Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? The Answer Might Surprise You

The vast majority of dogs are well-fed by their owners and have access to all the nutrients they need. However, some dogs may eat grass to supplement their diet or to fulfill a specific nutritional need.

There is no need to worry if your dog occasionally eats grass. While the reasons why dogs eat grass are not fully understood, there are a few theories.

Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Read more.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Most people think that dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit. While this may be true in some cases, there are actually a few different reasons why dogs may eat grass.

One reason is that dogs are omnivores, so they naturally want to eat a variety of things, including plants.

Another reason is that grass contains fiber, which can help with digestive issues. And finally, some dogs may eat grass to vomit up toxins that are in their system.

Why do some dogs vomit after eating grass?

It’s actually not because they’re sick. Instead, it’s because they’re trying to get rid of something that’s making them feel uncomfortable.

Dogs may vomit because they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have, or because they’re feeling anxious or stressed. If your dog is vomiting after eating grass, it’s important to take them to the vet to make sure there isn’t anything else going on.

Are they cleaning their teeth?

When a dog eats grass, some people believe it is actually cleaning its teeth. The blades of grass helps to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth, which can help to prevent gum disease.

While there are special toothpastes and brushes made specifically for dogs, grass can serve as a natural way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.

Therefore, it’s not necessary for a dog to eat grass in order to keep its teeth clean, but it can certainly be a helpful way to do so.

Are they bored or stressed?

Then there are some experts that believe dogs eat grass due to boredom or stress.

Dogs are natural foragers and explorers. In the wild, they’ll spend hours a day sniffing around, digging for prey, and chasing after other animals.

In a domesticated setting, however, they often don’t have as much to do. This can lead to boredom, which can manifest in various ways, including chewing on furniture, digging holes in the yard, and yes, eating grass.

While grass-eating isn’t harmful to dogs, it can be a sign that they’re not getting enough mental and physical stimulation. If your dog is bored, try adding some new toys to their repertoire, taking them for more walks, and investing in some high-quality chewable treats.

Stress is another common reason why dogs eat grass.

Dogs can get stressed for a variety of reasons, including changes in their environment, loud noises, and even being left alone for too long. When dogs are stressed, they may turn to non-food items like grass in an attempt to soothe themselves.

If you think your dog is eating grass because of stress, there are a few things you can do to help.

First, try to create a calm and relaxed environment for them. This may include adding a dog-friendly diffuser with calming essential oils or playing soft, relaxing music. You may also want to consider training your dog to help them better cope with stressful situations.

If your dog is otherwise healthy, there’s no need to worry about their grass-eating habit. However, if it’s causing them distress or preventing them from enjoying other aspects of their life, it’s worth taking some steps to address the underlying issue.

Whatever the reason, if you think that your dog is eating grass due to a lack of nutrients, then speak to your vet about changing their diet.

Whether your dog is eating grass out of boredom or stress, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical causes.