Does your dog consider an overgrown lawn a delicious salad bar? Why do some dogs seem to love “mowing” the grass with their teeth? And is it safe for dogs to eat grass? We’ve got the dirt on grass-eating dogs and what their behavior means.
The Main Reasons Dogs Eat Grass
We’ve all heard that dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit, but that doesn’t appear to be the whole story. Dogs do occasionally eat grass and vomit afterward, but most of the time dogs seem to enjoy a nibble of the green stuff and move on.
Causes for eating grass include a nutritional deficit in their diet or a lack of fiber. For some dogs, the cause is curiosity, boredom, or habit, and some dogs just simply love the taste.
Wolves Eat Grass Too
In the wild, dogs consume their prey whole—including the stomach and its contents— like the partially-digested fiber and grains of their herbivorous prey. Wild dogs have even been observed enjoying the occasional blade of grass. It’s natural behavior.
Eating grass may be a way for domesticated dogs to get some of the fiber their ancestors did by hunting.
How to Keep Your Dog from Eating Grass
You might consider adding some raw or lightly steamed fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet. The added roughage could calm their grass cravings.
Dog-friendly fruits and veggies include:
- Sweet potato
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Snap peas
- Green beans
- Cucumber
- Banana
- Apples (with the seeds removed)
- Lettuce and cabbage ends
If your dog is eating grass out of boredom, make sure he is getting enough daily exercise and interaction.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Grass?
Eating grass is not dangerous or harmful in and of itself. However, do pay attention to the products you apply to your grass, including weed killers, pesticides, or fertilizers. Avoid hazardous toxins where possible.
Additionally, it’s smart to keep an eye on what your dog is eating besides grass, such as toxic weeds or flowers growing in your garden.
Things to Watch Out For
While it’s perfectly normal for dogs to enjoy the occasional gourmet greens, there are warning signs to look out for. Most concerning is a sudden change in behavior, such as eating grass and then vomiting.
Be sure to consult your vet about any such changes.