Going outside with your dog is the most fun there is. What dog doesn’t like running through the woods? But even a small walk through the neighborhood or running loose in the off-lease area is something most dogs love. If you often go outside with your dog, you may have noticed that your dog eats grass. Your dog is certainly not alone in this! It is not always an immediate reason to worry, but it is important to find out why your dog eats grass. In this article we’ll explain what these reasons might be.
It’s part of your dog’s character
Many people think that dogs are carnivores and that it is in their DNA to eat only meat. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dogs actually evolved as omnivores. Dogs used to eat everything available, whether that was meat, plants or other foods. So, eating grass may simply be an instinct.
This reason for eating grass is quite harmless. Still, it is important to keep an eye on whether your dog eats grass a lot and often. Some other causes are more serious, but you can easily address them with the tips below.
Your dog is bored
The need to eat things other than normal kibble can be a sign of boredom. This happens, for example, when your dog gets too little exercise or plays too little during the day. Were you home a lot during the lockdown, but have you since returned to work at the office? This is also a switch for your dog. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to combat boredom. Make sure you go outside together regularly, extend the walks by a few minutes, throw a ball more often and make sure your dog has some toys at home that he or she can amuse themselves with when you are not at home.
Your dog likes grass
Tastes differ. Just as we as humans may like to eat a cucumber, your dog may like to eat grass. Dogs that like grass often go for the young grass that begins to grow during the first months of spring.
Your dog needs fiber
Another, more serious reason dogs eat grass is that they lack fiber. Like humans, dogs need fiber to ensure they can digest their food properly and have normal bowel movements. When your dog is not getting enough fiber, he or she may instinctively look for other ways to get this nutrient. Eating grass is one solution for dogs. Doubting whether your dog is getting the right nutrition? Check how much fiber your dog needs daily and whether this amount is in the daily diet.
Your dog is not getting enough vitamins or minerals
In addition to a lack of fiber, a lack of vitamins or minerals can also be a reason for your dog to eat grass. In this case, you will notice that your dog tries to eat grass during your daily walks. Again, it is important to check that your dog is getting the right food and enough nutrition. Have you recently switched to a different brand or type of food? If in doubt, contact your veterinarian to verify that your dog is getting all the important nutrients.
Grass acts as a natural antidote
Dogs can have stomach problems. The emptier your dog’s stomach is, the more troubled your dog is likely to be. Eating grass can counteract stomach pain or irritation. Many dogs owners experience that their dog eats grass, then vomits and then is a lot happier and more energetic than before. This is only the case if your dog vomits after eating grass. If he or she does not, then something else is going on.
Your dog doesn’t drink enough
Grass consists largely of water. Do you notice that your dog eats grass especially during the morning walk and the evening walk? Then it may be that your dog is drinking too little and is trying to get extra fluids in by eating grass. In this case, you may also notice that your dog eats grass especially on hot days. Make sure your dog always has a bowl of fresh water to drink from. When you let your dog outside in the summer, make sure there is a bowl of water both inside and outside the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve explained possible reasons why your dog eats grass, we can imagine you’re left with questions. Read on to find out if it’s dangerous for your dog to eat grass and what you can do about it to stop it.
Is it dangerous for my dog to eat grass?
We can reassure you. If your dog occasionally nibbles on grass, there is no immediate cause for concern. The grass itself is not harmful to the dog, but be careful: unfortunately, grass is often sprayed with pesticides. In the case of the grass in your own yard you have this under control, but on municipal lawns or in other people’s yards there may be chemicals that are harmful or even toxic to your dog. So, if your dog often eats grass, it is important to find out why and try to stop this behavior.
What should I do to stop this behavior?
There are a number of things you can do to get your dog to stop eating grass. Below we list the most important ones for you.
- Teach your dog a command to make him stop eating grass. For example, many dog owners use “leave (that)” or “stop” to get their dog to stop certain behaviors.
- Make sure your dog always has plenty of fresh water.
- Start your dog’s first meal on time in the morning. It can also help to give more frequent, smaller meals.
- Walk your dog more often or longer, play more with your dog and give your dog toys to make sure he can entertain himself.
- Consider using products such as certain sprays with a scent that deter dogs. You can use this on the grass in your own yard.
- Consult with your veterinarian if you have doubts about the food, you are using or if you are not successful in teaching your dog not to eat grass.
Should I worry if my dog eats other plants?
Grass is fairly harmless, but there are several house plants that, especially in large quantities, can be toxic to your dog. It is important to make sure your dog does not eat plants. If you have any doubt that your dog did eat too much of a poisonous plant, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Did you succeed in teaching your dog not to eat grass? Fantastic! Hopefully this article has helped you on your way. Is your dog exhibiting other behaviors you are concerned about or would like to unlearn? Check out Training. Here we have articles on the most common problems in dogs and how to deal with them.
