You might see your dog eating grass, scratch your head, and ask: “Why?” While grass offers some fiber, it’s not exactly part of a dog’s complete and balanced diet. What’s more, if the behavior is persistent, you may wonder whether something is wrong. The good news is that, by itself, there’s nothing to worry about if your dog eats grass. Yet, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as eating strange items or weight loss, you may consider going to the vet.
1. Dogs with Pica May Eat Grass
Many people think that dogs eat grass because they feel ill, and grass makes them throw up. While this might be true at times, it has been shown that less than a quarter of dogs that eat grass actually puke afterward, and only 10% of dogs show symptoms of being sick prior to chowing down some grass. The truth? Most of the dogs that eat grass are not sick and do not vomit.
However, eating grass is a form of “pica,” which is the practice of eating nonfood items. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that pica, the compulsive eating of non-food items, is a relatively common behavior in dogs. While the exact cause of pica is unknown, there are several potential factors that may contribute to the development of this behavior like missing nutrients in their diet or a deficiency.
If you suspect that your dog has pica, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any common health issues and to develop a management plan.
2. Dogs May Eat Grass from Ancestral Instinct
Dogs are not strictly carnivores, as wolves ate omnivores animals that had grass in their systems. A study of wolves found that a surprising 11% to 47% of wolves had grass in their poop. The dogs today no longer have to hunt for their food but if commercial kibble does not fulfill their need for certain nutrients, they might try to find it from grass.
3. Grass Offers Much-Needed Fiber
Dogs instinctively know when they are deficient in a certain mineral, and grass gives plenty of fiber and roughage to help their digestive systems pass out poop more efficiently. If they feel that they are lacking in fiber, they might chow on some grass to make their bellies feel better.
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body, meaning it passes through the gastrointestinal tract relatively unchanged. This might not sound like a good thing, but fiber is beneficial for dogs in a number of ways.
First, it helps to regulate digestion and prevent constipation. Fiber also helps to keep blood sugar levels stable and can even reduce the risk of some types of cancer. A dog’s healthy diet should contain about 10% fiber, but if your dog food isn’t cutting it, your dog might take matters into his own hands.
4. Your Dog Is Bored
When dogs are bored, they may turn to grass to pass the time. If your dog seems to be eating grass more often than usual, it may be a sign that they are bored or not getting enough attention. Try increasing their exercise and playtime to help relieve their boredom.
5. Grass Helps with Bile
Some dogs throw up bile on an empty stomach, especially in the mornings. Bile is uncomfortable for humans, for that, we have antacids, and dogs have grass!
Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps to break down fats and absorb essential vitamins and minerals. Normally, bile is released into the small intestine during digestion. However, if the stomach is empty, the bile can end up back in the throat, causing your dog to vomit.
There are many reasons why your dog’s stomach might be empty, including fasting, excitement, or exercise on an empty stomach. If your dog regularly throws up bile, it’s important to talk to your vet and ask questions. In some cases, it may be due to an underlying medical condition such as pancreatitis or gastrointestinal issues.
If you find your dog charging out to the yard first thing in the morning to munch on some grass, try feeding him a small amount of kibble first thing in the morning to give the bile something to do instead of being puked up.
Eating Grass Usually Poses Few Risks
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can derive nutrition from both plants and animals. In fact, many experts believe that a diet that includes some plant matter is healthier for dogs than a purely meat-based diet.
The short answer is yes, eating grass is perfectly safe for most dogs. Grass contains fiber and other nutrients that can be beneficial for your dog’s digestion. Some dogs also seem to enjoy the taste of grass. However, it’s important to make sure that the grass your dog is eating is free of pesticides and other chemicals.
In addition, if grass-eating becomes a compulsive behavior and you think that your dog is doing it out of stress, separation anxiety, or boredom, you might want to pay more attention to him and increase his daily exercise.
Conclusion: Dogs Eat Grass for Many Reasons
So, why do dogs eat grass? There are a few different theories out there. Some people believe that dogs eat grass to help them vomit up anything they may have eaten that doesn’t agree with their stomachs.
Others think that the grass helps cleanse their systems and provides them with important nutrients. And yet another theory is that dogs simply enjoy the taste of fresh grass! No matter what the reason, it’s clear that our furry friends find some benefit in consuming this plant. Next time you’re out on a walk with your pup, keep an eye out for patches of healthy green grass and see if he or she takes a liking to it!
