Hiya! It's called Coprophagia and is actually very common, specially with puppies.
I have a 6month old puppy and he has the same problem, except he mainly only eats his own poop. Although he does like cat poop occasionally
I brought some tabelts called Deter, which are suposed to turn the poop a horrible taste. So far after a week it semi works.

It can be a nutritional deficiency, but since he's a puppy, I would say it's most likely just a bad behaviour trait.
You can also spike poop with chilli/mustard powder...that should be a shock to the pup.

Google Coprophagia and you should find loads of info on it
Good luck!

♥´¯`♥Meow♥´¯`♥

Thanks for reply, I think my friends family really want help with this actually, coprophagia is a bit annoying really and hopefully not contagious..

Umm whats in these Deter tablets?

Good idea I'll tell him to put chili powder in the catsand right away!

frewurny glirt ptohtsm!

"Some dogs can't resist a tasty morsel of feces. These dogs will eat their own excrement or that of another dog. Some prefer horse feces, others cat feces. Frozen feces are popular in the winter time. Why do dogs do this?

In the past it was believed that feces eating, also known as coprophagia, was caused by either poor diet or poor health. However, this theory is not supported by current research. "Behavioral research has discounted the idea that it is a dietary deficiency or a pancreatic enzyme deficiency," says Dr. Jo Ann Eurell, a veterinarian and animal behavior specialist retired from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "Dogs are historically scavengers, and this is believed to be a scavenger behavior.

"It is important for dog owners to know that this behavior is normal for a mother dog with pups," adds Dr. Eurell. Newborn pups must learn to urinate and defecate. The mother teaches the pups by licking their bottoms. The pups respond to this "tickle" by urinating and defecating. The mother then consumes the pups' excrement, which serves two protective purposes: it keeps the den area clean and it removes smells that could attract a predator. Some pups learn this behavior from their mothers and will stimulate themselves and consume their own feces. Most pups stop by the time they are weaned.

It is more difficult to understand why adult dogs eat feces. Some dogs will learn this behavior from other dogs. In some cases, eating feces may be an attention-seeking behavior. For some dogs it is possibly due to anxiety or boredom. Most often the motivation for eating feces is just not known.

Owners find this habit in their pet disgusting -- particularly when the consumed feces are thrown up all over the new carpet. In addition to being socially unacceptable, eating feces exposes the dog to parasites and diseases. So, what is a dog owner to do?

"Eating feces is a problem that is easier to prevent than to cure," says Dr. Eurell. "Don't allow the opportunity to arise. Keep the dog's yard clean by disposing of feces promptly. Move the cat box out of the dog's reach. If cleaning the outdoor area is not feasible, then keep the dog on a leash or use a muzzle when outside."

There are some "cures" that have been used with limited success. Punishment generally only works in the early stages, before the behavior becomes habitual. Feeding the dog MSG or pumpkin is believed to give feces a bad taste, making it less attractive to the dog. Other products can be applied to the feces directly; however, dogs are very perceptive and can probably distinguish between tainted and untainted feces.

The best solution is to supervise the dog and not let it develop the habit. If you would like further information about this behavior, contact your local veterinarian."

I'll never get a dog, never ever, no way...

frewurny glirt ptohtsm!

My observation is that it is not that uncommon a habit for dogs when left to their appetites. I guess certain things that are passed in feces and they regard it as nourishment.

F**king yikes. I've seen dogs do that, and whether it's common or not, i'm 70% sure i'm going to vomit. I won't eat it afterwads though. :-/

"Watch your step by the crowd of fanatics, while they kill in the name of applied mathematics"

I'm glad this sort of behaviour is kept in the animal world.

I wasn't meant to walk this world without you - Kelly Clarkson - Maybe.

My Shizpoo is 1 1/2 years and still does this. I tried the pills, but for her it didn't work...I asked my vet and they said that there are still undigested foods in their feces that are still quite palatable...yuk...so when we go out with her and we use the scoop method, we have to be really quick on the scoop....lol
I really hope she grows out of this...

The un-inspirational behavior of others determines our willingness to believe their words. Their life and truths then become like wind, collecting dust in its passing. -lea

Well, I read about a Vitamine (I think it is B..something) which is produced inside the bowels, but can't be absorbed there. So it has to leave the Body and then start the cycle anew.

Our neighbours dog loves baby cattle shit by the way.

So I guess it has to do with nutrition.

"Vor allem bewahrt Euch stets die Fähigkeit, jede Ungerechtigkeit, die irgendwo auf der Welt begangen wird, aufs Tiefste zu empfinden. " Che Guevara