Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

It’s the time of the year when all the grass is dying down and winter is coming. My dog is trying to scavenge the only edible grass there is left and it got me thinking why does my dog eat grass? Sometimes it feels like Halla is eating grass constantly. I kind of have an idea why this happens, but I’m not completely sure. Let’s find out why dogs eat grass!

There seems not to be a clear reason why dogs eat grass. It’s not a well-researched topic but experts have some ideas why this happens. Grass eating doesn’t correlate with any diet, breed, or gender.

One reason is, that some dogs actually just like the taste of fresh grass in the Spring. The freshly grown grass can have a sweet sugary taste that attracts dogs.

Well, my dog eats grass all year so at least she doesn’t care about the freshness.

Excessive Grass Eating Can Be a Sign Of Illness

Grass eating can be a form of self-medication for dogs. It is normal and probably every dog has eaten grass at some point in their life. But there is a difference between occasional/seasonal grass-eating and obsessive behavior.

When grass eating becomes excessive and obsessive, that can be a sign of something serious.

Reasons Why Your Dog Could Be Eating Grass:

As I mentioned before, there is no consensus on the topic of dogs eating grass. It could be behavioral, a dog could have parasites or it could be their way to alleviate digestive problems.

Digestive Problems

If you have ever wondered why your dog vomits after eating grass, digestive issues can be the reason.

Some dogs suffer from heartburn after eating their food or when they have an empty stomach. The fibrous grass leaves could scratch the throat and give temporary aid for the burning sensation caused by acid reflux.

In reality, the fiber in grass activates the production of gastric acid and aggravates digestion further. Grass doesn’t digest well in the dog’s stomach and because of that dogs often vomit after eating it.

If the dog has eaten something that it was not supposed to, grass-eating for vomiting purposes can also be a self-induced way to get rid of whatever was eaten.

Grass Eating Can Be a Form of Replacement Behavior

Obsessive grass-eating can be a form of replacement behavior. Replacement behavior means that the dog does something to soothe itself, the behavior happens as a reaction to something negative. Manic grass eating can be a dog’s way to alleviate stress, anxiety, fear, or even boredom.

In the long term, a dog can form a habit, and grass-eating can become a behavior problem.

To Get Rid of Worms And Endoparasites

One theory is, that dogs eat grass in an effort to cleanse their bodies from parasites. The idea is that the fiber in grass adds bulk to the stool and mechanically pushes parasites out. However, if the parasite infestation was so bad that the dog was trying to get rid of them, the owner would have already noticed the parasites in the stool. There would be so many worms in the dog poop that it couldn’t be unnoticed.

If you notice worms in your dog’s poop, deworming is what you need to do. But don’t deworm your dog just because they eat grass. Find more evidence before unnecessarily deworming, don’t do it just to be safe. Dewormer resistance is a real thing.

Is Eating Grass Okay?

Occasional or seasonal grass eating is completely normal and fine. I don’t prohibit my dogs from eating grass but I have to say it slows down our walks. So I do say “come on, let’s go!” to them quite often.

If you know your dog vomits easily and always after eating grass, it might be best to limit the behavior. Grass doesn’t digest well and you know it if you’ve ever seen grassy stool.

In the worst-case scenario, the grass can cause a bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction occurs when the stomach or intestines are blocked. The dog is in discomfort, won’t eat, and can’t poop. This needs medical attention soon otherwise the dog can die within a week.

Do Dogs Eat Grass For Nutrients?

Some say that grass eating is a sign of nutrient deficiency but there is no research to show that’s true. Dogs don’t get any nutrients from eating grass. Dogs don’t eat grass for nutrients but it has fiber that adds bulk to stool and speeds bowel movements. That’s why dogs can use grass eating as a help for digestion.

Conclusion

No one really knows why dogs eat grass. The reasons could be many, but it’s nothing to be stressed about. Fresh grass in the Spring can have a sweet taste and that’s why dogs like it. This behavior is normal and almost every dog does it at some point. Look for the signs of obsessive behavior, then it’s something to be concerned about.