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Why Is my Dog Eating Grass?

Why Is my Dog Eating Grass?

As a dog owner, you’ve likely caught your companion nibbling on grass on more than one occasion. To you, it might seem like a strange behavior. To your dog, however, it’s perfectly normal. Dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons. Here’s why yours may be grazing on your lawn. 

 

It Tastes Good

One of the simplest reasons why dogs eat grass is because they like it. Your dog might like the flavor or enjoy the feel of it in his mouth. Some dogs even prefer eating grass in early spring, when the blades are young and tender. 

 

It’s Instinct

Long ago, dogs had to seek out their food. In addition to hunting, they may have consumed grass to meet dietary needs. 

 

Your dog might not have to hunt for his food as his ancestors did, but that doesn’t mean he still doesn’t have his scavenger instincts. Even though you provide him with a healthy, well-balanced diet, it's not uncommon to find him grazing occasionally. 

 

Out of Boredom

Your dog craves human interaction. If he’s bored, he may nibble on grass to pass the time. Provide him with plenty of affection and playtime to help curb the habit. 

 

Other dogs eat grass due to anxiety. Chewing on grass is no different than a person biting their fingernails. If your dog gets anxious when you leave, try providing him with a new toy or a comfort object that has your scent on it. 

 

A Nutrient Deficiency

Your dog’s food should provide him with all of the essential nutrients that he needs. If he’s not eating enough, or he’s eating the wrong foods, there may be an imbalance. Your dog may eat grass to compensate and get the additional nutrients he needs. 

 

If you suspect your dog’s diet is the reason why he’s eating grass, take a look at his food. Talk to your vet to make sure his food provides adequate nutrition and that you’re feeding him enough. 

 

Stomach Upset

If your dog has an upset stomach, he may eat grass to induce vomiting and soothe the discomfort. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as:

 

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue 
  • Loss of appetite

 

While eating grass can help to ease stomach troubles, keep an eye on your dog. If his symptoms don’t subside in a few days, you should contact your vet. 

 

Is Eating Grass Dangerous?

Eating grass generally isn’t harmful to your dog. If the grass is treated with herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers, then the habit can present a problem. Ingesting these chemicals can make your dog sick or cause other serious problems. 

 

Another thing to be mindful of is parasites. Many parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms can be ingested by eating contaminated soil. You may want to curb grass eating to reduce the risk of worms.

 

Eating grass is a fairly normal thing for dogs to do. In most cases, it’s nothing to be worried about. If you are concerned though, you should contact your vet to schedule an appointment. 

 

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