Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
May 22, 2020
Now that spring is here and the snow is all gone, you might find that your dog has taken a sudden interest in the grass and started eating it. Many of you want to know if this is okay?
Grass and stomach upsets
Although most veterinarians will deny it, dogs who eat grass do so to make themselves vomit. If they’ve eaten something they didn’t like or that didn’t agree with them, it’s not uncommon for them to munch on some grass to help them throw up and get rid of whatever ails them.
Grass for quenching thirst
Another anecdotal reason your dog will eat grass is to freshen his mouth if he’s thirsty and has been running around a lot outside and there’s no available water around. Wet grass is especially favoured among certain canines.
Grass tastes good
Sometimes your dog eats grass because they like the smell and taste of it. The tender young shoots can be quite sweet and juicy. Just make sure your dog doesn’t develop a taste for other plants that might cause them harm and always look out for chemically treated lawns and grass.
Grass is high in fibre
Most often dogs will eat grass because they’re not getting enough fibre in their diet. So try a dog food with higher fibre than your regular brand and see if that makes a difference. Additionally, check to see there are no nutritional deficiencies in your dog’s diet. Not all dog foods are created equal, but there are plenty on the market designed to give your dog a full and adequate supply of macronutrients as well as micronutrients like essential vitamins and minerals.
There's nothing else to do
Some dogs will eat grass out of boredom, whether they’re out in the backyard or on a walk with you around the neighbourhood. So try and keep things interesting for them. Change up the routine and take a different route or go to the park instead. Play a game of fetch with them and if they’re on leash, remind them of how good they’re walking or behaving. Dogs love the sound of their owner's voice and their laughter is like sugar to a baby.
All in all, eating grass won’t hurt your dog, provided it is fresh, uncut, untreated grass. So if he or she enjoys it and everything else checks out, let them eat grass! It’s better than cake!