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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

May 22, 2023

It’s often thought that when our dogs eat grass it’s because their diet is defient in nutrients, but dogs on a well balanced diet shouldn’t need additional nutrients and the question is not always so simple.

UPSET STOMACH

A common thought is that dogs eat grass to relieve the symptoms of an upset stomach. You might see your dog eating grass and then vomiting afterwards.

Studies show however, that most dogs vomit after eating grass and very few showed any symptoms beforehand of illness, disproving that it’s a form of self medication.

It could be that your dog needs extra roughage in their diet and grass can be a really good source of fibre for them. Fibre is important to help your dog digest food and to pass solid stools.

Try introducing Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Kelp, Carrots and Brown Rice into your pup’s diet to see if the grass eating settles down.

PYSCHOLOGICAL ISSUE

Anxious dogs can sometimes develop habits that aren’t good for them. Eating grass might be something that helps your dog pass the time if they are lonely or anxious.

Try giving your dog additional exercise, a puzzle toy, or even some treats hidden around the garden for some extra mental stimulation.

INSTINCT

Dogs in the wild eat what they are able to hunt and they eat all that they capture, including the stomach contents of animals that eat grass.

Eating an entire animal gives dogs a balanced diet, especially the stomach contents of grass and plant eating animals.

Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores and research has shown that wolves also eat grass to balance their diets.

For these animals, eating grass may not be a problem at all, especially if your dog isn’t sick afterwards.

MAYBE THEY JUST LIKE IT

Aside from all the above reasons, maybe your dog just likes grass. While grass itself isn’t bad for them, there could be herbicides or pesticides sprayed on the grass which could be harmful to them.

It’s also important to ensure that parasite prevention is always up to date as hookworms and roundworms can sometimes be consumed with grass left behind from other dogs.

STOPPING GRASS EATING

To stop your dog eating grass, it’s important to first understand why. Anytime your dog starts to eat grass, try redirecting them or offering a treat to interrupt them.