It is fairly common to hear concerns from dog owners that their dogs are eating grass, especially because some of them will vomit afterward. But what is the reason behind this behavior? While there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, we do have a few possible reasons for the behavior, though these might change from case to case. Let’s explore them!
The 10 Possible Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass
1. Learning From Their Environment
Puppies learn about their surroundings by tasting everything. Grass is one of the multiple plants that a puppy will eat to learn about the different components of the environment they live in.
2. Sensory Stimulation
It’s possible that canines are attracted to the smell, feel, and taste of grass. The sensory stimulation provided by the grass (and other plants) makes it attractive to dogs.
3. Fiber
Dogs are not obligate carnivore animals. While their diet includes meat, they also consume certain plants, which is why they’re considered “facultative carnivores.” To maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system, dogs need a certain amount of fiber.
One of the possible reasons a dog might be ingesting grass is that they’re trying to add some fiber to their diet. Just as in the case of humans, fiber “keeps the pipes moving.” There is a report of a Miniature Poodle that stopped a 7-year habit of eating and vomiting grass and other plants only 3 days after the owner changed his diet to a high-fiber diet.
4. Micronutrients & Digestive Enzymes
Dogs are classified under the order Carnivora; however, they are not strictly carnivorous, as they do eat some plants here and there to match their nutritional needs. Modern dogs obtain animal-based protein from food; however, their ancestors hunted and, in many cases, hunted herbivorous animals together with their plant-filled bellies.
Studies on modern wolves’ fecal matter found that up to 47% of them ingest grass. Grass’s micronutrient content depends largely on the soil that it grows in. There is a possibility that dogs are after specific enzymes found in different kinds of grasses to help ease their digestion.
5. Parasites
Another hypothesis is that dogs eat grass to help them get rid of intestinal parasites. However, this is contradictory since dogs might get infested with parasites after eating parasite eggs from the grass and soil. Still, this theory holds value for dogs’ wild canid counterparts that do not get regularly dewormed with modern medicine. Adding grass to their diet seemingly aids wolves in getting rid of parasites.
6. To Induce Vomiting
Researchers from The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California-Davis conducted a survey, and it turns out that around 22% of the dogs that eat grass vomit it afterward. According to their results, there seems to be a correlation between subclinical gastrointestinal upset and eating grass, with the specific intention to vomit.
They also discovered that dogs showing signs of illness before grass eating were much more likely to vomit afterward than healthy-looking dogs. However, they also stated that grass eating is a normal behavior in dogs, and most do not vomit after ingesting grass.
7. Boredom
Your dog may be just trying to pass the time, like any other living creature. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Their ancestors spent time hunting prey, but they get “ready-made food delivery” for free every single day. With some spare time in their paws, dogs will find diverse ways to keep themselves busy throughout the day.
8. Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety have a higher tendency to develop pica, the medical term for the aberrant behavior of ingesting non-food objects. In this case, eating grass is not as bad as eating a sock or a shoe.
9. Stress
Just as in the case of anxiety, dogs can develop pica when under stressful conditions, such as when they suffer dominance from other dogs, when they are hungry, or when any of their basic needs are not met.
10. Simply Out of Enjoyment
As stated by the results of the researchers from The School of Veterinary Medicine’s survey, grass eating is a normal behavior in dogs, and most dogs with access to grass will eat it.
Conclusion
Whether it is due to any of the causes listed here or simply because they like it, if your dog wants to eat grass, it is important to provide them with grass that is free from harmful chemicals such as insecticides or fertilizers. If the cause is boredom, try to spend more time engaging in play with your dog. If the cause is stress or anxiety, please consult a dog trainer or behaviorist to go over the specifics of your dog’s case. They will advise you on several ways to help your pet deal with their psychological issues.
If your dog exclusively eats a highly processed diet, try to add fresh ingredients to their meals. Familiarize yourself with the list of vegetables that they can safely consume so you can incorporate healthy fiber and antioxidants into their diets.
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Featured Image Credit: B Pet Photography, Shutterstock
