Why Do Dogs Eat Grass | For Your Pets!

The minute most dogs leave the house, they are looking for a patch of grass to start chewing. Normally within minutes, they are vomiting on the nicely cut lawn. So you ask yourself (and really you’re asking the dog): why do dogs eat grass if it is going to make them sick?

Well, there’s not a simple answer. Dogs for one are very flexible in their taste. It’s not uncommon for a dog to eat table scraps, garbage, dog food, and maybe even a bite of feces in their daily food intake. Dogs as a species have evolved as scavengers, and most of the prey they eat are herbivores (animals that don’t eat meat), eventually leading to the dog eating and digesting grass and weeds. This has developed within the species, and its common for dogs to still crave the leafy part of their ancestors diet.

Another possible reason behind dogs eating grass is the health aspect. According to most veterinarians, there are two types of grass eating habits. Some dogs nibble at the grass occasionally, while others act like a lawnmower, devouring every blade in sight. The dogs that nibble at the grass normally will not get sick and walk away with their stomach and taste buds feeling satisfied. On the other hand, the dog that eats grass constantly might be doing this because of a dietary imbalance or unsettled stomach.

Although many vets say its safe for a pet to occasionally eat grass, make sure you are watching what type of grass they eat. Some lawns have harmful fertilizers or pesticides on the grass, which could lead to sick dogs. If it appears your dog is constantly eating grass, it might be because they are lacking fiber in their diet. Finally, if your dog seems to be vomiting more or eating more grass then normal, you should consider a trip to your vet.

Nearly every pet eats grass at some point in his or her life. Whether it’s to cure an upset stomach or because it’s their nature, the exact reason behind this particular occurrence has plagued many veterinarians. Although there are many theories on why dogs eat grass, nothing has been confirmed. The minute most dogs leave the house, they are looking for a patch of grass to start chewing. Normally within minutes, they are vomiting on the nicely cut lawn. So you ask yourself (and really you’re asking the dog): why do dogs eat grass if it is going to make them sick? Well, there’s not a simple answer. Dogs for one are very flexible in their taste. It’s not uncommon for a dog to eat table scraps, garbage, dog food, and maybe even a bite of feces in their daily food intake. Dogs as a species have evolved as scavengers, and most of the prey they eat are herbivores (animals that don’t eat meat), eventually leading to the dog eating and digesting grass and weeds. This has developed within the species, and its common for dogs to still crave the leafy part of their ancestors diet. Another possible reason behind dogs eating grass is the health aspect. According to most veterinarians, there are two types of grass eating habits. Some dogs nibble at the grass occasionally, while others act like a lawnmower, devouring every blade in sight. The dogs that nibble at the grass normally will not get sick and walk away with their stomach and taste buds feeling satisfied. On the other hand, the dog that eats grass constantly might be doing this because of a dietary imbalance or unsettled stomach. Although many vets say its safe for a pet to occasionally eat grass, make sure you are watching what type of grass they eat. Some lawns have harmful fertilizers or pesticides on the grass, which could lead to sick dogs. If it appears your dog is constantly eating grass, it might be because they are lacking fiber in their diet. Finally, if your dog seems to be vomiting more or eating more grass then normal, you should consider a trip to your vet.