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The sporadic urge dogs have to eat grass is arguably one of the most contentious and peculiar “snacks” they enjoy.
Despite what the general public believes, your dog’s propensity to graze on grass may not always indicate that they need to throw up, but it may be a sign of general health and wellbeing.
There are several explanations for why your dog might be gravitating toward your front yard to nibble. They can be anything from benign (boredom) to concerning (e.g., upset stomach).
These are some possible causes of your dog eating grass, along with indications of when you should get concerned.
Dog Eat Grass Because They Have an Upset Stomach
According to holistic veterinarian Dr. Candy Akers, D.V.M., who also owns Journeys Holistic Life, an online pet care store, dogs that are upset or irritated in their stomachs will turn to grass.
According to Akers, some dogs have an innate desire to vomit after eating grass.
In Applied Animal Behavior Science, a 2008 study, it was concluded that “plant eating is a normal.”
Additionally, researchers came to the conclusion that since wolves and other wild canids have also been observed to eat plants, “It appears likely that it has a biological function.”
There Is a Nutritional Shortfall
A dog may eat grass to make up for inadequate nutrition if it isn’t given a healthy, appropriate, and balanced diet.
Golla claims that when a dog’s diet is lacking something, they will attempt to make up for it by eating grass.
If you think your dog may be lacking in any nutrients, it’s best to take them to the vet and have tests done to find out.
There Is a Nutritional Shortfall
A dog may eat grass to make up for inadequate nutrition if it isn’t given a healthy, appropriate, and balanced diet.
Golla claims that when a dog’s diet is lacking something, they will attempt to make up for it by eating grass.
It is advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian and have them tested to determine where they might be deficient in any nutrients if you suspect a nutrition deficit.
They’re bored or trying to get noticed.
Dogs will always be dogs. When they are bored or realize that chewing and eating grass will get their owner’s attention, they will do it.
According to Golla, chewing grass by a dog does not always indicate that it is malnourished, has low fiber, or is having digestive problems. Some dogs will chew, drink, and eat grass just because they bored.
Dogs are intelligent too. According to Akers, if they observe that their owner pays them extra attention each time they eat grass, this could quickly turn into a habit where they try to get even more attention.
They Feel Worried
Eating grass can be a coping strategy or a way for some dogs to self-soothe if they are anxious, according to Akers.
Nearly 74% of the approximately 14,000 dogs analyzed in a 2020 Finnish medical study had some form of problematic behavior, with noise sensitivity being the most prevalent anxiety trait.
The following are the most typical indications of anxiety in dogs, per the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine:
- Destructive tendencies
- Envious
- Downcast or receding ears
- Overzealous barking
- mouth licking
- Crying out loud
- robbing
- Moaning
- revealing the whites of the eyes
Behavioral therapy and anti-anxiety drugs such as trazodone can be used to treat anxiety.
They Appreciate Grass’s Texture and/or Taste
According to Dr. Marisa Brunetti, V.M.D., chief veterinary officer of IndeVets, a veterinary staffing service that collaborates with animal hospitals, some dogs just like the taste and/or texture of fresh grass.
Some dogs, according to Brunetti, enjoy tasting or consuming grass, particularly tender spring grasses. This may only happen sporadically throughout the year and won’t hurt your dog in any way. and pass quickly.”
Dew-coated grass may also provide your dog with additional moisture that it enjoys.
To Consume More Fiber
If the dog’s current diet lacks fiber, Golla says, they will also naturally eat grass, which is a source of fiber.
Studies have demonstrated that up to 50% of an adult dog’s daily weight can come from carbohydrates, with 2.5% to 4.5% coming from fiber. Fats and proteins should make up at least 5.5% and 10% of the diet, respectively.
VCA Animal Hospitals states that dogs require fiber in their diet in order to have regular stools and proper digestion of food. They can eat grass, which is a rich source of fiber, to help control their body’s processes.
Golla notes that constipation can result from consuming too much grass, though.
They approve of it
Dogs often consume both meat and plants, despite the common misconception that they only eat meat. It appears that more people eat grass between April and August, though the season and weather could alter the grass’s flavor, texture, or odor.
They must be unwell.
Dogs are said to eat grass either to induce vomiting or to help calm their stomachs. In 2008, a survey involving approximately 1,500 dogs revealed that less than 10% of the dogs exhibited symptoms of illness prior to consuming grass, and only 25% of the dogs experienced ongoing illness following the event. While some dogs do throw up after eating grass, this research indicates that it’s actually more common for dogs not to get sick.
They Possess Pica
Pica is a medical condition that some dogs get. The act of an animal repeatedly chewing and ingesting non-nutritional materials that do not offer any physical advantages is known as pica, according to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine.
In addition to barking at sounds inside the house and at strangers, one of the three most prevalent behavioral issues among 2,000 dog owners, according to a 2019 Japanese study, was pica.
The study went on to say that puppies and neutered dogs had a higher chance of developing pica.
It aids in parasite removal
According to some research, some dogs might consume grass on a regular basis to help clear their intestines of any parasites. By encircling and eliminating any parasites as the grass exits the digestive tract, the undigested grass may aid in cleansing the gut.
Is it normal for dogs to eat grass?
Sure. In a study involving 1,500 dog owners, nearly 70% of respondents claimed that their pets consumed plants daily or at least once a week. It was found that the most common instance of this behavior was in younger dogs. Dogs are omnivores by nature, meaning they like both plants and meat. Moreover, grass is apparently also consumed by dogs in the wild.
Should I take action if my dog consumes grass?
For many dogs, occasionally eating grass is normal; however, you should seek advice from your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s health or believe that their grass eating is excessive.
If my dog is consuming grass, when should I call the veterinarian?
Dogs will occasionally eat grass, but you should call your veterinarian if your dog:
displays additional symptoms, such as not eating the food you give them, looking tired, or having diarrhea or constipation.
- Consumes grass compulsively
- Continues to eat grass and feels ill
- Consult your veterinarian for advice if you have any concerns about your dog’s health.
Is it unsafe for dogs to eat grass?
If a dog is healthy otherwise and receiving parasite protection, eating unsprayed grass shouldn’t cause any serious problems. Make sure there are no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers on the grass your dog likes to chew on in order to keep your grass-eating mutt healthy.
According to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, pica can result in gastrointestinal obstructions, dental issues, and poisoning.
In summary, dogs can consume grass for a variety of reasons, such as to ease stomach discomfort or just because they find it to be delicious. Though generally harmless, eating grass can upset certain dogs’ stomachs and cause vomiting. Owners of pets need to keep an eye on how much grass their dogs are eating and be alert to any strange behaviors or symptoms that might point to a medical condition.
