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Is eating deer poop bad for dogs?

I frequently take my dogs out for a walk in the woods and it seems they cannot resist deer poop. I haven't seen any negative results from this little hobby but interested in hearing if anyone knows more...

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Thanks for asking this question! We had a herd of deer pass thru here last night and when I let my two shi tzus out they went straight for it. Really appreciate the feedback given.

The occasional deer poop meal will not harm your dog; especially if they have all their vaccines. Deer poop contains a lot of vegetation. Which includes grass. Grass is often essential for a dog's digestive system. Usually larger dogs than smaller dogs. Do more research.

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Generally speaking I'd be worried about parasites, or even Leptospirosis (bacteria that can cause liver and kidney problems) Both intestinal parasites and Lepto are zoonotic as well, meaning theycan be transferred to humans. Best to not let them near it if you can help it.

-Emergency Vet tech in Dallas_

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Please get your dogs vaccinated for Leptospira.

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This is not my area of expertise, but since no one else was jumping up to answer, here's what I found:

Most sources said there was likely little danger in eating deer poop.

"Many parasites can be transmitted through eating stool. Generally, herbivores have parasites specific to them; these parasites will not cause disease in carnivores. But dogs eating the feces of other dogs or cats can infect themselves repeatedly with parasites such as giardia, coccidia, and if the feces are around for 2-3 weeks or more, roundworms and whipworms. Such dogs should have regular fecal examinations and dewormings with the appropriate medications depending on the parasites found." http://www.peteducation.com/article.c...

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I don't know to much about this area either, but I would discourage it. I would be worried about bacteria that may be growing on it or other potential health issues. Basically, since it might cause harm but doesn't create any potential benefits, the cons outweigh the pros for me. I would test out some supplemental foods or vitamins in your dog's meals to make sure they're getting enough nutrients.

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Many dogs have an aversion to other dog's fecal matter unless they are on a different diet. My parent's black lab will eat my German Shepherd's poop. Most dog's eat grass for digestive purposes. Since deer are vegetarians, they ingest many phytonutrients that dogs do not get, especially in the winter months. So if you have a dog that normally eats grass in the warmer months, but struggles in the winter months digestively to receive those nutrients, munching on a frozen snack of deer poop isn't the worst thing in the world. More than likely, due to the frigid temperatures, whatever "parasite" may be in the fecal matter, especially if it's a few days old, is dead and harmless. Let them have a bite or two!

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My German Shepherd has done this since a baby. I did research it. It is very natural and completely okay. No worse than Purina. Especially if you have wolf hybrid, they love it!

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Is eating it better than rolling in it in the grand scheme of things? ;)