Is there a reason why dogs at Glen Ellen dog park are eating mud?

"First, it's not unusual for dogs to eat mud, dirt, sticks, rock and your brand new pair of sneakers. Experts even have a name for it, geophagia. The most common cause of dogs eating mud and other non-food items is nutritional. The dogs aren't getting enough essential minerals including iron, calcium, and sodium from their regular diets. Their bodies crave it and with their sensitive noses, they detect it in soil."

"Mud consumption also can be a sign of a medical issue, such as anemia or trying to calm an upset stomach. Dogs also are known to eat mud when they are bored or anxious. They may also just be curious what it tastes like, especially if it has a lot of organic materials. Puppies are more likely to do this than older dogs. And lastly, it could just be a developed habit."

Dogs commonly eat mud, dirt, sticks, and other non-food items, a behavior called geophagia. Common causes include nutritional deficiencies—lack of minerals such as iron, calcium, or sodium—prompting dogs to seek minerals in soil. Mud eating can also indicate medical issues like anemia or an attempt to soothe an upset stomach. Behavioral reasons include boredom, anxiety, curiosity about organic materials, texture or moisture attraction, and learned habits, with puppies more prone than adults. In group settings different dogs may have different motivations; one dog sampling mud can trigger others to copy the behavior.

Read at The Mercury News