Why does my puppy/dog eat its own feces or that of other animals?

This is actually called Coprophagy. 

While watching your dog eating stool is unsightly, it is a natural act for dogs. This usually occurs more in the winter months when in earlier times food would be scarce. It seems logical that this is a residual survival instinct in canines.

Feces have unused proteins in them, Feline feces have a higher content of unused proteins than canine feces does. That is why dogs love cleaning cat boxes for us. Dogs by nature are scavengers. They eat almost anything that they can. So eating feces is quit normal for them. It is part of their social/dominance behavior.

Sometimes adding digestive enzymes or a Probiotic to their diet of an already quality kibble may end the unsightly habit. However, some breeds of dogs are well known for this act, and nothing can stop them.

If you do have a dog that has this unwelcomed habit, do be sure to check and treat for parasites on a regular basis. Oh yea, avoid their kisses if possible!!!!