Blog Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

You feed your dog a very nutritious food consisting of everything they need to be healthy and to grow, so why do they still insist on dogs eat grass?

Even though no one really knows for sure why dogs eat grass, but pet experts say it is fairly normal canine behavior and probably nothing to worry about. There are two main types of canine grass eating: grazing and instinctive behavior.

Grazing

This is the type of grass eating where your dog happily munches on grass and goes through no ill effects. Every dog typically has its own unique traits, but it’s not uncommon to see this behavior when your pet is anxious, or maybe even a little bored.

Some vets believe that dogs eat to make up for a nutritional deficiency but dogs can even eat grass when they eat well-balanced diets. It can be a fair possibility that some dogs just like the taste. So some dogs might still fancy some fiber or greens even if you are feeding your dog well.

Instinctive Behavior

This type of grass eating is thought to be more of instinctive behavior. It is believed to be a deliberate attempt to induce vomiting after your dog has swallowed something that makes it feel ill. It is very possible that your dog may be suffering from an upset stomach, and their instinct is to throw up as a form of relief.

Dogs that eat grass just to make themselves vomit usually swallow it as soon as possible, barely even chewing it. They vomit when long unchewed pieces of grass tickle their throats.

Safe to eat?

Whatever the grass-eating behavior your dog shows, it is important that you keep a careful eye on the sort of grass your dog is eating. Make sure you do not let them eat anything that has been treated with pesticides or fertilizers. Your lawn care products should be safe for pets as a precautionary measure.

How to stop my dog from eating grass?

If your dog’s eating habits are starting to concern you, there are some things you can try to help curb the habit. Making adjustments to their food or eating habits can make an impact on your pet’s behavior over time. It’s a good practice to get a recommendation from your vet about what would be a good food to feed to ensure you do not make their digestion problems worse.

How can I know if my dog needs to see a vet?

Your dog has probably taken care of whatever was bothering them if it eats grass then vomits and seems fine. But in case, they keep eating grass and vomiting, you should take them to see the vet. If you ever think your dog is not showing normal behavior, it is best to consult your vet immediately.

 Occasional grass grazing, typically, isn’t a cause for concern, but if your dog compulsively ingests foreign objects on a regular basis, you may want to see if they have a medical condition.