dealing With French Bulldog Eating Poop Behavior

As one dog owner noted, keeping the yard clean was a game-changer – “If there’s no poop to eat, the problem is solved at the source.” Another common tip is to feed your Frenchie smaller, more frequent meals so they feel less starved and hurried at mealtime. 

“Always know where he is and what he’s doing” is a good mantra – supervision prevents surprises. In stubborn cases, some owners even use a basket muzzle (tightly fitted) during potty time so the dog physically can’t eat. (This should be a last resort and only with proper introduction to the muzzle.)

Finally, remember to celebrate progress. Did your Frenchie leave his poop alone even once? Give a treat, cuddle, or praise! Over time, these positive reinforcements outweigh the weird impulse to eat stool. Finding the root cause and being consistent with the fixes is the secret. If one method doesn’t seem to work, try combining several (diet improvement plus clean-up plus training). Over time, with patience and love, your Frenchie will focus on crunchy treats and toys – not his own poop.