Why do dogs eat grass? You may see your dog grab a mouthful during their daily walk or romp through the park, making you ponder it awkwardly. We find various subjective opinions on dogs eating grass. There are many speculations as to why dogs eat grass. Many people believe that dogs eat grass, to make themselves vomit. They think it’s an instinctive behavior that a dog engages in to rid themselves of something they should not have eaten. Some tend to think that it’s an indication of the fact that your pup has an upset stomach.
Others believe that grass contains an essential nutrient their dogs instinctively know they need, or that grass offers much-needed fiber that aids in moving food through a pup’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Furthermore, they think that grass may serve as a laxative to help move stool along for dogs that are constipated.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
No one exactly knows why dogs eat grass. However, scientists have formed a few theories and disproved some myths based on the research we do have.
Instinctive Behavior
Some scientists suggest that a dog’s habit of eating grass may be an instinctive behavior passed down from their wolf ancestors.
Research on wolves has shown that plant material can make up 2-10% of the contents found in their stomachs. Wild canids, which belong to the Canidae family and include animals like wolves, jackals, foxes, and coyotes, have also been observed consuming grass.
Supplementing a Missing Nutrient
In one case report, an 11-year-old Miniature Poodle had a long-standing habit of eating plants and grass, often followed by vomiting. This behavior, which had persisted for seven years, was ultimately resolved when the dog was switched to a commercial high-fiber diet. This outcome suggested that the dog was attempting to compensate for a dietary fiber deficiency by consuming grass and plants. Once his diet included sufficient fiber, the grass-eating behavior ceased.
Can Dogs Digest Grass?
Dogs are primarily carnivores and, by nature, eat a meat-based diet. However, research has shown that through their long co-evolution with humans, dogs have developed some ability to digest carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and fibers, are commonly found in fruits, grains, vegetables, and dairy products.
Yet, even with this adaptation, dogs are not well-equipped to digest grass. Grass typically passes through a dog’s digestive system largely undigested. So while dogs can process some plant materials, grass remains difficult for them to break down.
Normal Dog Behavior
A study conducted in 2007 explored how a dog’s hunger level and the time of day influenced grass-eating behavior. The research indicated that dogs were less likely to eat grass after a meal, with grass-eating behavior more common before mealtime and less frequent later in the day. The researchers concluded that grass-eating is a natural canine behavior, not necessarily a sign of illness or deficiency.
Soothing an Upset Stomach
Another study compared two groups of dogs, with one group fed a diet containing fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and the other a standard diet. FOS is derived from sugar beets and passes undigested through the small intestines into the large intestine, where it undergoes fermentation. High levels of FOS can lead to loose, watery stool.
Interestingly, the dogs on the standard diet exhibited more frequent grass-eating than the dogs fed with FOS, even though the FOS diet group experienced episodes of diarrhea. This finding suggests that dogs with gastrointestinal issues may be less inclined to eat grass. However, because the diarrhea in this study originated in the large intestine, it does not provide insights into grass-eating behavior in dogs experiencing stomach or small intestine upset.
Curiosity
Dogs, particularly younger ones, tend to explore their environment with their mouths. Eating grass might simply be a form of experimentation, similar to how children sometimes eat dirt. Some dogs may even develop a taste for grass over time.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some dogs may also associate grass-eating with attention from their owners. When dogs eat grass, pet parents often try to stop them by talking to them, offering treats, or pulling them away. This reaction can reinforce the behavior, as some dogs may seek extra attention. In certain cases, dogs may even eat grass more eagerly if they sense it is “forbidden” because of how their owners respond.
Do Dogs Eat Grass to Vomit?
Although not many studies have been done on why dogs eat grass, there’s evidence that most dogs do not eat grass to vomit.
We asked about their dogs’ grass-eating habits from two different populations of people in one study, —students studying to be veterinarians and pet parents.
Almost all reported that their dogs ate grass and almost none reported that their dogs regularly vomited after doing so. Most of these dogs involved in the experiment didn’t have any signs of illness before eating grass. Therefore, this study shows us that dogs are not likely to eat grass to make themselves vomit.
Safety Risks for Dogs That Eat Grass
If you have dogs and a backyard, it’s essential to be mindful of potential dangers lurking on the grass that could harm your pets. While grass itself might not be directly harmful, what’s on it can pose serious health risks for dogs. Environmental toxins, parasites, bacteria, and even viruses can all find their way onto your lawn, and dogs can ingest these harmful elements simply by eating the grass.
Additionally, if a dog consumes a large amount of grass, it can sometimes get trapped in their digestive tract, potentially causing an obstruction, particularly if mixed with non-food items.
Let’s explore the most common risks associated with dogs eating grass.
Pesticides
Pet owners should be vigilant about pesticides on their lawns, as these chemicals can be toxic to dogs. If you suspect that your dog has ingested grass treated with pesticides, it’s crucial to get them to the veterinary clinic right away for treatment.
Signs that a dog has ingested pesticides include:
- Excessive drooling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
Fecal Contamination
Grass can become contaminated with fecal matter from other animals, which poses another risk. Eating grass contaminated with feces can expose your dog to intestinal illnesses and parasites.
One serious risk is parvovirus, which is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Parvovirus is a severe gastrointestinal disease that can be fatal in unvaccinated dogs and puppies. Additionally, feces can contain eggs or larvae from intestinal parasites, which can lead to weight loss and diarrhea in dogs.
To protect your dog from intestinal parasites, they should receive monthly deworming medication, often included in their heartworm preventatives, and undergo regular fecal testing.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Grass
If you notice your dog eating grass, try to stop them as soon as possible. Ensure that your dog is on an AAFCO-approved diet appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) to help them get all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
For any concerns about your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian.
When to Visit the Vet for Grass Eating
If your dog shows any signs of illness before or after eating grass, a vet visit is a good precaution to ensure their health. If the grass they ate was recently treated with pesticides or insecticides, bring them in for a checkup, and try to bring the product label with you. This will help the vet assess whether the chemicals may harm your dog.
Tips to Stop Your Dog from Eating Grass
To discourage your dog from eating grass, try the following strategies:
- Use a Leash: Keep your dog on a leash when walking through grassy areas.
- Time Your Walks: Take your dog out right after meals when their stomach is full.
- Limit Grass Access: Restrict your dog’s access to grass, especially in areas you cannot monitor.
- Positive Reinforcement: Encourage alternative behaviors using positive reinforcement.
When your dog goes for the grass, gently interrupt and redirect them to another activity, such as touching your hand for a treat or chasing a toy.
Another option is to grow a small patch of grass yourself for them to chew on. Some researchers believe that eating grass is normal dog behavior, so this allows your dog a safe option without the risk of ingesting pesticides, parasites, or other harmful substances.
