You may think you have a cow in your garden, but in reality, it is your canine companion. But why are they eating grass? This can be concerning behaviour, especially if they vomit it back up. But, you can rest assured that dogs eating grass is a relatively common occurrence.
While a majority of canines eat grass, there is no definitive evidence to support why they do this. In this post, we outline more about dogs eating grass and why they may be engaging in this behaviour.
Is It Safe?
Depending on the health of your dog, in most cases, eating grass is considered safe behaviour. However, it is important to consider the grass they are eating. To keep your dog healthy, ensure that there are no herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers on the grass your dog enjoys.
Psychological
While there are a number of reasons dogs eat grass, many vets believe that it can be a psychological behaviour. Much like how we turn to food when we are feeling anxious, stressed or bored, dogs may do the same with grass.
Bored, Stressed or Upset
If your dog has a healthy appetite and regularly goes to the bathroom, then it is likely that they are either bored, stressed or upset. Eating grass can be a way for dogs to release energy or relieve boredom.
Instincts
Grass eating has also been observed in wild dogs, which suggests that it may be an instinctive behaviour. In the wild, dogs will eat the stomach contents of their prey, which includes partially digested grass.
They Like The Taste
For some dogs, they simply enjoy the taste of grass. If your dog is healthy and has a balanced diet, there is no need to worry about them munching on some grass from time to time.
Physical
While it is less likely that they gain any substantial nutritional value from eating grass there may be various physical reasons for this behaviour.
Upset Stomach
Grass eating is closely linked with vomiting. As such, it is believed that dogs eat grass to help relieve an upset stomach. If your dog has recently eaten something they shouldn’t have or gulped their food down too quickly, they may turn to grass as a way to soothe their stomach.
Dietary Response
Some vets believe that dogs eat grass because they need more fibre in their diets. Upgrading your dog’s food to a high-fiber diet that includes healthy sources of the nutrients they need.
Digestive Issues
Dogs are prone to various digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhea. If your dog is struggling to go to the bathroom, they may turn to grass as a way to help regulate their digestive system.
The Bottom Line
Dogs eating grass is a common behaviour with a range of potential causes. In most cases, it is considered safe for dogs to eat grass. However, if you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour, it is always best to consult with a vet to rule out any underlying health issues. The House Call Vet are a local Vet who offer compassionate, educated and reliable vet care in Brisbane.
You may think you have a cow in your garden, but in reality, it is your canine companion. But why are they eating grass? This can be concerning behaviour, especially if they vomit it back up. But, you can rest assured that dogs eating grass is a relatively common occurrence. You may think you have a cow in your garden, but in reality, it is your canine companion. But why are they eating grass? This can be concerning behaviour, especially if they vomit it back up. But, you can rest assured that dogs eating grass is a relatively common occurrence.
