Looks like you caught your dog snacking on something that made you question their life choices. Maybe it was a random sock, a piece of furniture, or—heaven forbid—your old underwear. But the real shock comes when your pup decides your backyard is an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Let’s dig into why on earth (pun intended) your dog enjoys munching on dirt, and whether it’s something to worry about. Spoiler alert: it’s not for fun. The reasons are actually more serious than you might think.
Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?
Some dogs develop a medical condition called pica, which causes them to eat non-food items. A specific form of pica known as geophagia makes dogs purposely eat dirt or mud. There are several reasons this might happen:
Nutritional Deficiencies
If your dog isn’t eating a balanced diet, they may develop nutritional deficiencies that drive them to seek minerals like sodium, iron, or calcium from the soil. In some cases, simple hunger or a low-quality diet can trigger this behavior.
Boredom
Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation. Without enough of either, they may start eating dirt out of boredom or frustration; essentially finding their own “activity.”
Stress or Anxiety
Just as humans might bite their nails or fidget when stressed, some dogs eat dirt as a coping mechanism. Separation anxiety or environmental stressors can make this behavior more likely.
Illnesses
Conditions like anemia, a low red blood cell count, can sometimes cause dirt eating. Anemia in dogs can result from hookworms, fleas, tick-borne diseases, cancer, immune disorders, or internal bleeding.
Liver Shunt
A liver shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver. This disrupts normal metabolism and can lead to unusual behaviors like dirt eating.
Stomach Inflammation
Sometimes, when dogs have an upset stomach, they instinctively try to self-soothe by eating dirt or grass to induce vomiting.
Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Dog Eat Dirt
Regardless of the reason, eating dirt is never safe for dogs. It poses several health risks, including:
Choking hazards from stones or sharp objects
Tooth fractures from biting hard materials
Exposure to toxins such as pesticides and fertilizers
Infection from soil-dwelling parasites like Capillaria, Giardia, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms
Gastrointestinal obstruction, which can block the stomach or intestines
Symptoms of obstruction can include:
Coughing or gagging
Regurgitation
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Lethargy
Is It Okay for Dogs to Eat Grass With Dirt?
Some dogs simply enjoy the taste or texture of grass. While the behavior might seem harmless, eating grass with dirt still carries the same risks, especially if the grass has been treated with pesticides or chemicals. Even small amounts of contaminated grass can be toxic.
Occasional grass eating isn’t always a cause for concern, but consistent or excessive consumption should be checked by a vet.
Can Dogs Get Sick From Eating Dirt?
Yes. Eating dirt can do more than cause an upset stomach, it can lead to serious internal injuries. Sharp particles or rocks can scrape and inflame the digestive tract, while harmful bacteria or parasites can infect vital organs. Over time, dirt ingestion can even contribute to chronic digestive issues or organ damage.
Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?
If your dog is eating dirt frequently or showing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call the vet:
Decreased appetite
Irregular bowel movements
Lethargy
Pale gums
Vomiting (especially within 24 hours of eating or drinking)
Even if your dog isn’t showing symptoms, it’s still worth scheduling a check-up if the dirt eating continues. Your vet may run tests like a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, bile acid test, ultrasound, or endoscopy to identify any underlying issues and recommend the right treatment.
Why Do Puppies Love Eating Dirt?
Puppies are natural explorers, and sometimes that curiosity extends to what’s under their paws. Eating dirt is often part of their learning process as they explore new smells and textures. However, the same medical, nutritional, or behavioral reasons that affect adult dogs can apply to puppies too. It’s best to monitor the habit closely.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Owning a pet can be tough at times. You need to constantly be aware of what and how much goes into their mouths. Some things you can control and others you may not be able to. Sometimes unwanted foods can cause severe reactions in your dog and even require surgery for treatment. The bills can put a severe dent in your savings at times.
However, with pet health insurance, you can get reimbursed up to 90% of eligible veterinary costs.
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
Diener, Michelle. "Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?" PetMD, 30 Nov. 2021, https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/why-do-dogs-eat-dirt.
Natale, Brittany. "Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? Is This Normal?" Chewy, 30 Apr. 2025, https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/training-and-behavior/why-do-dogs-eat-dirt.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
