- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
From tail-chasing to scooting, plenty of weird behaviors our dogs exhibit might not make sense to us pet parents. Eating grass is yet another to add to the list! Often, dogs eat grass due to instincts, boredom, curiosity, stomach troubles, and nutrition problems.
It’s likely you’ve seen your dog or another pup chow down on grass like it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA-certified professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, and owner of The Sophisticated Dog, says she’s met many dogs who’ve eaten grass at one point or another.
Assuming the grass is clean, she says grass-eating is usually a fairly harmless behavior as long as it’s not associated with any health concerns.
Read on to learn about why dogs eat grass, when to see a veterinarian, how to prevent this common behavior, and more.
7 Reasons Dogs Eat Grass
While not the most appetizing compared to their delicious food or treats, there are several reasons why dogs may eat grass.
1. They like the taste
Bloom says if you notice your dog occasionally grazing on grass, they might enjoy the earthy taste.
“Often, they are picky about it; they like one type of grass only or just the grass in a particular area,” she says. “These dogs may lie down to chew on grass or even walk along and grab bites of grass here and there.”
2. They’re omnivores
Lindsay Butzer, DVM, PetMeds Partner, says it may just be instinct for dogs to eat grass. Because dogs are omnivores, she says dogs eat foods of plant and animal origins to complete their diet.
While our pups are fed their favorite dog foods, she adds that canines in the wild foraged and hunted for their nutrients, including in grass.
3. They’re relieving stomach discomfort
Bloom says some dogs seek grass when they have an upset stomach, frantically pulling it up by the roots. She adds that they might vomit after eating the grass.
In these cases, remember that the grass didn’t necessarily cause vomiting. Rather, they may have already felt sick before eating the grass. For example, Dr. Butzer says they may be sick or feeling nauseous due to bile buildup from not eating due to a secondary disease.
Luckily, grass-eating due to a prior illness is rare—research shows just 8% of dogs exhibited signs of illness before they ate grass. If your dog is eating grass and vomiting, consult your veterinarian.
4. Their diet lacks nutrients
Dr. Butzer explains that your pup may eat grass for more fiber if their diet lacks the proper vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
To ensure your dog is getting adequate nutrition, speak with your vet about putting your dog on a high-fiber diet.
5. They have pica
Ever wonder why a dog might try to eat anything and everything that’s not food? Pica is a behavior where dogs eat various objects and substances, like grass and dirt. This can be harmful depending on what they ingest.
Potential causes of pica can include:
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- A nutritional deficiency or other health issue
If you suspect your pup has pica, talk with your vet to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
6. They’re bored
In her experience, Bloom says boredom may cause some dogs to chew on grass, especially if they’re alone in the yard.
Pet parents can curb this doggy boredom by providing daily exercise and enrichment for their pup.
7. They’re curious
Like cats, dogs are naturally curious and explore the world through their nose and mouth. Dogs who eat grass are likely just wanting to learn more about the environment and keep track of other dogs in the area.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Grass?
In general, Dr. Butzer says normal grass-eating behaviors are perfectly fine. But there are some considerations to keep in mind.
While common grass is OK for dogs to eat on occasion, Dr. Butzer says grass treated with herbicides and pesticides can be toxic.
If a dog eats treated grass, they may show signs of poisoning, including:
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
She recommends keeping your pup away from treated grass for a few weeks to keep them safe.
Besides poisoning, pet parents should be mindful of parasite infections. Dr. Butzer says dogs who eat grass regularly are predisposed to parasites in the soil and grass blades. A common parasite to watch out for is hookworms, which are common in high-traffic areas like dog parks or doggy daycare facilities.
To prevent infection, keep your dog on regular parasite prevention.
Are Some Dog Breeds More Likely To Eat Grass?
Dr. Butzer says there are no particular breeds that will eat grass more than others. Any and every dog can eat grass.
However, research has shown that puppies are more likely to eat grass compared to adult and senior dogs.
When To See a Vet About Grass Eating
While it’s generally OK for dogs to eat grass, it’s important to know when a trip to the vet is warranted.
Bloom recommends consulting your vet if you notice your pup appears to feel sick before, during, or after eating grass or if the grass-eating behavior is very frequent.
Dr. Butzer says other signs it’s time for a vet check-up include:
- Eating grass when they don’t typically do it
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sluggish or lethargic behavior
If you notice your dog showing these symptoms, have your vet rule out any potential health conditions, such as pancreatitis or intestinal issues.
How To Prevent Dogs From Eating Grass
If your dog is grazing, the grass is clean, and they seem to be feeling OK while eating it, Bloom says it’s usually fine to let them keep going. However, she shares these tips to prevent your dog from eating grass if the behavior becomes problematic.
- Use a “leave it” cue, and then reward your dog for leaving the grass alone by playing tug or fetch with them.
- Call your dog to you, feed them a treat, and then get out of the area.
- If the grass is treated with chemicals, call your dog away from it and redirect their attention to a chew toy or other activity.
- If the grass has been treated with chemicals and is in your yard, limit their access to the area.