Eating dirt?

Epi4Dogs Foundation Inc.’s mission is the advancement of science and education relating to EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), yielding useful insights and positive outcomes in better managing EPI in dogs and cats. Our goals are to support and/or collaborate with veterinary EPI research and researchers, and to promote EPI awareness by educating the general public, pet owners, pet organizations, rescue and shelter organizations, veterinary schools and veterinarians.
Post Reply
User avatar
Johnnycake
Member
Posts: 51
Country: United States
State: Texas
Pet name: Johnny
My name: MacKenzie

Eating dirt?

Post by Johnnycake » 30 Nov 2021, 16:53

Hey guys!

I had a question about dirt/mud eating! There's one park we go to nearly every day. and Johnny really likes eating the dirt there. Curiously enough, his poop is always noticeably better the day after he eats the dirt, and I can see some of it clearly in his poop (the remains of the dirt, I mean). I have done some reading on the topic but was wondering if anyone has any experience with this specifically with their EPI dogs? Or if there's anything I could add to his regimen that might provide the same benefits of the dirt?

I'll bring it up with his vet but I'm not super worried about it since it seems to be benefiting him. Was really interested since it seems to make his poop noticeably better though!

User avatar
Olesia711
Founder & Research Director
Posts: 3858
Location: North Carolina
Country: United States
State: North Carolina
Pet name: Izzy
My name: olesia

Re: Eating dirt?

Post by Olesia711 » 30 Nov 2021, 20:05

because Johnny's new earth eating quirk is from a certain spot... my guess is that
there is something in that particular soil that he finds interesting/satisfying/craving.
and since it is firming up his poo........is there any chance does this particular patch of dirt have any clay in it? If so, that would be why the stools are firmer.

The last couple of possibilities i have, although the fact that he only likes the dirt from a specific area, so i do not think it is either of the following... but stilll...here are some other possibilities:

his body is craving a nutrient from the soil.... but i would assume if this was the case, he would be eating soil from elewhere too
he is bored ............
Olesia, was owned by Izzy, a 35lb Spanish Water Dog (SWD), Diagnosed at 1.5 years old - TLI results 1.. Izzy passed away on February 13, 2020 at 15 years old. She lived with EPI for 13+1/2 years. It was because of Izzy that Epi4Dogs was started... she was the inspiration. May her legacy of helping others with EPI continue for as long as needed.........

User avatar
Jean
Forum Director
Posts: 1707
Location: South Liverpool
Country: United Kingdom - England
Pet name: Kara, lost 10th May 2019
My name: Jean

Re: Eating dirt?

Post by Jean » 02 Dec 2021, 06:26

My Kara loved horse muck to eat ! and fox dirt to roll in, and they stink, could it be that a fox has been there or rabbit droppings

No answer for this sorry
My name is Jean we live in Liverpool in Uk

I am the Forum Director which I am very proud of

My Kara born 21 July 2009 diagnosed with EPI by cTLI test August 2010 TLI = <1...folate 14 Cobalamin 408, shot down to 94, b12 injections every other day

Lowest weight 39 pounds

We used Panzym enzymes, Tylan and Chemeyes b12 capsules

Sadly, on 10th May 2019, we lost her to DM


Jeanx

maya193
Member
Posts: 77
Country: United States
State: Rhode Island
Pet name: Maya
My name: Debbie

Re: Eating dirt?

Post by maya193 » 02 Dec 2021, 13:04

Hi there! I’m not sure if this helps or not… But two previous dogs that I had did the same thing… And two different vets told me that there is something in the dirt that they need for digestion… A mineral? I never thought to delve into it at the time but reading this I was reminded of it. Of course it could be something smelly in the dirt and Lord knows the dogs love smelly stuff! Lol
Maya is a belgian mal/german shep diagnosed with EPI on 10/12/21. TLI 1.2, B-12 196, Folate 4.8. Currently on Maximum K-9 raw diet, beef and vegetable, Enzyme Diane, Wonderlabs B-12 with IF, Proviable and Slippery Elm.

Barb
Staff
Posts: 918
Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: Eating dirt?

Post by Barb » 03 Dec 2021, 09:47

Our Kolby (who passed in 2020) always wanted to eat dirt. He would rip up a piece of grass, turn it over and eat the dirt underneath. We always figured he needed something contained in the dirt, but we never figured out what it was.

Barb

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 228 guests