If you’ve ever stepped into your backyard and suddenly wondered, “Will rats eat dog poop?” — you’re not alone. It might sound like a strange question, but it’s an important one for homeowners and pet parents alike.
The short answer? Yes, rats will eat dog poop. And if pet waste is left sitting in your yard, it can quickly become a reliable food source for rodents. You can stop reading now, but if you want to know more, then by all means keep reading.
Before you panic and imagine tiny whiskered squatters moving in, let’s break down why rats are attracted to dog waste — and what you can do to keep your yard clean, safe, and rat-free.
So… Will Rats Eat Dog Poop in Your Yard?
To fully answer the question—will rats eat dog poop?—we need to understand a little bit about rats themselves.
Rats are opportunistic omnivores. That means they’ll eat almost anything available. Seeds, fruit, garbage, pet food, compost—and yes, dog poop. Particularly if your dog’s diet is rich in protein, undigested nutrients can remain in their waste. To a rat, that’s basically leftovers.
The most common backyard culprit in North America is the Brown Rat (also called the Norway rat). These rodents are highly adaptable and thrive in urban and suburban environments where food sources are abundant.
And unfortunately, dog waste counts as food.
Why Is Dog Poop Attractive to Rats?
It may not be appetizing to us, but to a rat, dog poop can be surprisingly appealing. And many vets, like Everhart, agree.
Here’s why:
- Undigested Nutrients
Commercial dog food is often protein-rich. Dogs don’t digest every nutrient completely. That leaves behind partially processed proteins and fats—prime snacking material for scavengers.
- Consistent Supply
If waste isn’t picked up regularly, it becomes a predictable food source. Rats love routine. If they find food in the same yard night after night, they’ll keep coming back.
- Easy Access
Unlike sealed trash cans or high bird feeders, dog waste sits conveniently at ground level. No climbing required. Five-star service, from a rat’s perspective.
The Bigger Problem: What Happens Next?
Answering “will rats eat dog poop” is only half the story. The bigger issue is what happens when they do.
When rats discover a reliable food source, they don’t just visit. They settle in.
Rats may:
- Build burrows under sheds, decks, or foundations
- Nest in woodpiles or dense shrubbery
- Chew through wiring or insulation
- Spread parasites and diseases
While rats are simply trying to survive, their presence can lead to significant property damage and health concerns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents can spread various diseases directly and indirectly. Allowing them to establish a food source in your yard increases that risk.
And all because of unattended dog poop.
It’s Not Just Rats
While we’re focused on “will rats eat dog poop,” it’s worth noting they’re not alone.
Other animals attracted to pet waste can include:
- Mice
- Raccoons
- Opossums
- Insects like flies
Even the Humane Society of the United States advises removing outdoor food sources—including pet waste—to discourage wildlife from frequenting residential areas.
In other words, cleaning up after your dog isn’t just polite. It’s pest prevention.
How Quickly Can Dog Poop Attract Rats?
You might assume it takes weeks of neglect to cause a problem. Not necessarily.
Rats have an extraordinary sense of smell. If populations already exist nearby (storm drains, alleys, wooded areas), it may only take a few days of consistent waste for them to investigate.
If your yard becomes a reliable stop on their nightly foraging route, they’ll return again and again.
How to Prevent Rats from Targeting Your Yard
The good news? The solution is refreshingly simple.
- Scoop Daily (Yes, Daily)
The most effective answer to “will rats eat dog poop?” is prevention. Removing waste promptly eliminates the attraction entirely.
If daily scooping feels like a chore, that’s exactly why services like Scoop Masters exist. (Ahem.)
You can also check out our guide on How Often Should You Pick Up Dog Poop? for more details.
- Store Trash Securely
Make sure waste bags go into tightly sealed bins. Rats can chew through weak plastic containers.
This article from Fairway Lawns on Keeping Your Yard Rodent-Free dives deeper into yard-proofing tips.
- Remove Other Food Sources
Don’t leave pet food bowls outside overnight. Clean up fallen bird seed. Secure compost bins.
When food disappears, rats move on.
- Eliminate Shelter Opportunities
Trim overgrown shrubs. Seal gaps under sheds. Remove debris piles.
Without food and shelter, your yard becomes much less interesting.
For further reading, the Environmental Protection Agency offers helpful guidance on integrated pest management strategies.
What About Health Risks to Dogs?
Here’s a twist: rats attracted to dog waste can actually pose risks to your dog.
Rats may carry parasites like roundworms or bacteria that can contaminate soil. Curious pups that sniff or dig in areas frequented by rodents could potentially be exposed.
So by cleaning up promptly, you’re protecting:
- Your yard
- Your home
- Your family
- Your dog
That’s a lot of benefits from one simple habit.
The Bottom Line: Will Rats Eat Dog Poop?
Yes. They absolutely will.
Dog waste is a readily available, nutrient-rich food source for opportunistic rodents. Leaving it in your yard can attract rats, encourage nesting, and increase health risks.
But the solution isn’t complicated. Consistent cleanup makes your property dramatically less appealing to pests.
If scooping feels like the least glamorous part of pet ownership (and let’s be honest—it is), our Dog Poop Removal Service makes it effortless. After all, your yard should be for barbecues, fetch, and barefoot summer evenings—not for feeding the local rodent population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will rats eat dog poop?
Yes. Rats are opportunistic omnivores and will eat dog poop if it’s available. Undigested nutrients in pet waste make it an easy food source, especially in residential neighborhoods.
Does dog poop attract rats?
Yes, dog poop can attract rats. If left in the yard consistently, it becomes a predictable food supply, encouraging rodents to return and potentially nest nearby.
How do I stop rats from coming into my yard?
The most effective way to deter rats is to eliminate food sources. That means picking up dog poop daily, sealing trash bins, removing fallen bird seed, and reducing yard clutter where rodents can hide.
Does Dog Poop Cause a Rat Infestation?
Technically, dog poop alone doesn’t create rats. But it absolutely supports them.
Think of it this way: If rats are already in the neighborhood, leaving waste out is like hanging a “Free Snacks” sign on your lawn.
Remove the snacks, remove the incentive. Scoop Masters Pet Waste Removal Service can help you do that!
Scoop Masters provide professional pet waste removal services across Los Angeles & Ventura County, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Nashville, and Palm Beach, Florida. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!