Dogs are domesticated animals who live under our roof; however, they can have very different behaviors from humans. While some dogs’ habits may seem cute, or amusing, some can definitely be concerning, upsetting, and an indicator of health issues. Why do dogs eat grass?
Why do dogs eat grass?
Dogs eating grass is not a random act, and your dog may be doing it for different reasons:
Nutritional deficiency: Dogs are very intuitive animals who know their nutritional needs. They can eat grass to add fiber to their diet, or just because they are feeling thirsty. Dogs need vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to get a complete diet. Make sure your dog has all his nutritional needs covered through food and supplements.
Upset stomach: Many times, dogs eat grass because they are experiencing IG distress. They can do it to induce vomit if they are feeling sick or to soothe out stomach discomfort. If eating grass comes with a lack of appetite, diarrhea, and lethargy, you should consult your vet.
Bored or stressed: If your dog is eating grass and he is not suffering from any IG distress, then it can be an indicator of boredom. Dogs get bored, stressed, and anxious just like humans. However, they deal with it very differently. Eating grass can be reassuring for your dog and might help release the tension he is experiencing. Increase the length and duration of his walks, get him calming support and chewable toys to help him feel better.
Should I let my dog eat grass?
Even though there is nothing wrong with this behavior, if your dog is eating grass, there are some things you should take into account.
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Make sure the grass is clean from toxic chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers that are used to treat grass can be super harmful to your dog, so be careful.
- Check your dog regularly for parasites. Your dog can pick up parasites from other animal’s disposals, so pay special attention to your dog’s poop. If you notice something unusual in his behavior, check it with your vet.
A dog’s nutrition is key to maintaining good overall health. If your dog is eating grass repeatedly, make sure all his nutritional needs are covered through food and supplementation to prevent your dog from suffering any IG distress, such as vomit, gases, or inflammation.
