Do dogs eat rocks because of nutritional deficiencies?

It’s common to see dogs licking, chewing, or ingesting nonfood items such as rocks. Seeing a dog eating rocks can be alarming for some owners, and you may wonder what it means or what you should do about it. There are a variety of reasons why a dog may eat rocks, varying from normal exploration and curiosity to behavioral disorders. Some owners worry their dog is ingesting rocks due to a nutritional deficiency; however, there is no strong evidence to support this idea. If you’re worried about your dog eating rocks, read on to learn:

• Reasons why a dog might ingest rocks
• If nutritional deficiencies lead to rock eating in dogs
• How veterinarians diagnose and treat dogs ingesting nonfood objects

In many cases, a dog will occasionally ingest a rock because they’re curious and exploring the world with their mouths and noses. Some dogs do it more frequently because they’re bored or need more physical or mental stimulation. However, other dogs obsessively eat rocks as a result of a behavioral disorder and will do so every chance they get. If you’re unsure if your dog’s rock eating is normal or if you’re concerned about the behavior, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian. A vet can help determine why your dog is eating rocks and address any underlying problems. Even if there is no underlying health issue causing the behavior, eating rocks can lead to health consequences, such as tooth damage and intestinal blockages.

It’s normal to see dogs, especially puppies, nibbling on rocks and other nonfood items. It’s also common for pet owners to wonder if their dog is eating rocks because something is missing from their diet, such as an essential mineral, but this theory has no strong scientific evidence to support it. Most of the time when a dog occasionally ingests nonfood items like rocks, they’re simply being curious and exploring the world around them.

Licking, chewing, and even occasionally ingesting rocks may be normal behavior, especially in puppies, who often grow out of the habit as they get older, but if these behaviors persist and become habitual, they’re more likely to be abnormal and the potential for harm increases. Regardless of the underlying cause, a dog who chews on or consumes rocks is at risk for broken teeth or a gastrointestinal blockage.

Physical or mental stimulation

Dogs may lick, chew on, or ingest rocks due to:

• Boredom
• Lack of appropriate objects for chewing
• Seeking attention from owners
• Liking the taste or texture of rocks
• Attempts to soothe teething pain (puppies)

Redirecting your dog to an appropriate toy and increasing enrichment may help if they’re chewing on rocks out of boredom or a need to chew. If your dog continues to seek out rocks to chew on or consume in spite of your best efforts to provide appropriate mental and physical stimulation, it may be a sign that something else is going on.

Pica, anxiety, and other behavioral disorders

Pica is a behavioral disorder that describes the obsessive need to ingest nonfood objects that have no nutritional value. In addition to pica, other behavioral disorders that may be associated with obsessive rock eating include:

• Separation anxiety
• Severe stress
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Ingesting items due to an underlying behavioral disorder is a true obsession or compulsive urge, not an occasional behavior.

Other medical issues

“There is no strong evidence to support the idea that a dog’s rock-eating behavior is caused by a mineral deficiency,” states Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. If rock eating is an ongoing or obsessive behavior, it’s more likely to be due to a behavioral disorder or a medical condition that makes a dog ravenously hungry.

Some medical concerns that can make a dog extremely hungry, even when they’re fed the correct amount of a complete and balanced diet, include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Tapeworms
• Brain tumors
• Side effect of some medications

These conditions can lead to a dog ingesting nonfood objects because they feel excessively hungry. Excessive hunger does not necessarily mean a dog has a dietary issue or nutrient deficiency.

An essential nutrient is a nutrient the body needs to support normal growth, health, or body functions but which the body doesn’t produce on its own. Nutritional deficiencies occur when a dog doesn’t have enough of one or more essential nutrients and their health is negatively affected as a result.

