Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Grass-Eating Is a Common Occurrence in Dogs

Many dog owners usually feel alarmed whenever they see their fur-baby chewing on their lawn. But the truth is that grass eating, a behavior technically known as “pica,” or eating things that are not characterized as food, is quite common among dogs.

Researchers have concluded that grass eating is a common behavior that usually occurs in normal dogs and is generally not associated with illness or dietary needs. They go on to suggest that grass eating may reflect an innate predisposition inherited from dogs’ wild ancestors. This is supported by research on droppings left by wolves. Such research finds evidence of grass in 11 to 47% of the stool samples studied. The usefulness of grass eating in these wild canines is that it can help to purge intestinal parasites. The plant material passes through the intestinal tract and the fibrous matter increases the intestinal contractions and wraps around the worms or nematodes which may be infecting the animal. In this way the grass helps to purge the system of these potentially harmful parasites. Although most pet dogs are free of such worms they nonetheless may still have that predisposition to eat grass, which was helpful to their ancestors living in the wild.

As is the case with so many canine behavior questions, it isn’t 100% clear why dogs eat grass, and there may be multiple reasons. One reasonable answer is that they like it. One study found that puppies eat grass more commonly than older dogs, indicating that there may be a playful aspect to the blade-chomping, as well. Puppies like to put everything in their mouths, and grass is no exception. They may find out that the taste and texture are pleasant and carry the habit through their lifetime.

Eating Grass Is a Normal Dog Behavior

Dogs know what they need to consume. And in fact, biologists have told us that all canids — dogs and wild dogs (wolves, coyotes, dingoes, etc.) — consume grass and it’s a completely normal behavior.

Dogs Eat Grass When They Suffer From Gastrointestinal Upset

An interesting question, along the lines of the “chicken or the egg” premise is this:

“Do dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit, or do they vomit because they ate grass?”

Dogs do not have the means to easily digest grass, as they lack the enzymes needed to break down the fibers.  One reason for eating grass may be due to a feeling of nausea. It is possible that dogs learn this is a temporary solution for stomach irritation.

Most pet parents are well aware that dogs will, on occasion, eat large amounts of grass in an attempt to make themselves throw up. When they exhibit this behavior, it tends to be almost frantic.

They’ll whimper and cry to be let out, then they’ll run outside and start eating any grass they can find; they’re not selective.

After they consume a large amount of grass, they’ll often times lick their lips because they’re nauseous, and then they’ll vomit. It’s completely normal for your dog to vomit occasionally (like people do when they are ill), meaning one or two times a year.  Most often it’s nothing to worry about and your dog knows what’s best in terms of intentionally voiding their system of something that could be toxic, or making them unwell.

Although there is a lack of solid evidence that grass-eating is directly related to a dog self-curing, Petmd.com says that it does seem like dogs will seek out a natural remedy for a gassy or upset stomach, and grass may do the trick: “When ingested, the grass blade tickles the throat and stomach lining.  This sensation, in turn, may cause the dog to vomit, especially if the grass is gulped down rather than chewed.”

If your dog occasionally eats grass and is sick afterwards, he is just self-medicating.  If your dog eats grass and is sick on a regular basis, then it is important to have a discussion with your vet.

Dogs May Feed on Grass Simply Because They Want To

Simply put, some dogs eat grass because they want to.  If you let your dog out the back door and it looks like she’s having a great time running around when all of a sudden you see her on a mission, sniffing and specifically seeking out tall, broad grasses, or searching for a certain patch of grass, she may be looking for a truly organic treat.  She may use her front teeth to nibble and eat a few strands of the selected grass with an unhurried intention and then go on about her way. Do not, EVER, let your dog munch on grass that has been treated with toxic chemicals!!

You can provide a safe alternative by growing a grass or herb garden specifically for your pup to snack on. There are organic grass growing kits available for dogs and cats who instinctively chew and eat grass, and they provide a safe, healthy alternative to eating outdoor grass.

Grass Has Nutrients Your Dog May Need

Some researchers believe that the grasses your dog is seeking out probably contains some nutritional value that your dog is seeking. We know that grass contains an abundant source of fiber or roughage, for instance, and we know that since grass is a living green food it contains phytonutrients and is high in potassium and also chlorophyll. Grasses are also a pretty good source of digestive enzymes.

So your dog could be seeking out selective grasses to make up for one of these nutritional components that they’re currently not getting in their diet.

Some dogs may also eat grass because they are under-fed, don’t have access to adequate food or are just plain bored. But, in the majority of cases, even if your dog is well fed and well cared for, she will still selectively pick out certain grasses just for their nutritional health benefits.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Grass Often

As mentioned earlier, many dogs will eat grass to make themselves vomit, but if your dog is doing this on a frequent basis it’s a sign that her system may be off kilter.

In this case, you absolutely need to check with your vet and discuss the problem.  You may also need to reevaluate their diet, as frequent gastrointestinal upset is often a sign that something is wrong with the food that you’re feeding.

It may be a great quality food, one your dog has been eating for years with no trouble. But if your dog begins vomiting up grass and food several times a week or even weekly, this is not normal.

After consulting with your vet, I would recommend switching brands of food, switching flavors and switching protein sources.  Most importantly, if your dog has been eating the same diet for most of his life, you will need to make the transition gradually.

Important To Remember:

Grass eating is a common occurrence in dogs.

Researchers have found that grass eating in normal dogs is generally not associated with illness or dietary needs.

Dogs sometimes eat grass when they have digestive upsets and are seeking out a natural remedy for a gassy or upset stomach.

If you dog is eating grass and vomiting on frequent basis it’s a sign that her system may be off kilter.

If your dog occasionally eats grass and is sick afterwards, she is just self-medicating.  If your dog eats grass and is sick on a regular basis, then it is important to have a discussion with your vet.

Dog sometimes eat grass because they like to!

Never let your dog eat grass when it has been treated with any toxic chemicals!!

***So it’s important to recognize that you don’t have to prevent your dog from eating grass occasionally unless you have treated grass or your grass has pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals on it. You can help protect your grass eater by using only non-toxic products on your own lawn. When you’re out in public areas, keep an eye out for signs warning that chemicals have been used on the grass.  If you think that your dog may be suffering from poisoning caused by lawn treatments, call the  ASPCA’s 24/7 Animal Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435.