• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Dog health: Why dogs eat grass

Posted October 1, 2021

dogs eat grass
Many dogs eat grass to soothe their upset stomachs. Other dogs do so when they are hungry.

Many dogs eat grass to settle an upset stomach. It’s a typical dog behavior that rarely indicates signs of illness. 

Dogs can’t run to the pharmacy if their tummies are upset.

Nature, however, has provided dogs with the instinct to eat grass to help them rid their bodies of indigestible materials, such as toy stuffing, a sock, or pieces of undigested rawhide.

Many pet parents or dog owners get nervous about their dog’s grass-eating behavior. But pet owners don’t need to worry. The behavior is normal.

Dogs in the wild eat grass and plant material, and now our dogs do too if they have ingested something toxic. They also eat grass if there is excess mucus or bile in their stomachs because they are hungry.

And, some dogs like the taste of grass.

Grass also provides extra roughage that may be needed if your dog either has diarrhea or is feeling constipated. Some eat grass if they have intestinal parasites.

Consider what your dog eats

If your dog routinely eats grass, reconsider the food you provide. Watch your dog’s behavior prior to eating grass. If your dog acts like he’s hungry, and then eats grass, you may need to switch to higher-quality food to make sure your dog gets the nutrients they need.

Hungry dogs eat plants or grass to relieve themselves of the discomfort of the mucus and bile build-up in their empty stomachs.

Eating grass is typical for an otherwise healthy dog. If your dog eats grass excessively, take your pet to your veterinarian to check for a more serious medical problem.

You also may consider changing your dog’s diet, including a nutritional supplement, or perhaps adding an extra feeding per day.

Pet-safe grass

golden retriever with tennis ball in tall grass. Dogs eat grass when they are bored.
Some eat grass if they are bored, so providing your dog with mental stimulation can help break that bad habit.

Most dogs vomit after eating grass and if your dog ate grass, make sure they do not return to the house until they have vomited outside. Induced vomiting after eating grass may be necessary. Then, be sure to check it out. It sounds gross, but you may get a clue as to what is causing this behavior!

To keep your dog (and lawn) healthy, consider using pet-safe grass seed and organic fertilizers. 

For dogs confined to condos or apartments or if you use chemicals on your lawn, provide them with wheatgrass. It is available at many pet stores. Cats love it too!

Why do dogs eat grass?

Your dog instinctively knows what is best. First, eliminate any medical causes for the behavior. If your dog continues to eat grass, don’t treat your lawn with chemical herbicides and pesticides.

Use natural treatments and let your dog eat safe plants and grass. It’s nature’s way of helping them stay healthy.

Karen A. Soukiasian is the owner of Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

 

Related Posts

  • adopt a dog like baby Sydney, an adorable Australian shepherd-corgi mix
    4 reasons your dog eats grass

    Four common reasons dogs eat grass: they're bored, nauseous, need…

  • Black Labrador sniffs grass. Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons.
    Why DO dogs eat poop? And what can you do to stop them?

    Dogs eat poop when they're bored or have a nutritional…

  • Happy corgi poses next to sunflower. Sunflowers are dog-safe plants that add vibrant color to any yard.
    10 dog-safe plants you can add to any yard

    Fill your yard with dog-safe plants, including roses, sunflowers, and…

  • Jack Russell terrier plays fetch in a dog-friendly yard.
    Create a dog-friendly yard

    Create a dog-friendly yard that becomes a fun, safe space…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Dogs eat grass

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Puppy kindergartenTwo dogsTicksSheddingOutdoor activitiesSmall dogsPuppy-proofYorkshire terrierSeparation anxietyWaterOld dogsPawSocializationPit bullWorking dogsVeterinarianPet parentsVacation dog careRottweilerValentine's DayPomeranianPoodletraining tipsPandemicService dogsRescue dogPet sitterPotty trainingPetfinder.comThanksgiving

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]
  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.