Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? 5 Reasons For Your Dog Eating Grass

Many pet owners have more than likely seen their dogs eat grass at some point. You let them outside, turn your back for a few moments, and return to see them chomping away. But are there actual reasons why they do so?

It turns out that multiple reasons could compel a dog to eat grass or other garden plants. Some say that it allegedly helps calm an upset stomach, relieves stress and boredom, and just enjoys the way it tastes.

Some reasons are rather superficial while others dive a little deeper. Here is all that you need to know about why your pet likes to nibble grass.

Do Dogs Like Grass?

Dogs have unique tastes and preferences, just like humans. The simple answer is yes, some pets do like grass, but not all dogs. It is the same as some humans enjoying coffee or chocolate, but not others.

You wouldn’t eat something that you didn’t enjoy the taste of, so why would a dog? Perhaps your pet eats grass because they like the taste and texture. Since the condition of grass changes throughout the year depending on which season it is, some dogs may only partake in eating it during certain times.

READ MORE: Can Dogs Be Vegans?

Do Dogs Physically Need to Eat Grass?

Ancestors of dogs did not have packaged pet food readily available, so they ate plants as a source of fiber to help bodily functions. Today, most high-quality dog food will provide adequate fiber for most healthy pets, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need a bit more at times. Chomping grass may be their way of helping work through some difficult digestion.

A common theory is that pets like to eat grass to calm stomach discomfort. There isn’t much concrete evidence to prove this, but there have been some studies done.

The idea is that eating plants will induce vomiting and thus relieve a stomachache. But is that the case, or does a dog vomit because they developed a stomachache after eating the grass?

Studies have shown that less than 25% of pets throw up after eating grass and only about 10% of dogs show signs of sickness before consuming grass.^[1] In other words, the majority of dogs are not sick before or after eating plants.

Regardless, if your pet is showing signs of sickness or if you feel that there is a medical problem, it never hurts to call your veterinarian for advice.

Psychological Reasons that Dogs Eat Grass

The majority of reasons for dogs eating grass are attributed to a psychological need. Some eat it due to stress or anxiety, boredom, or just plain curiosity.

1. Stress and Anxiety 

No pet enjoys watching its owner leave for the day. This can trigger some stress and anxiety for them, especially if they are a puppy or rescue pet. They may not be used to your daily routine yet.

Many dogs favor one human in the house over all the rest, which means they may like eating grass as a coping mechanism as they anxiously await your return home. It is comparable to a human biting their fingernails or tapping their foot to calm their nerves.

One way to calm an anxious pet while you are gone is to give them CBD. Just be sure that it is the correct dosage. You could also play soothing music, give them interactive toys or a t-shirt of yours to cuddle with.

2. Boredom 

A bored pet is going to try and get into trouble. Chomping on the lawn is not the same as them ripping apart your new pair of shoes, but it can still serve as a form of entertainment for them.

Dogs need physical and mental stimulation, especially if they are left alone for hours each day. You could try giving them a toy with treats inside or a puzzle game to keep boredom at bay.

A great example of such a toy is a Kong. You can stuff treats inside and add a layer of peanut butter on top to keep them entertained for a longer time.

It is also very important for pets to be getting enough exercise. If your dog is active, they will need long walks and time playing fetch to burn off excess energy. This will make them tired and they will likely sleep most of the day when you are gone.

3. For the Taste

Some dogs simply just enjoy the way that grass tastes. To give a more elaborate answer, think of how you feel when you eat food that you like. You feel happy, right?

That’s because our brains release dopamine while this is occurring, which is one of the “happy hormones.” Well, the same thing happens in a pet’s brain, too.

4. Instincts 

Your dog’s ancestors had to hunt for their food to survive. They obtained all the nutrients they needed by eating an entire animal whole, including its stomach contents. If their prey’s stomach contained grass, it fulfilled the predator’s need for fiber.

Dogs are not true carnivores, meaning they do not eat only meat, but they don’t exactly eat a wide variety of plants for food either. However, a study conducted on wolves showed that 11% to 47% of them eat grass.^[1] This was observed by studying stool samples.

Wild or domestic, it is still part of a pet’s instincts to occasionally eat plants. It is more widespread in wild dogs, but domestic ones like to pay homage to their ancestors and scavenge.

5. Upset Stomach

The aforementioned “physical needs” section states that it is difficult to conclude that dogs eat grass to settle a sour stomach. A pet could have an upset stomach without showing it, so if a dog vomits, it can be hard to tell if it was because they had a stomachache or if it was from eating grass.

Some dogs simply have more sensitive bellies than others. If they do eat grass, it is best to pay attention to any physical ailments that may follow.

READ MORE: Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Is it Dangerous for Dogs to Eat Grass?

Most pets eat grass without getting sick, but that does not mean that grass is completely harmless for them to consume. If the grass has toxic chemicals like pesticides applied to it, it can be toxic to your pet.

There is also a chance of your dog unintentionally consuming intestinal parasites such as hookworms or roundworms that may be lurking in the grass.

Unless you’re certain that your lawn is free of pesticides and parasites, it is best to not permit your pet to eat a large quantity of grass.

How to Stop a Dog from Eating Grass

If your pet is eating grass during potty breaks, distract them. As soon as you see them doing it in the yard, bring out their favorite toy to play with.

If you’re out for a walk, and your dog is food-motivated, try to redirect their attention with a treat when they go for the grass.

You could also call your pet over to you and shower them with love and affection. Remember, they could be eating grass because they feel neglected.

Your pet may even go through phases of wanting to eat grass. Dog owners should remember, it’s important to look out for their health and well-being regardless.

FAQs

Article Sources:

1. Weir, Malcolm , and Lynn Buzhardt. “Why Dogs Eat Grass?” VCA Animal Hospital, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-do-dogs-eat-grass.