A lot of dog owners wonder, and ask, why does my dog eat grass? It’s really not uncommon for a lot of us pups to munch on grass! Grass is like green vegetables to us WOOF! In fact, most of us pups enjoy all types of green vegetables as well! There are a few thoughts on it that I’ll let my Lady tell ya about.
Why Does My Dog eat Grass?
Upset Stomach
Most of us think that when our dogs eat grass they have an upset stomach. We come to that conclusion because after eating grass, they throw up. In part, it may be true. Dogs seek out natural remedies, like grass, to settle a gassy or upset stomach. The grass may tickle their throat, making them throw up.
Grass is Like Veggies!
Some dogs like the flavor and will nibble a bit of grass now and again to enjoy the taste. Grass is like greens or vegetables that us humans eat. Miss Molly loves veggies and is known to nibble a few blades of grass every now and again.
Nutrients
Grass contains essential nutrients. If your dog is on a commercial dog food diet, they may crave these essential nutrients. Eating a few blades of grass every now and again or even daily is not a bad thing for them.
Provides Fiber
Some veterinarians have a theory that dogs eat grass for the fiber. If your dog seems to crave grass you might want to switch them to a higher fiber content dog food. You can also add cooked vegetables to your dog’s current food. Veggies like green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, asparagus, and sweet potatoes will enhance their food and provide essential nutrients.
Eating a Few Blades vs Grazing
If your dog is eating grass, there is no need for concern. Dogs have been doing this for centuries. With that said, there is a difference in munching on a few blades of grass and grazing huge amounts. If your dog is consuming huge quantities of grass, or suddenly consuming large amounts, they may have a medical issue and should be immediately seen by a vet.
We experienced the grazing with one of our dogs. She normally likes to munch a few blades of grass every now and again and seems to enjoy it. However, on this particular day, she had begun throwing up and having a little diarrhea. Then, she literally started grazing grass like a cow grazing in a pasture.
It was very alarming at the amount she was consuming! The vomiting and diarrhea became worse and bloody! It was scary to say the least and an immediate vet visit was in order. Turns out she had a severe gastrointestinal infection that required medications. In this instance, the grass did not make her sick. She was trying to self-medicate her sick stomach.
CAUTION!
Make sure your dog is not eating grass that has recently been sprayed with chemicals. While the grass may not be bad for fido, the chemicals could very well be toxic and make them sick!
The answer to the age-old question of why does my dog eat grass could be an upset tummy, they may need a little more fiber in their diet, they may crave essential nutrients, or they might just like the taste 🙂
Does your pooch enjoy munching on a little grass sometimes?
Marisela Zuniga
Tuesday 30th of June 2020
this is good to know, I didn't know this
Calvin
Sunday 16th of February 2020
Interesting info, always hear about cats eating grass, and not dogs.
Calvin
Thursday 25th of January 2018
Same applies to cat, they like grass too, but be cautious.
Ann
Thursday 4th of May 2017
This was an interesting read! My parents used to tell me that if a dog eats grass, that means it's going to rain soon... or so people say. :)
Linda Szymoniak
Sunday 26th of February 2017
Fortunately, my dogs typically only eat a few blades or, when they have a tummy upset, will eat more - but not excessive. I have three rescued Treeing Walker Coonhounds. My biggest boy, Seiji, has the most sensitive stomach of all three of them and is most likely to eat grass to get himself to throw up. My other boy, Kenji, does eat some now and then, but less often for stomach upset. I've noticed my girl will have grass in her poop, which can make it funny since the long strands of grass keep the poop sections connected and she'll be walking around with a few blades of grass hanging out her butt. Shortly after she got to me (I adopted her from a shelter almost 800 miles away and she came to me on a volunteer rescue transport, like I drive by me), she started eating more grass and when I saw bloody stool I ran her to the vet. In her case, it was whipworms, which she had been treated for when she was pulled for me, but the treatment apparently didn't get them all. We retreated her and she was fine.