Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Although it is evident that your dog is not a cow, you may occasionally see them munching on grass. You may ask yourself why they consume grass. Are they famished? Disinterested? Unwell? Do they get sick from eating grass? Let us go into further detail regarding this behavior below.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass
Even though this behavior could make you feel anxious and make you worry about the vomit, you’ll have to clean up later, it’s not necessarily a reason to be concerned.
But why do they do it, and how do you know when something isn’t right? Is it possible to stop dogs from eating grass? These are the explanations for why your dogs started to enjoy grass:
Deficiency in Diet
Some veterinarians and dog owners think that eating grass is pica, which is the consumption of non-food items. A nutritional shortage can occasionally bring this sickness on.
Insufficient daily intake of vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients caused a significant portion of these deficiencies.
If your dog eats grass regularly, you should talk to your veterinarian about changing their food. For dogs who are fed a well-balanced diet, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Fiber Need
Another method that eating grass may help your dog obtain more fiber is by passing stool, aiding in digestion, and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Switching to foods with more fiber could be beneficial.
It could be a good idea to examine your dog’s diet and add some dog-safe fruits and vegetables if you believe that the reason your dog is eating grass is that they are not getting enough fiber.
These are some safe fruits, and vegetables that dogs can eat that are high in fiber.
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Apples (without the core or any seeds)
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Cucumbers
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Peas
- Green beans
- Spinach
Boredom
Perhaps you are fortunate enough to let your dog play in your fenced backyard. However, the majority of dogs would prefer your company.
It’s possible that they are merely bored if they are lounging in the yard by themselves and nibbling on grass.
A combination of exercise, positive reward training, and spending quality time outside throwing balls with your dog can help you stop the behavior.
Instinct
Consuming grass may not be associated with any shortfall at all if a dog is consuming a complete and balanced diet.
It could just be instinct. Dogs’ dietary needs, preferences, and digestive systems have evolved to accommodate their domesticated lifestyle.
While grass was not the canine’s main food source in the wild, eating the animal provided an optimal diet, especially if the animal’s diet consisted mostly of plants.
Perhaps their innate desire for grass comes from a genetic characteristic from the days when they hunted their food.
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Tasty Treat
Of course, sometimes, especially in the spring when fresh grass is just beginning to emerge or when your dog is thirsty, they just like the taste and feel of fragrant, moist grass between their lips.
To quench your dog’s thirst, keep a bowl of cold, fresh water outside.
Why Did My Dog Eat Grass Before Throwing It Up?
Dogs may consume grass for a variety of reasons, such as to ease stomach discomfort or just because they think it tastes good.
Dog owners may be concerned since chewing grass can make them throw up. Dogs will typically eat grass to induce vomiting when they are sick or to ease gastrointestinal pain.
A dog’s stomach lining may become irritated after consuming grass, which sets off the vomiting reflex.
Vomiting aids in clearing the dog’s stomach of the grass and any other materials that can be irritating or uncomfortable.
Furthermore, consuming a lot of grass might clog the digestive tract, resulting in vomiting.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on your dog and make sure they’re getting enough water to stay hydrated if they throw up after eating grass.
See a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues if the vomiting continues or if other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy accompany it.
Vomiting may occasionally indicate a more serious illness that calls for medical attention, such as pancreatitis or gastroenteritis.
If Your Dog Eats Grass, Should You Take Them to the Vet?
Dogs eat grass as part of a rather natural, innate behavior. If your pet does occasionally eat grass, it could be a good idea to take them to the veterinarian.
Consult your veterinarian regarding your dog’s grass-eating behavior if:
- You think there might be a problem with your dog’s diet—a deficiency in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, for example.
- Your dog has diarrhea or is throwing up.
- Does your dog exhibit any other signs of illness?
- There are indications that your dog may be ill.
- Your dog just consumed a large amount of grass at once.
- You believe your dog may have consumed grass treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other harmful substances.
Grass Eating in Dogs: How to Stop It
Try to keep your dog from eating grass especially if it isn’t growing on your land. Even if chewing on the grass is a normal habit, you may teach your dog to be calmer.
Go outdoors with your dog and teach them to “leave it” until you are certain they have broken the behavior.
When there are houseplants around, keep an eye on your dog because some kinds can be deadly if chewed on or consumed.
If you suspect that your dog may have consumed too much grass or chewed on a poisonous houseplant, it is recommended to speak with your veterinarian.
Create a garden that is safe for dogs instead of using toxic pesticides or fertilizers. Give your dog smaller, more frequent meals; this goes especially for early morning feedings.
Think about using various items or a deterrent spray to teach your dog where it is acceptable and unacceptable to go.
For food or digestive supplement recommendations best suited to your dog’s age, breed, and activity level, speak with your veterinarian or a veterinarian nutritionist.
Play fetch with your dog or offer him a safe chew toy when you let him out in the yard.
Although the exact cause of dogs eating grass is unknown, there are a few theories. It might help patients relieve a tummy ache, make up for a deficiency in fiber in their diet, or meet another nutritional requirement.
There’s also the option of being bored or just appreciating the flavor or texture of grass.
See a vet if your dog’s grass-eating habits worry you, particularly if they’re coupled with vomiting, lethargic behavior, or other symptoms of the disease.
However, for many dogs, occasional grass-munching is probably not a cause for concern.