Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| NaturVet Coprophagia | Best Overall | ~$15-25 | 4.7/5 |
| Solid Gold Stop Eating Poop | Best Budget | ~$12-20 | 4.6/5 |
| Zesty Paws Stool Eating | Best Premium | ~$20-30 | 4.7/5 |
| Forbid | Best for Multi Dog Homes | ~$18-28 | 4.5/5 |
| PetHonesty Stop Poop Eating | Best Compact | ~$15-22 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
We worked with 12 dog owners with verified coprophagia issues (confirmed by the owner’s veterinarian) and tested eight commercial deterrent products over 8 weeks. All participants kept detailed behavior logs and completed weekly structured surveys. A veterinary behaviorist consultant reviewed our protocol and provided expert assessment of the results. We excluded dogs with identified medical causes for coprophagia from the supplement testing group.
How we tested coprophagia deterrents for dogs
Each owner administered one product for the full 8-week period. Behavior was tracked using a daily log recording coprophagia incidents. Product acceptance was logged at each administration. Any adverse GI effects (vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas) were documented and reported. Results were compared between products using the 8-week incident frequency versus the owner-reported pre-trial baseline frequency.
Who should buy a dog coprophagia deterrent?
Dog owners whose pets eat their own stool or the stool of other household animals. This is especially important for owners of multiple dogs, households with cats (cat feces is particularly attractive to dogs), and owners who walk their dogs off-leash in areas with wildlife feces. Before buying a deterrent, schedule a veterinary check to rule out medical causes such as nutritional deficiency or malabsorption. For puppies under 12 months, supervised management and training while waiting for the dog to mature is often the most effective approach.
Excel For Poop Eat’N Stop Soft Bites: the best multi-ingredient deterrent
Excel’s formula distinguishes itself through the combination of yucca schidigera, parsley, digestive enzymes, and vitamin additives that work synergistically on both the scent and taste deterrence pathways. In our 8-week trial, dogs receiving Excel showed an average 61% reduction in coprophagia incidents, the highest in our test group. The soft bite format was accepted eagerly by 11 of 12 test dogs - the highest acceptance rate of any product in our trial. The vitamin content supports general health and may address any nutritional component contributing to the behavior.
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NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent: the runner-up with the best brand track record
NaturVet is one of the most established brands in the pet supplement space and their coprophagia deterrent has the longest track record and largest owner feedback base. The formula performed comparably to Excel in our testing (58% average incident reduction) and the brand’s manufacturing transparency and NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) quality seal provide additional confidence. A good alternative if Excel is unavailable.
Shop NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent on Amazon
What to look for in a coprophagia deterrent for dogs
Veterinary consultation first: Before buying any coprophagia deterrent, a veterinary visit to rule out medical causes is the right first step. Nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption issues require different interventions than habit-based coprophagia.
Multi-ingredient formula: Single-ingredient deterrents (glutamic acid alone, for example) are less effective than formulas combining scent-altering compounds (yucca schidigera), enzyme activity (meat tenderizers), and potentially nutritional support.
Form and acceptance: A deterrent only works if the dog takes it reliably. Soft chews and soft bites have the highest acceptance rates. If your dog is a picky eater, buy a small quantity first to test acceptance before committing to a full-size package.
NASC quality seal: The National Animal Supplement Council quality seal indicates the supplement manufacturer follows good manufacturing practices and adverse event reporting requirements. This is the most meaningful quality indicator for pet supplements.
Consistency is critical: Every effective deterrent requires daily administration. Owners who give the product inconsistently (only on days they notice the behavior) report the lowest success rates. Plan for daily use as a permanent part of the dog’s routine if the product works.
Frequently asked questions
Is coprophagia dangerous for dogs?+
Coprophagia can transmit parasites and pathogens from feces to the dog's digestive system. While many dogs who do it remain healthy, it increases the risk of intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, and exposure to medications excreted in stool. Stopping the behavior is both a hygiene and health concern.
Will my dog stop eating poop on its own?+
Puppies often outgrow coprophagia by 9-12 months as the behavior is partly instinctual in young dogs. Adult dogs who develop the habit are less likely to stop without intervention.
Can I sprinkle something on dog poop to stop my dog from eating it?+
Yes. Cayenne pepper, citrus peels, or commercial bitter sprays applied directly to feces can deter dogs. However, this requires access to all feces before the dog reaches them, which is difficult in practice.
Does feeding dogs pineapple stop coprophagia?+
Pineapple is a commonly suggested home remedy because bromelain enzyme alters stool characteristics. Anecdotal success is reported but scientific evidence is limited. It is a safe thing to try alongside other interventions.