Do Rats Eat Dog Poop
It’s not the most glamorous topic, but if you’ve spotted signs of rats around your garden or bins, you might be wondering what’s attracting them — and whether your dog’s poop could be part of the problem. The short answer is yes. Rats will eat dog poop, especially if other food sources are limited. As unpleasant as it sounds, dog waste can serve as an easy meal for rodents looking for calories and nutrients.
Why Would Rats Eat Dog Poop?
Rats are opportunistic feeders. In urban and suburban areas, they’ll eat just about anything they can get to — rubbish, pet food, compost, and yes, even faeces. Dog poop, while not ideal from a nutritional standpoint, still contains undigested proteins, fats, and other organic matter. For a hungry rat, it’s simply another food source.
In places where food waste is tightly managed, or during colder months when pickings are slim, rats are even more likely to scavenge from whatever is available — including what's left behind by pets.
How Dog Waste Attracts Rodents
Leaving dog poop in the garden or yard can do more than just make your outdoor space unpleasant. It creates scent trails that attract rodents. Once they discover an easy meal, they’re likely to return and may start nesting nearby. This not only increases your rat problem but can also put your dog and home at risk.
Rats carry diseases and bacteria that can spread through contaminated soil or direct contact. If they’re drawn in by dog waste, they might also explore bins, food storage areas, or even attempt to enter the home.
What You Can Do to Prevent It
The best prevention is simple: pick up your dog’s waste regularly. Don’t leave it sitting in the garden, even overnight. Dispose of it in sealed bags and keep outdoor bins secure with tight-fitting lids. Reducing all sources of attraction — including food scraps, bird feeders, and uncovered compost — also helps discourage rodent activity.
If you’re dealing with a persistent rat issue, it may be worth working with a pest control professional to safely remove them and seal any potential entry points.
Can Rats Harm Dogs?
Rats themselves typically avoid dogs, but they can still pose a risk. Dogs that sniff or dig in rat-infested areas could be exposed to parasites or bacteria like leptospirosis, which is spread through rat urine. In rare cases, dogs may also catch a rat, which could lead to bites or transmission of disease. Keeping your garden clean and waste-free lowers this risk significantly.
Summary
Yes, rats do eat dog poop — especially when it’s left in gardens or yards. While it may seem strange, dog waste provides an easy food source for opportunistic rodents. Cleaning up after your dog and managing other attractants is the most effective way to keep rats at bay and protect your home and pets. A clean garden isn’t just good for you — it’s a key part of keeping your dog safe, too.