Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? 

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You could be perplexed when you observe your favourite dog munching grass because it is obvious that they are not cows. You could even feel anxious. Are they parched? Bored? Sick? Does consuming grass harm them?

First of all, know that you're not the only one who is worried, particularly if your dog is eating grass and throwing up.

Veterinarians will inform you that they respond to this inquiry throughout the day, every day, indicating that many dogs eat grass. Pica, which is the medical term for eating "weird" non-food objects like grass, may indicate that a person's diet lacks certain vitamins, minerals, or other essential components. But why do dogs eat grass when they should not be nutritionally inadequate on well-balanced commercial diets?

It is fairly typical for dogs to eat grass, and this type of pica seldom results in any major issues. Wild dogs have also been reported to do this. In actuality, the majority of vets view it as typical canine behaviour. 79% of the dogs in a small-scale study of 49 dog owners whose canines regularly had access to grass and other plants ate plants at some point. Grass was identified as the most often consumed plant in another study on canines that consume plants.



Why do dogs eat grass?

The reasons why dogs consider grass to be a delicacy are several. These consist of:



Deficiency in Diet

Some dog owners and vets believe that chewing grass is a sort of pica, or consuming unusual nonfood objects, which is occasionally brought on by a dietary shortage. Many nutritional deficiencies are caused by vitamins, nutrients, or minerals that aren't consumed regularly.

If your dog consistently eats grass, contact your veterinarian about altering dog foods. This shouldn't be an issue for dogs that are provided a well-balanced diet.

Need for Fiber

Your dog may be able to acquire more fibre by eating grass, which aids in digestion, the passage of faeces, and the maintenance of a healthy GI system. Changing to meals with a greater fibre content might be beneficial.

Instinct

If a dog has a balanced diet, chewing grass might not even be indicative of a deficit but rather of instinct. The digestive processes, nutritional requirements, and appetites of dogs have changed to accommodate their domesticated existence.

Although eating an entire animal offered the best nutrition for dogs in the wild, especially if the animal's diet included a variety of plants, grass was not their main source of nutrients. They may have a genetic predisposition to want grass from a time when they hunted their own prey.

Antacid

When my energetic young dog suddenly began acting strangely, she was eating a high-quality, balanced diet. She would rush outdoors first thing in the morning and eat as much grass as she could until she puked up some yellow froth. She felt energised and prepared to start her morning two-miler after that.

According to Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer of the AKC, "yellow froth, or bile, typically indicates that the dog has an empty stomach." The dog's stomach may experience severe irritation and discomfort from the bile. Dogs may eat grass to assist them expel the bile and feel better, as opposed to people who take antacids to relieve this pain.

In the instance of my dog, the issue had an easy fix. As part of our daily ritual, my vet advised that I give her a little portion of her food right away. In this manner, rather of inflicting discomfort, the bile that enters the stomach performs its intended function of breaking down the meal for digestion. A modest supper shortly before bed might also be beneficial.

Boredom

Perhaps you're fortunate enough to have a fenced-in backyard where you can take your dog to play. However, the majority of dogs prefer your company. They could just be bored if they're lounging around in the yard by themselves munching grass. Combining positive reinforcement training, an exercise regimen, and quality time spent outside with your dog throwing a ball might help you stop the behaviour.

Tasty Treat

Of course, your dog could just simply love the flavour and feel of moist, aromatic grass in her mouth, particularly in the spring when new grass is just beginning to emerge or when your dog is dehydrated. Always keep a bowl of fresh, cool water outside to satisfy your dog’s thirst.

Is it harmful for dogs to eat grass?

Some puppies do vomit shortly after eating grass, so your dog's ingestion of it may just be an indication that he or she is seeking to settle an unsettled stomach. Despite this, a tiny research at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found that just 9% of the dogs investigated regularly exhibited symptoms of sickness before ingesting grass, and only around 22% commonly vomited after doing so. The researchers came to the conclusion that household dogs often consume plants and grass.

However, occasionally even healthy practises may be detrimental. Dog-toxic herbicides and insecticides may be used to treat grass. Dogs who eat grass may also consume intestinal parasites carried by animal excrement, such as hookworms and roundworms. In either situation, your veterinarian may recommend examinations using blood tests or faecal samples to check for parasites and toxicity.

Keep an eye out for any underlying ailments that may be the cause of your dog's increased or excessive grass-eating. Verify for nausea, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, weight loss, bloody stools, lethargy, or lip-licking.



Is it natural to eat grass?

Your dog's forefathers did not consume kibble in sealed sacks. Dogs in the wild balanced their meals by eating everything they hunted, including meat, bones, internal organs, and stomach contents. Eating a complete animal offered a rather balanced diet, especially if the prey's stomach contained grass and plants, which satisfied the dog's fibre requirement.

Dogs are not pure carnivores (only eat meat), but they are also not omnivores (eat both meat and plants); in the wild, dogs eat everything that helps them meet their fundamental nutritional requirements. According to stool tests, 11-47% of wolves consume grass. Modern dogs do not have to hunt for food, but that does not imply they have lost their innate scavenging drive. Some dogs, even those that eat commercial dog food, will eat grass as a result of their ancestors' necessity to be scavengers.

Eating grass is a behavioural issue for these dogs that may or may not be a problem at all. You do not need to be concerned if your dog does not become ill as a result of the odd grazing session, as constant parasite protection is offered (intestinal parasites may also be consumed with grass). In fact, behaviour modification may cause more harm than benefit by interfering with natural inclinations.

Is eating grass a psychological requirement?

A dog's day depends on his owners' activities, with him watching them depart and anticipating their return. Although most dogs like being outside, others become bored when left alone and require stimulation. Nibbling on easily accessible grass helps pass the time.

Dogs seek human connection and may try to attract their owners' attention by engaging in undesirable behaviour such as chewing grass if they feel ignored. Furthermore, anxious dogs, like worried people, gnaw their finger nails as a form of comfort. Whether dogs are bored, lonely, or worried, grass chewing generally rises as owner interaction time diminishes.

What can their owners do to help these grazing dogs? A new toy or an old t-shirt with his owner's familiar aroma may give some relief for frightened canines. A puzzle toy that contains food and challenges the dog will give mental stimulation and reduce boredom. More frequent walks and rigorous play time benefit more active dogs. Doggie day care may be a nice choice for dogs that want socialising with other dogs.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass?

  • Try to stop your dog from eating grass if you can, especially grass that isn't on your own land. Even though chewing on the grass is a normal habit among dogs, you may teach your dog not to do it to help you relax. Teach your dog to "leave it" and "go outside" until you're certain the behaviour has been broken.
  • When there are indoor plants around, keep an eye on your dog since some can be harmful if chewed or consumed. If you suspect that your dog has consumed too much grass laced with pesticides or a hazardous houseplant, it is advisable to speak with your veterinarian. Plant a garden that is safe for dogs instead of using dangerous fertilisers or pesticides.
  • Feed your dog more frequently and in smaller portions, particularly in the morning.
  • Think about using different items or a deterrent spray to show your dog certain locations are forbidden.
  • Inquire about the best digestive aids or balanced, nutritional foods for your dog's age, breed, and level of exercise from your vet or a veterinarian nutritionist.
  • Play with your dog or offer him a secure chew toy when you let him out into the yard.
  • If your dog's pica is caused by a nutritional deficit, switching to a healthier dog food, particularly a high-fiber version, may help ease the problem.