koprofagia

Koprofagia is the consumption of feces. It is a behavior observed in a variety of animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. In many animals, koprofagia is a normal and adaptive behavior. For example, some herbivores consume their own feces or the feces of others to reingest undigested nutrients or to obtain essential gut flora. Puppies and young animals may engage in koprofagia as a way to explore their environment or as a learned behavior from their mother.

In some instances, koprofagia can be a sign of an underlying health issue or a behavioral problem. In canines, for example, koprofagia can be associated with nutritional deficiencies, parasitic infections, anxiety, boredom, or attention-seeking behavior. Similarly, in humans, koprofagia is rare and is often associated with severe intellectual disability, certain psychiatric disorders, or, in rare cases, as a symptom of pica, an eating disorder characterized by the persistent eating of non-nutritive substances. Medical or psychological evaluation is typically recommended when koprofagia is observed in humans or domestic animals, as it may indicate a need for intervention.