Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Introduction - Why does my dog eat grass?
As a dog owner, you may be wondering why, at certain times of the year and in specific grassy locations, your dog stops, sniffs, and then spends hours happily biting, chewing, and swallowing mouthful after mouthful of grass. What you are witnessing is a behaviour that dates back to your dog's wild and distant ancestors.
We tend to think of dogs as pure meat eaters, but historically, before our common dog breeds were domesticated, wild dogs were omnivores, happily eating both meat and plants as part of their natural diet. This explains why even our modern domesticated breeds often spend a great deal of time eagerly munching on grass during their walks. Some dogs may only nibble on grass occasionally, while others seem to consume it more regularly.
Researchers suggest that this behaviour serves multiple purposes. Studies show it is remarkably common, with dog owners found that nearly 70 percent of pets regularly engaging in grass eating. While many dogs simply enjoy the taste and texture, others may seek it out for digestive benefits or as an instinctive trait passed down through generations—this behaviour was found in both wild and domestic dogs.
In this post, we will examine why dogs eat grass, whether this normal behaviour should concern you, and how to determine if your pet's grass-eating habits require attention. We will explore the science behind this common behaviour, separate fact from fiction, and help you understand when this natural instinct might signal something to worry about. If owners found that nearly 70 percent of dogs regularly eat grass, does that mean it is always harmless? Let’s find out.
Is Eating Grass Now and Then Normal for Dogs?
Yes, eating grass is a natural and common behaviour in dogs, rooted in their evolutionary history as opportunistic omnivores. Researchers have suggested that, just like rolling in fox poo, this instinct dates back to wild dogs, who consumed plant material as part of their varied diet. Research indicates that 68% of dog owners report their pets eating grass regularly, with most dogs engaging in this behaviour simply for enjoyment or as an instinctive trait inherited from their wild ancestors. Studies also suggest that some dogs may seek out grass for additional fiber or mental stimulation, particularly younger dogs who are still exploring their environment.
Research shows that only 1 in 10 dogs showed signs of any grass-related issues after consuming grass, and studies found that fewer than 10% of dogs showed signs of being ill before they ate grass. Although some dogs do vomit after consumption, this is not typical. Studies have debunked the common myth that dogs eat grass primarily when feeling unwell, as research found that fewer than 1 in 10 pets exhibited signs of illness before grazing. However, if your dog starts eating grass excessively or exhibits unusual behaviour, monitor their health closely and ensure they only have access to untreated, chemical-free grass.
Did You Know? A 2008 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that less than 10% of dogs appeared sick before eating grass, and only about 22% vomited afterward—suggesting that grass-eating is more likely a normal, non-pathological behaviour rather than a sign of illness |
Why Do Dogs Sometimes Eat Grass and Then Throw Up?
Dogs will often eat grass and immediately throw up, but, contrary to popular belief, dogs eat grass to relieve various needs, not always to induce vomiting when they feel unwell. Studies have shown that only a small number of dogs eat grass when sick, and only around 25% vomit regularly after they have eaten it. Lots of dogs simply enjoy the taste and texture of grass, and it may be an instinctive pre domesticated behaviour deeply rooted in their evolution as opportunistic omnivores.
When dogs do vomit after eating grass, it could be due to a number of reasons including the grass tickling their throat or a reaction to its unusual, coarse texture. In some cases, frequent grass-eating and vomiting might indicate underlying health issues. While eating grass seems generally harmless, it's important to monitor your dog's behaviour. If grass-eating and vomiting become frequent or are accompanied by other symptoms - which doesn't always happen - consulting a vet is advisable.
Five Potential Reasons Your Dog May Be Eating Grass
Understanding why dogs eat grass can help you better support your pet's needs. Here are the main reasons your dog might graze on grass:
🐶 1. They Enjoy It
Dogs simply enjoy the taste, texture or smell of fresh grass, similar to how we might prefer certain foods.
🐶 2. They Need Fibre
When dogs aren't getting enough nutrients or fibre from their usual dog food, they may instinctively seek out grass. A high fibre diet supports their ability to digest food, and grass may help digestion with its fibre content. Usually, the grass passes through and cleans their digestive tract naturally.
🐶 3. They're Bored
Dogs may even eat grass because they are bored. If your dog isn't getting enough mental stimulation, they might resort to digging or chewing and even grass eating. Regularly playing obedience games can help prevent this behaviour.
🐶 4. It Helps With Parasites
Grass naturally aids in getting rid of parasites that may be in your dogs stomach by wrapping itself around any parasites and removing them from your dogs system. While wild dogs historically ate grass in the wild for this purpose, beware of modern grass treated with fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides.
🐶 5. They May Need to Vomit
If a dog feels nauseous, they may eat grass to make themselves sick and help settle their stomach - it's an instinct that helps them vomit up anything that may be causing them discomfort.
Should I Worry if My Dog Is Eating Grass?
Generally speaking, watching your dog chew on grass is generally nothing to worry about. When
an otherwise healthy dog occasionally grazes, it's usually just normal canine behaviour. However, if you need to take your dog to the vet, there are some situations where you might want to pay closer attention.
If you're ever concerned about your pet's grass-eating habits, particularly if they're showing unusual patterns, it's worth investigating further. Grass could help with minor digestive issues, but excessive consumption might indicate that something else is going on. One particular concern to be aware of is lungworm, a dangerous parasite that can be picked up from infected slug or snail trails on grass. While this isn't always an immediate risk, it's important to be aware of the possibility.
Also, pay attention to whether your dog seems to be lacking certain nutrients in their diet or if they're eating grass more frequently than normal. If you're concerned about your dog's health or whether they're ill, always speak to your vet to ensure everything is okay.
Did You Know? In one interesting case, a dog that had been eating grass and vomiting for seven years stopped the behaviour when switched to a high-fibre diet. |
How Should I Stop My Dog from Eating Grass?
If your dog is eating grass excessively, you are sure that they are not ill and you've decided to curb your pet's grass-eating habits, there are several effective approaches to try.
If dogs are eating grass out of boredom or for mental stimulation, make sure that you provide alternative activities that fulfil these needs. Start by ensuring your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental enrichment. Sometimes when a dog may seem fixated on grass, they're just looking for something to do. Try increasing play sessions and playing obedience games to keep their mind occupied.
Consider reviewing your dogs diet and food if you believe that they might be eating grass due to dietary needs or lack of fibre or nutrients. Dogs need a balanced diet, and sometimes switching to a higher quality commercial dog food can make a difference. You might need to take your dog to a professional to discuss its nutritional requirements.
Remember, when you want to discourage grass eating, consistency is key. Dogs are omnivores, so their interest in plants isn't unusual, but you can redirect this natural inclination toward more appropriate activities.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass – Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has helped you understand why dogs eat grass and has better informed you about this common behaviour. As we've discovered, there are several reasons why your dog may eat grass, from simple enjoyment to addressing physical and dietary needs. The good news is that, in most cases, this behaviour is completely natural and nothing to worry about.
For those with lingering questions on this topic, here are the key points to remember. First, as omnivores, it is normal behaviour for dogs to show interest in grass. Second, while some dogs may occasionally vomit afterward, this does not necessarily indicate a problem. Finally, if you're worried that they're munching excessively on grass or if there are any other grass related behaviours, visiting your vet for advice can provide peace of mind.
Remember, every dog is unique, and what is normal for one may not be for another. By paying attention to your pet's grass eating habits and understanding their needs, you can better support their well-being and spot any problems early ensuring that they stay happy and healthy.
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