Do you need to worry about the green stuff?
The behaviour of dogs eating grass is quite common, and there are numerous factors that could contribute to this behaviour.
Animals are believed to seek out grass when they are unwell in order to induce vomiting, which helps them recover and find relief. It is essential to understand that not every dog vomits after eating grass, and some dogs simply enjoy the taste or texture of it.
If your dog hasn’t eaten grass before but starts doing so excessively, it’s vet time.
Twyla, our current dog, just like her predecessor Moo, has a fondness for grazing on specific patches of grass. Among all the blades of grass, it is the fatter and wider ones that catch her attention, in particular. I’m guessing they are the juiciest. Much like a salad bar, but for dogs.
I know exactly which spots she likes to browse for a bit of the green stuff. She will happily snuffle along, sliding long bits through her teeth, nibbling and chewing as she goes.
Dogs sometimes eat grass as a way to improve their bowel movements. The increased fibre intake can help facilitate easier and smoother digestion.
Pro and Prebiotics will be in plentiful supply in the prized leafy lunch too.
Another possibility is that this behaviour is a trait passed down from their wild ancestors, who would have included plant material in their diet. Wolf poo often has bits of plant material and berries in it.
Your dog may exhibit these behaviours because of boredom or curiosity. Grass, to a dog, might be perceived as nothing more than an additional captivating item to chew on. Ensuring they have plenty of mental stimulation, enrichent, toys and training plus appropriate physical exercise might help curb their grass-eating habits if it’s because of boredom.
When to let your dog snack away.
Of course, it’s vital to make sure the grass hasn’t been treated with pesticides. If it kills small creatures, destroys plant life,then the chances are it has some pretty rotten chemicals in. If your dog often eats grass or seems unwell, talk to your vet to rule out any health problems. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
If the grass is clean, and your healthy dog enjoys a bit of grass to eat, then there is no harm in allowing him to release his inner Daisy the Cow.
Just like us, sometimes a bit of what you fancy does you good, and grass is certainly full of nutrition and may well taste good to your dog.
The uniqueness of each dog ensures that the reasons behind their behaviour are diverse. Observing when and how often your dog eats grass could provide clues to their specific reasons.
Learn more about feeding your dog and giving them an appropriate fresh diet in our Free Course!
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