Dogs Eating Grass - Behavior & Physical Components

Similar to the chicken and egg debate, dog trainers and other professionals often disagree about why dogs eat grass. The discussion usually goes like this, "Do dogs eat grass because they need to throw up or do they throw up because they eat grass?" The one thing that everyone agrees on is that if your dog is eating grass, he is most likely going to throw up!

dog food for sensitive stomachs

There are several theories as to why dogs eat grass:

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Dietary Supplement
The dog's diet is lacking in nutrients found in leafy greens, creating an urge to eat grass.

Healing Instinct
If a dog has an upset stomach, he may instinctively eat grass to induce vomiting. This evacuates the stomach of bothersome irritants and makes the dog feel better. Many dogs diagnosed with a sensitive stomach, regularly turn to grass in order to throw up. This is due to bile build up in an empty stomach and the dog instinctively needs to relieve it.

They like the taste
Some dogs move from sniffing grass to eating it as a learned behavior. This typically presents when the dogs smells the remains of something particularly attractive and is enticed to eat the grass which lies underneath. If this happens often enough, the dog may acquire a taste for grass.

Is it normal dog behavior?
Eating grass is a normal behavior for canines and it is typically safe. Dogs may be more attracted to long, decorative grasses or tall weeds, particularly if they are blowing in the breeze.

Is eating grass harmful for my dog?
Eating grass is not harmful providing it isn't a regular habit and the grass is free from pesticides. Most commercial pesticides are considered animal safe once the product has fully dried. If grass has been recently treated, contact the chemical company to ensure its safety and when in doubt, don't let your dog eat grass in that area.

Mushrooms are also a cause for concern. If you have a grass eater, check your yard frequently to ensure it is free from mushrooms that may be toxic to your pet.

Routinely eating grass

If your dog is eating grass and vomiting on a regular basis, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian to rule out a stomach ailment. Additional considerations include:

Eliminate the empty stomach/bile feeling by increasing the fiber in your dogs diet. Raw carrots and pumpkin pie filling are healthy choices but be mindful of the sugar intake if you're feeding these items daily. Your veterinarian may prescribe over the counter fiber supplements or a prescription, high fiber food depending on your pet's diagnosis.

Help keep your pet's stomach full by feeding smaller meals more often throughout the day. Providing a cookie or small treat before bed can also help them through the night.

Stress can also trigger this behavior. Separation anxiety, fear, excessive barking or crying can all create an upset stomach, which typically starts the process of grass eating. If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, your veterinarian or dog trainer can help you identify the root cause and create a plan to make your pet more comfortable.

The goal of all dog training is to provide peaceable solutions to everyday problems so that pets and their owners live harmoniously. Paws in Training provides dog obedience training, puppy training, dog behavior evaluations, consultation and dog education services in Raleigh, Durham and Cary, N.C.

© Paws in Training, Inc. 2008

Dogs Eating Grass - Behavior & Physical Components

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs