What does it mean if your dog eats grass? Expert explains.

A dog expert has answered the questions that owners commonly ask, including what it means if your furry friend eats grass. According to the puppy training app Zigzag, the number of questions Googled about puppies each month has reached more than 54,000. Lorna Winter, a director of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter and co-founder of Zigzag, has answered the most asked questions. And some of them are pretty bizarre – one asks how to stop their pet from chewing their leg hair.¹

What It Means When Your Dog Eats Grass

Lorna says that it is perfectly normal if your dog eats grass, but there may be a few reasons why they opt to eat it. Different grasses, such as Galium aparine or Goosegrass, taste good for puppies. But they also might be trying to get their owner’s attention and want to play a game with them. Lorna also says that munching on grass can indicate a lack of fiber in their diet, and they may be looking for more roughage. Additionally, your pet can likely smell the benefits of plants.

Why Dog Eats Grass

Veterinarians will tell you that they answer this question all day, every day, which means when your dog eats grass, it is normal. Eating “strange” non-food items (like grass) is technically known as pica and may be associated with a diet deficient in nutrients, vitamins, or minerals. But dogs on well-balanced, commercial diets should not be nutritionally deficient, so why do they eat grass?

One common assumption is that your dog eats grass to relieve upset stomachs. Some dogs consume grass with urgency, then vomit shortly afterward. However, studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, making it unlikely that they turn to grass as a form of self-medication. It is more probable that dogs eat grass to fulfill their need for roughage, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Another reason your dog eats grass is out of boredom. Dogs may get bored when left alone in the yard and turn to grass as a way to pass the time. In this case, providing interactive play, exercise, and spending quality time with your dog can help alleviate the behavior.

Dogs may also have an instinctual inclination to eat grass. Their ancestors, in the wild, would consume the entire animal they hunted, including the stomach contents filled with grass and plants. This behavior may be ingrained in their genetic makeup.²

Is Eating Grass Bad for Dogs?

The consumption of grass may just be a sign that your dog is attempting to relieve an upset stomach, and some pups do vomit soon after eating it. That said, a small limited study conducted at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine showed that only about 22 percent of dogs studied frequently vomited after eating grass, and only 9 percent frequently showed signs of illness prior to eating grass. The researchers concluded that grass and plant-eating is a normal behavior of domestic dogs.

However, caution should be exercised as grass may be treated with herbicides and pesticides that are toxic to dogs. But when your dog eats grass, it can also cause them to ingest intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, that are left from animal droppings. In both cases, your veterinarian may want to perform assessments with fecal samples or blood tests to look for parasites and toxicity.²

Common Solutions

If you can, try to stop your dog from eating grass, especially the stuff that’s not growing on your own property. While chewing on the lawn is a common behavior in many canines, you can train your dog out of the behavior to help provide peace of mind. Teach the “leave it” command and go outside with your dog until you know the habit is broken.

Always monitor your dog when houseplants are nearby, as certain varieties can cause toxicity if they’re chewed or ingested. It’s best to consult with your vet if you think your dog has chewed on a toxic houseplant or possibly ingested too much grass with a small amount of chemicals. Don’t use harmful chemicals or fertilizers – plant a dog-safe garden.

Feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals – feeding especially first thing in the morning. Consider different products or a deterrent spray showing your dog what areas are off-limits. Ask your veterinarian or a veterinarian nutritionist for recommendations of a balanced, nutritional food or digestive supplement that will best suit your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. When you let your dog in the yard, play with him or give him a safe chew toy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dogs eat grass for various reasons, including a need for fiber, instinctual behavior, boredom, or seeking attention. While it is generally safe, precautions should be taken to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and parasites. Owners can discourage grass eating through proper nutrition, engaging activities, training commands, and a dog-friendly environment. Monitoring your dog’s behavior and seeking veterinary advice when necessary will help ensure their overall health and well-being.

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