Terrier loves soil - why on earth..?

[Horten229]

My 15 year old Terrier cross (Lakeland/Patterdale cross) has many annoying habits. Stoic, tough as a welders bench and apart from mild arthritis in his front paw in excellent shape; most of said habits are minor, even funny but over the last few months he's started developed a new one: nibbling at my lawn.

Turn my back for a minute and there's another two small bits torn up. It's like having a miniature golfer in my garden, leaving unsightly divots. For whatever reason he seems to want to munch on soil. Now, several years ago a mate's equally characterful Terrier did exactly the same thing so I'm wondering if it's their way of treating something or even if he needs something.

Any thoughts? And yes, he can be a little sod sometimes!

[MrB1obby]

Yep mine used to do the same, rip parts of the garden up and dig with her paws aswell. It's like she thought something was underneath that she had to get. She still rips up long grass occasionally on walks but doesn't do it in the garden. I can't remember what started it either and I'm not sure whether there is an underlying issue, I'm sure someone else will come along with more info!

She's an english bull terrier cross.

[Wombat3]

Lack of minerals in the diet?

(Same as when dogs eat their own crap its usually a lack of protein I read somewhere)