Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Eating grass can be an odd habit for your pup, and you may be wondering why they're doing it in the first place.

Grass contains chlorophyll, which aids red blood cells in transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Chlorophyll helps replenish your dog's bile, which may accumulate in their stomach when they don't get enough to eat.

It’s natural

Animals such as cattle and sheep enjoy grazing on grass because their stomachs can digest its cellulose content, which also provides essential dietary nutrients.

When your dog consumes grass, they are ingesting chlorophyll - a green pigment that helps replenish red blood cells. Furthermore, they're taking in oxygen that their body requires for survival and health.

Ingesting grass is a normal behavior for dogs, and should not be worrying about it. In fact, it may even be an instinctive response that dogs use to communicate how much they rely on their owners.

Pet experts are uncertain as to why dogs tend to eat grass. Some experts speculate it could be due to boredom or anxiety; when their owner leaves them alone for extended periods of time, dogs may feel the need to fill their time by munching on greenery.

Other people believe it could be a sign their dog is feeling unwell or uncomfortable. If your pup eats grass when sick, it could indicate they're trying to vomit anything they ate to help clear out their stomach.

Many pet parents believe their dog benefits from eating grass because it contains certain essential nutrients. Grass also provides fiber which aids digestion and can serve as a laxative.

It could also be that your dog is eating more grass than usual due to a nutritional deficiency. If you find that they're getting more grass than usual, take them to the vet so they can make sure they get all of their necessary vitamins and minerals through food.

Finally, it is possible that your dog is trying to expel parasites from their system. If they show signs of vomiting after eating grass, this could indicate they have ingested hookworms or other intestinal parasites from animal feces. If this occurs frequently, take your pup right away for a checkup and treatment from your veterinarian.

They’re bored

Dogs possess an innate scavenger instinct, which explains why they often feed on grass, weeds and other plant matter. This has been their way of surviving for centuries and provides them with essential nutrients - so it's important to feed them a balanced diet.

Grass eating in dogs is not unheard-of and can occur at any time. It could be a sign of boredom, illness or something else entirely; however there are steps you can take to help prevent it from starting in the first place.

1. If Your Dog Is Bored, Encourage Them To Do Other Activities

If your pup is feeling bored, provide plenty of mental and physical exercise for their brain to keep it stimulated. Doing this will prevent them from getting easily bored and chewing on grass.

2. If someone is experiencing loneliness or anxiety, this could be indicative of an underlying issue.

Lonely dogs often nibble on grass to pass the time while their owners are away. Anxious dogs may chew on grass as a means of de-stressing themselves, similar to how people may bite their fingernails or hair during times of stress.

3. If your children feel unappreciated by you, this could lead to behavioral issues.

Boredom is a common issue for dogs, and it can be remedied by providing them with more exercise and attention. Additionally, remember that dogs will chew anything available to them so make sure your home has plenty of toys and puzzles for them to keep entertained.

4. If they're not getting enough exercise, this could be indicative of an unhealthy diet.

If you're worried your pup isn't getting enough exercise, speak to your vet about creating an appropriate exercise plan. Alternatively, try providing them with more interactive activities outside like frisbee or ball launcher that don't require human interaction.

5. If your pup seems to be getting insufficient attention from their owner, this could indicate an anxious or stressful environment.

They’re sick

Many dog parents have been shocked when they walk their pups and discover them munching on a large mouthful of grass. Worried that their pooch may be sick or have consumed something toxic, many worry that such behavior could indicate an issue with health.

It is common for dogs to engage in grass-eating behavior. But if it happens frequently, then it might be time to consult your veterinarian.

One of the primary reasons dogs eat grass is to show they're feeling unwell.

Eating grass can release bile from your stomach, helping to alleviate any discomfort caused by an upset stomach.

Another reason dogs eat grass is to ensure they're getting all of their essential nutrients from their food diet.

There are various reasons why your dog may be lacking certain vitamins or minerals from their food, but most veterinarians agree that eating grass can help fill in those gaps.

Studies have demonstrated that dogs may actually absorb some essential nutrients from grass when given raw grass to eat.

Grass also contains vitamins, minerals and fiber that are beneficial to your dog's overall health and well-being.

It can be especially beneficial for older or overweight dogs who may not be getting enough essential nutrients from commercially prepared food sources.

Additionally, it can be beneficial for puppies and younger dogs who are easily bored.

If you suspect your dog is eating grass for any other purpose than nutritional enrichment, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

Some veterinarians believe that dogs who eat grass do so because they have an illness or are experiencing some form of psychological issue such as boredom.

Pica, a condition where your pup experiences an intense urge to consume non-food items like dirt, feces or grass, should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.

Your veterinarian should also test your dog for intestinal parasites, which can cause vomiting, weight loss and other serious issues. It's essential that all dogs receive regular fecal tests to check for infestations, plus they're on a monthly heartworm preventative and dewormer.

They’re trying to vomit

If your pup is experiencing nausea and eating grass, there may be an underlying issue. Vomiting-like behavior is usually indicative of nausea, so be sure to have them examined by a veterinarian.

Dogs typically regurgitate grass after trying to consume it, as their teeth are not designed for chewing plant material. If your pup ate any type of weed or toxic plant, they would likely experience vomiting and diarrhea shortly thereafter.

Vomit or stool that contains grass is generally not cause for alarm. Grass provides no nutritional value and cannot be digested the same way an herbivore does.

Contrastingly, meat-eating animals like rabbits or pigs possess the proper digestive tract to process grass, meaning they will pass it along without issue. Dogs on the other hand are omnivores - meaning they can eat both meat and vegetables without issue.

Dogs may eat grass to add protein or fiber to their diet, though this is not a common occurrence. They could also do it to calm an upset stomach, though this is not something most dogs are inclined to do.

Another possible explanation for why they eat grass is that it's an enjoyable, crunchy treat to nibble on. This could happen if they feel bored or overwhelmed with stress levels.

Though rare, some dogs suffer from pica - a compulsive eating disorder. This behavioral issue is often mistaken for psychological disorder but requires professional treatment by an expert.

Dogs are lean, muscular mammals with long legs and a bushy tail. They possess keen senses to track prey, as well as sharp teeth for hunting.

Homeothermic mammals refer to those that maintain their body temperature with a thermostat. They come in various species, from smaller foxes and gray wolves to sight hounds such as Salukis or greyhounds.