• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

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

4 reasons your dog eats grass

Posted November 11, 2017

 
golden retriever with tennis ball in tall grass. Dogs eat grass when they are bored.
Dogs eat grass when they are bored.

Dogs sometimes exhibit unusual behavior that may or may not indicate something serious. For instance, it’s natural for dog owners to get confused when they see their furry pals munching on grass.

This is called “pica” and it is an eating disorder that involves non-food items.

There’s no cause to be alarmed just yet. In most cases, it doesn’t indicate an underlying condition. What you actually have to watch out for early on is that the plants may contain herbicides or insecticides.

If your dog munches on grass frequently and it contains harmful substances, the ingested toxins could eventually reach dangerous levels.

That being said, it’s still not a good idea to limit your dog’s outdoor hours because of the behavior.

To be able to assess and manage the situation better, you should understand the reasons why dogs eat grass.

1. Dogs eat grass if they’re bored

Like humans, dogs can get bored if they aren’t given anything to do. Sometimes, they seek attention by barking or whining. On other occasions, they exhibit destructive behavior, including chewing your couch, biting your hand, or eating grass.

Another theory is that your four-legged friend might simply be curious, especially if it doesn’t go outdoors a lot.

If your dog eats grass because of boredom or curiosity, WebMD suggests introducing more physical activities.

When at the park, let your pet play with a ball/frisbee or jog beside you. You can also give a chew toy to keep it occupied. Or experiment with other great outdoor exercise options like water sports or hiking.

2. Some dogs like to eat grass

Maybe your canine pal prefers greens! Don’t be surprised, as dogs are omnivores. In a blog post by Susan Paretts, she explained on Go Fetch that your furry baby’s wolf ancestors probably ate fruits and vegetables daily, so its grass-eating habit may just be a case of genetics.

In fact, some dogs even eat particular types of grass – a trait that could have been passed on through generations. Conversely, it may also be a case of preference in terms of taste.

3. Some dogs need nutrients from grass

Some pooches eat grass because it has nutrients that common dog food doesn’t contain, like fiber and folic acid. This usually happens when your dog hasn’t eaten a meal in a while.

If their grass-eating bothers you, consider increasing their meal portions. It’s also important to incorporate whole grains, bran and cooked vegetables into its diet. If your dog has meals that meet their nutritional needs, it won’t have to eat through your lawn.

4. Some dogs eat grass when they feel nauseated

Similar to many other animals, eating grass helps canines cleanse their systems, especially when they have an upset stomach.

If this is the case, you’ll see your dog throw up or poop after eating grass.

A 2008 study found that dogs who felt nauseous before eating grass were more likely to vomit compared to dogs who weren’t.

However, this could also indicate a more serious gastrointestinal issue or the presence of a parasite. If your pup frequently eats grass and appears ill, it’s best to take him to the veterinarian.

 

 
 
 

Related Posts

  • dogs eat grass
    Dog health: Why dogs eat grass

    Dogs eat grass if they have ingested something toxic. If…

  • canine fitness agility is a great outdoor exercise for your dog
    Try new outdoor exercise activities with your dog

    Get your dog moving with outdoor exercise activities like agility…

  • Happy golden retriever plays in back yard. Get creative with these tips to turn your yard into a puppy paradise that you and your canine pal will never want to leave.
    Turn your yard into a puppy paradise

    Get creative with these tips to turn your yard into…

  • Jack Russell terrier plays fetch in a dog-friendly yard.
    5 tips for dog-friendly spring cleaning

    Dog-friendly spring cleaning: Clean up dog poop, prepare for shedding,…

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.

    Dog behavior: Understand pawing

  • puppy bite

    5 tips to stop puppy biting

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

Tags

Dog toys Quarantine Canine exercise Veterinarian Dog business Children Valentine's Day Major life changes Canine fitness Environment Dog communication Bichon frisé Vacation dog care Big dogs Cavalier King Charles spaniel Dog sleep Non-shedding breeds Dog brushing Pet sitter Apartment living Driving labsky Working dogs Biting medication Hiking Corgi Arthritis Emotional support dogs Dog cloning

Footer

Quick Links

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

Recent Posts

  • 7 foods dogs should avoid eating
    Be aware of foods your dog should avoid eating because they are toxic and could potentially cause choking, weakness, or death.  […]
  • 10 tips to save money on pet supplies
    Check our list of the top 10 ways to save money on pet supplies so you can enjoy your animal companion for less. […]
  • Does your dog need a breed-specific health supplement?
    Breed-specific health supplements fill nutrition gaps and provide support for joints as well as promote eyesight and a lustrous coat.  […]
  • Why does my dog smell like iron?
    If you notice a strange, iron, or metallic smell surrounding your beloved furry friend, the prime culprit is your dog’s anal glands. […]

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 2021 Dog's Best Life 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.