Question

My Scottish terrier recently started eating dirt. He eats one cup of dry food every day, as well as fruits and vegetables that I give him for treats. I believe that he is lacking some element in his diet, any suggestions?

Answer

If you are feeding your dog a high-quality dog food, he is probably not lacking any key elements in his diet. Most cases of dogs eating dirt or grass are behavioral problems. It is usually nothing to be worried about, but if you are concerned that he might have an illness that is causing him to eat dirt, then it would be a good idea to take him to your veterinarian for a physical exam and some blood work to make sure he is healthy.

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Question Is it OK for my dog to eat grass?

This question was answered by Dr. Ed Foster of Charlotte, Michigan.