Why Do Animals Eat Dirt?
The voluntary consumption of dirt by animals is in fact a very common behavior. The reason for such behavior has various explanations.
In most cases animals, both wild and domestic, will instinctively eat dirt as a form of self supplementation or self-medication.
Often an animal that is seeking out dirt lacks sufficient vitamins and minerals in their diet. As well, the animal may require salt, and more importantly the sodium that is contained in salt. Animals receive the nutrients that they need from the food that they consume. When this source does not provide them with a sufficient amount, they seek vitamins and minerals from other sources. Dirt can provide these essential nutrients and so animals will consume it until they have met their body’s needs.
Beneficial micro-organisms can also be found in dirt. These micro-organisms aid in digestion and are sought after instinctively by animals.
The most common reason that animals consume dirt however is (more…)
Eating Dirt for Health?
For centuries people have practiced geophagy, or the act of eating dirt. In many cultures this is commonly observed at religious ceremonies, for pregnant women and as a remedy for various diseases. As well, it is very common among children. So, what is dirt eating all about?
It is often assumed that this is strange behavior or that people only resort to eating dirt because food is not readily available to them however this is not true. It has been found that even in areas where food is plentiful people still consume dirt. In fact, dirt eating among pregnant women in certain areas of the United States (mostly in the south) ranges from 20 to 40 percent! Recently it has been suggested that geophagy is an instinctive activity that is used to fulfill dietary needs and to help protect against parasites and pathogens as well as to sooth irritated intestines!
