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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Jordan Rubin | Nov 17, 2022

When your dog runs out into the yard in the morning and immediately starts gobbling down grass as quickly as possible, you may wonder what's going on. Why is my dog eating grass? Is my dog’s stomach upset, do they need more fiber in their diet, or is it the surfacing of long-forgotten instincts? Most importantly, is it even safe? Should you stop them?

To begin with, eating grass in itself won't hurt your dog. Dogs have been eating grass forever, so it's nothing unusual. There are a few reasons you may not want your dog eating grass, which we'll discuss in a minute. No one knows why dogs eat grass. Dog owners and veterinarians have come up with several different explanations, but we can't be entirely sure, and it may be for a reason other than those listed below which is why we always recommend discussing your dog's health and wellbeing with your veterinarian if you notice changes in behaviour.

Is it Instinct?

Dogs in the wild used to eat an entire animal, bones and all. If that animal's diet consisted of grass and plants, then the dog's diet also consisted of grass and plants. Some wild dogs would also eat grass directly for no discernable reason.

Nutrients In Grass

Some people believe that dogs eat grass because they need additional fibre in their diets, which helps dogs digest and pass their food. The American Kennel Club suggests switching to dog food that contains more fibre if your dog regularly eats grass.

Dogs can't digest the grass, so it simply passes through their digestive tract. According to one published study, an 11-year-old poodle ate grass consistently on his daily walks. He did this for seven years, vomiting each time afterward. At the researchers' request, the owner switched to a higher-fibre diet, and after three days, the dog stopped eating grass altogether.

Is Eating Grass a Psychological Issue?

There is a condition called pica, which is the urge to eat non-food items. According to PetMD.com, pica is primarily a behavioural disorder and is only diagnosed by looking at what pets do when they are bored or stressed. The main problems stem from what they eat or chew on, such as objects that contain toxins or can cause internal damage.

Nutritional and hormonal imbalances and diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems can exacerbate the condition. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose pica and any related conditions with blood, stool, and urine tests. There are also behavioural and medical treatments for the condition.

Is It An Upset Stomach?

Many people believe that dogs eat grass to induce vomiting when they have an upset stomach, so they eat the grass to counteract these symptoms. However, a small study on pets.WebMD.com shows fewer than 10% of dogs appeared sick before eating grass, and less than 25% of those that ate grass vomited afterward.

Do Dogs Eat Grass Because They Like It?

Some dogs do enjoy the texture and taste, especially the new grass that emerges in the spring. Or they may eat wet grass if thirsty, so ensure they drink before you take them outside.

They Get More Attention From You

According to the AKC, some dogs may learn that when they eat grass, their owners give them more attention, such as giving them treats and talking to them more to get them to stop eating grass. Pulling a dog away from grass may encourage them to eat more because it still gets them the attention they want.

Why Eating Grass May Be Unsafe for Dogs

Dogs shouldn't eat grass if your lawn is treated with pesticide or herbicide because you don't want them to ingest those chemicals. The other reason is that your dog could pick up a parasite such as hookworms, roundworms, or parvovirus. Keep your pet away from grass contaminated by fecal droppings from other animals or waste materials.

Parasites can cause gastrointestinal disease, especially in unvaccinated dogs. If your dog picks up a parasite, they may experience diarrhea and weight loss. Also, puppies are at risk of anemia or even death if they carry a lot of worms. If your dog has regular diarrhea or is losing weight, ask your vet to check for parasites.

How to Get Your Dog to Stop Eating Grass

Eating grass is not the best choice, whether from instincts passed down from canines in the wild or dietary preferences. Here are a few ways to encourage your dog to stop eating grass.

  • Go for walks after they eat, so they're already full.
  • Train them with positive reinforcement like praise and petting whenever they avoid it.
  • When they start to eat grass, distract them with another command like "sit" or "heel," then reward them with a treat.
  • Ensure they get plenty of exercise.
  • Get a wide variety of toys and rotate them to keep them entertained.
  • Ask your vet if they recommend a higher-fibre diet for your dog.
  • Make sure your grass is healthy and chemical-free.

Taking Care of Your Pet With Furkin

It can be challenging to plan for unexpected vet bills, so we believe pet insurance offers you a safety net should your dog require medical care. Getting insurance early on is best, so you don't have to choose between financial stress and your pet's future health. Get a quote from our reliable team at Furkin. Our priority is to provide healthy coverage fur your pet at a happy cost to you.