Why do dogs eat grass?

Lots of dogs eat grass. Sometimes they chew and swallow it; sometimes they just seem to grab it and spit it out again. Perhaps you worry about this behaviour too and wonder: is my dog hungry? Bored? Or maybe ill? The fact is that even dogs on a well-balanced diet regularly go for the green stuff.

Eating grass is common behaviour in all dogs, regardless of breed. Some dogs will eat any grass, others are more selective. Here are four reasons why dogs eat grass:

1. Your dog’s diet may not be the right one for them

One reason dogs eat grass is that they are extremely hungry or may have a nutritional deficiency. The poorer a dog’s diet, the more likely it is to eat grass.

Before you start preparing home-made meals, consult a professional to make sure the nutritional balance is right. If you notice your dog grazing on grass or house plants, you may want to introduce natural herbs or cooked vegetables into its diet.

2. Dog eating grass? S.O.S., my tummy!

Some dogs eat grass when they feel unwell, as a way to make themselves sick and then feel better. Once swallowed, the blade of grass tickles the throat, which can make the dog vomit. They are simply looking for a natural way to get rid of wind or an upset stomach, and grass can do the trick. However, watch out for a sudden increase in grass eating, as this can be a sign of a more serious underlying illness that your dog is trying to treat itself. In that case, get veterinary help straight away.

3. Your dog is bored

Dogs often chew things when they are bored and need “something to do”. So perhaps the most likely reason dogs eat grass is that it is a rewarding and fun activity that relieves boredom. Always make sure your dog has enough enrichment, exercise and suitable things to chew.

4. An old habit

Eating grass is said to be a normal tendency inherited from dogs’ wild ancestors. To survive, ancestral dogs needed to be good hunters as a pack. Eating grass may have evolved as a way to mask their scent from their prey. Over time, dogs became omnivores, which may explain why they have a taste for grass.

Is grass dangerous?

Normally, grass is not dangerous. Occasionally, though, grass, and especially grass awns, can get stuck at the back of your dog’s throat. If your dog seems uncomfortable after eating grass or paws at its mouth, check whether grass could be the cause. Grazing itself is not harmful, but bear in mind that certain herbicides and pesticides used on lawns can be quite toxic, especially when swallowed, and should definitely be avoided.

Garden sprays, such as weedkillers, can make grass and plants poisonous. If you don’t know whether an area is free of chemicals, don’t let your dog graze there. And remember: grass itself isn’t poisonous, but some types of grass and plants are! Whatever the real reason (and it can differ from dog to dog, or be a combination of all of the above), you can rest assured that eating grass is normal behaviour for normal, healthy dogs.

Source: Tractive Blog