Why do dogs eat grass?
Got a furry friend in your life? You’ve likely caught them sniffing, licking or eating grass at some point during a walk. And in those moments, you’ve probably wondered one or all of the following: Is eating grass harmful to dogs? Does it mean that something is wrong? Why are they eating it? You’ll be happy to know that it’s not unusual for dogs to graze on grass. We asked pet expert Rory the Vet to give us the full brief on everything grass and dog related.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet..
Follow him on Instagram
Is it safe for your dog to eat grass?
If your pooch keeps eating grass, don’t fret! It is rarely anything to be worried about, even if it makes them sick occasionally. Sometimes dogs will vomit after consumption, and on other occasions, the grass will pass through their stools. Both scenarios are fine.
The same applies for those with puppies. As long as your little friend is getting the dietary requirements they need to grow into happy dogs, grass is in most cases harmless.
However, there can be exceptions. For instance, if they happen to munch on grass that has been sprayed with harmful chemicals like pesticides. If you suspect your dog has ingested chemicals, seek veterinarian advice.
Reasons your dog is eating grass
As I covered earlier, it is normal behaviour for a dog to eat grass. My pooch Nala eats it occasionally!
However, if this is new behaviour for your dog, then it could be a sign that something is up. If this is the case, I would recommend that you get your dog checked over by your vet to be safe, but this would usually not be an emergency.
Other reasons why your dog may be tempted to eat grass included the following:
They like the taste
One reason why your dog might be eating grass could simply be because they enjoy the taste! Grass can be sweet – especially in the spring when it is green and fresh. Tall woody grass is often not as tasty.
They’re bored
A dog that is busy running around rarely has enough time to munch down mouthfuls of grass. If your dog is not getting enough mental and physical stimulation, then they might eat grass because they’re bored. Throw a ball or find other dogs for yours to play with! Make sure to be exercising your furry friend regularly and with enough variation to keep them engaged. You can find a couple of fun game and task ideas here.
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Do dogs eat grass to calm their stomachs or induce vomiting?
It is a common belief among pet parents that dogs eat grass as a form of self-medication. There is no scientific evidence to support this, however, we know that some dogs will vomit after ingesting grass. I have witnessed dogs who feel nauseous do this over my years as a veterinarian. We don’t know why – whether it is to irritate their stomach to make themselves vomit or if they eat it to settle and calm their stomach. Either way, it can be a sign that your dog’s gut isn’t 100%.
Is grass a good source of fibre?
Some pet parents might assume that their dog is eating grass because they are lacking fibre in their diet. We cannot diagnose a deficiency from grass eating, but it could in some circumstances be a sign that their pooch isn’t getting all that they need from their food. I would only suggest adjusting a dog‘s diet if they are excessively eating grass. You can find a variety of proper food for dogs here. Always consult your vet before you make any changes to your furry friend's food intake.
What to do if your dog eats grass
If your dog eats grass every now and then in small amounts, there is no cause for concern. However, if they are frequently eating grass to the point of making themselves sick on a regular basis, then this could indicate a problem. Besides excessive ingestion, the following symptoms might also suggest that your dog is unwell:
- They’re eating grass and not their food
- They’re repeatedly eating grass and throwing it up over the space of a few hours
- They appear off
If you become aware of any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit your vet. And as a final note, always keep an eye out on your dog’s activities, dietary habits and general mood to make sure that they remain happy and healthy.
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.