WHY IS MY DOG EATING GRASS? 5 POSSIBLE REASONS, PLUS WHAT OWNERS SHOULD DO

Pet owners have many responsibilities, including bathing, walking, feeding, and, of course, giving their pets plenty of love.

While a nutritious, balanced diet is ideal for dogs, they may sometimes prefer fallen scraps, their own poop, or even grass over their kibble. Since not all human foods and outdoor plants are safe for dogs, it’s important to monitor their eating habits closely.

So, should you be worried if you see your furry friend munching on grass?

Why do dogs eat grass?

Eating grass may seem strange to us, but it’s fairly common for dogs. One study from the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found that 68% of dogs eat grass or plants on a daily to weekly basis.

Here are some reasons they might pick up the habit:

Learned behavior

This behavior could be something dogs learn from observing other dogs or over time. According to Dr. Katherine Houpt, a professor emeritus at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, puppies whose mothers ate grass are more likely to mimic this behavior.

Soothing

Just like humans, dogs can experience acid reflux, and they may try to alleviate it by eating grass, as veterinarian Diana Watkins explained to USA TODAY. This could be why you sometimes find grass or sticks in their vomit.

Pica

Dogs that frequently eat grass might have a condition known as pica, which leads to the compulsive ingestion of non-food items such as grass or rocks, according to Great Pet Care.

Connections to the Wild

Dogs might also be acting on their ancestral instincts. In the wild, dogs often obtain fiber from grass or sticks found in the stomachs of their prey.

“Since their typical diets don’t include this, there may be an innate tendency for them to eat grass,” Houpt explains.

Curiosity

Sometimes, dogs might chew on grass to explore intriguing smells. They have a specialized organ called the vomeronasal organ, located between the nose and mouth, which acts as their “sixth sense,” according to Houpt.

“If a dog wants to determine who has passed by or who urinated in the area, chewing on the grass helps them detect those scents more effectively,” she explained.

Should I Let My Dog Eat Grass?

Occasional grass chewing is generally not an issue, but be cautious of any herbicides or pesticides that may have been applied, as these can be toxic to dogs. Additionally, watch out for parasites like hookworms or roundworms, which can be present in fecal residue from other dogs and pose a risk if ingested.

If your dog is frequently eating grass and vomiting, it could indicate gastrointestinal problems, and it’s a good idea to consult your vet, Houpt advises.

To discourage your dog from eating grass, you can train them by bringing treats on walks and accompanying them during bathroom breaks, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. If they attempt to eat grass, gently distract them or use a verbal cue to redirect their attention.