Nutritional deficiencies in dogs are usually caused by an underlying health issue that causes poor absorption or an inability to effectively process a nutrient. Less commonly, it can be caused by an inadequate intake of an essential nutrient in a dog’s diet. Nutritional deficiencies in otherwise healthy dogs are rare if they’re eating a complete diet with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement of nutritional adequacy on the food’s label. These diets contain the right amount of nutrients for the majority of dogs based on the serving size.

Signs of a nutrient deficiency in dogs vary depending on the specific nutrient and how severe the deficiency is. Symptoms can include:

• Crusty, scaly skin
• Hair loss
• Poor wound healing
• Bone fractures
• Weakness
• Neurologic signs (muscle tremors, spasms, seizures, difficulty walking)
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Poor skin and coat condition

Rock-eating behavior is not considered a symptom of a nutritional deficiency in dogs. Dogs with nutritional deficiencies may have additional clinical signs, depending on the underlying cause of the deficiency. It’s also important to note that common signs of nutritional deficiency are shared by many other health concerns, so if your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a vet before attempting to supplement their diet.

The first step for a veterinarian evaluating a dog who’s ingesting rocks is to determine whether the behavior is normal or abnormal. A veterinarian typically starts with a thorough physical examination and patient history, including a discussion of the dog’s diet, exercise, and mental enrichment as well as any other signs of illness the dog may be exhibiting and a detailed description of the rock-eating behavior. Based on the examination and history, diagnostic tests may be recommended, such as:

• Bloodwork
• Fecal testing
• Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds

Behavioral disorders, such as pica, anxiety, and OCD, are often only diagnosed when all other medical problems are ruled out. Treatment options vary depending on what’s causing the behavior, but they may include:

• Preventing access to rocks
• Increasing environmental enrichment
• Management of underlying health issues
• Management of behavioral disorders

Pica and other behavioral disorders are often treated with a combination of medication, behavior modification exercises, and environmental control measures. Preventing access to rocks, adding environmental enrichment, and offering safer chewing options may help but aren’t usually a complete solution. If the rock-eating behavior is caused by an underlying health issue that’s causing extreme hunger, those conditions must be managed appropriately.

Is rock eating in dogs dangerous?

Ingesting rocks and other foreign objects can cause severe health concerns in dogs, such as:

• Dental fractures
• Intestinal blockages
• Choking

Even if a dog is not ingesting the rocks, chewing on rocks and other hard items can cause serious dental issues. It’s important to talk to a veterinarian if you notice your dog is ingesting rocks, even if they seem otherwise healthy. An online vet can offer guidance on how to redirect the behavior in a healthier way and how to avoid rocks in the future, whether that’s ideas for barriers in your yard or how to fit your dog for a muzzle.

What nutritional deficiency can cause a dog to eat rocks?

There is no evidence to support the idea that nutritional deficiencies cause rock-eating behavior in dogs. A perfectly healthy dog may eat a rock once or on rare occasions for no particular reason. Dogs who ingest rocks obsessively may have a behavioral disorder or some other type of underlying medical condition.

What should I do if my dog is eating rocks?

If your dog is chewing or eating rocks, it’s natural to wonder if something is missing from their diet. However, there’s no scientific evidence linking this behavior to nutritional deficiencies. Try redirecting your dog’s attention to safe, appropriate chew toys and limiting their access to rocks as much as possible. If the behavior is frequent or obsessive, consult a veterinarian. Habitual or obsessive ingestion of nonfood items may be a sign of an underlying medical issue that’s causing excessive hunger or a behavioral disorder, such as anxiety or pica. A veterinarian can help identify possible medical or behavioral causes and guide you on next steps.

What is my dog missing in his diet if he eats rocks?

There’s no strong evidence to support the idea that a mineral deficiency is likely to cause a dog to eat rocks. Nutritional deficiencies are generally rare in healthy dogs. When they do occur, they’re usually due to an underlying health issue that affects how nutrients are absorbed, utilized, or excreted by the body. Habitually or obsessively eating rocks is far more likely to be due to a behavioral disorder, such as pica.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.