Eating grass appears to be a common behavior among dogs and is not as strange as some of the other eating practices that fascinate puppies.
The reason for this eating behavior is not entirely clear, although some dogs seem to enjoy eating grass more than others.
For other dogs, however, ingesting grass may be a way to satisfy an unmet nutritional need or to self-induce vomiting to relieve an upset stomach. Or sometimes they may do it simply because they are bored.
Why do puppies eat grass?
Many dogs suffer from a condition known as pica, which means they eat things that aren’t food, including dirt, feces, toys and grass. Most experts, however, agree that eating grass is normal dog behavior and that this type of pica usually doesn’t cause many, if any, problems. So why grass?
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We can assume that some dogs simply like the taste and texture of grass. There is also speculation that grazing on grass may provide fiber or trace amounts of vitamins and minerals that are not adequately provided in commercial dog food.
Modern domestic dogs have a generally limited diet, but their wild relatives continue to enjoy a rich variety of foods.
Coyotes, for example, commonly eat plant matter found in the stomachs and intestines of hunted animals. In fact, many wild dogs also eat roots, grasses, and berries in addition to the meat they kill or devour.
This tendency to eat plants also shows up in your dog’s behavior. In addition to grass, it’s a good idea for your puppy to occasionally enjoy safe, raw plant-based snacks, such as sliced bananas, green beans, strawberries, or even apple slices. You may also find that your dog sometimes doesn’t eat some raw fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, but prefers them when cooked.
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To induce vomiting
Eating grass doesn’t always lead to vomiting, but sometimes it can, especially in dogs that don’t eat grass regularly. It’s possible that these casual weed users are trying to use it as a natural emetic to induce vomiting when they feel sick.
You may notice this behavior if your dog is a little bloated before going out to do his business or after eating something he shouldn’t eat. His stool may also be a little loose, discolored or otherwise abnormal, and the dog may seem a little sad or less energetic than normal.
Once outside, the bloated dog may start swallowing mouthfuls of grass. The long tickling strands can cause the dog to regurgitate whatever caused the stomach ache. When he does, he may return to his normal activities quite soon and show no other signs of illness.
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To escape boredom
Some experts believe that bored dogs sometimes eat grass simply because it gives them something to do. Most often this happens in dogs who don’t get enough exercise, especially young dogs and puppies who have an abundance of stored energy to expend.
Next steps
Occasional weed consumption is not a cause for concern. If your dog eats grass due to boredom or a nutritional deficiency, you can make simple changes to add a little «spice» to your pup’s life and food bowl. However, there are times when you will need to stop this behavior for your dog’s safety and other times when it could be a sign that your furry friend is seriously ill.
Indoor dogs can indulge their desire to graze by munching on houseplants. This can be a dangerous or even fatal activity, depending on the plant species. To be safe, avoid growing potentially poisonous plants indoors or outdoors.
If you can’t or don’t want to avoid growing plants that are toxic to dogs, keep them in an area that your dog can’t access. Or work on training so your dog knows which plants or areas are off-limits in your home or yard.
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Never allow your dog to eat chemically treated grass as this could cause poisoning. Even if you don’t use herbicides or pesticides on your lawn, your neighbor might. Toxics could end up in your yard through runoff or wind, especially if applied on a windy day. This also applies to public areas such as parks where the grass may have been treated.
Give your grass-loving pup a healthy alternative to satisfy his appetite. For example, you can provide a patch of your yard or a container of healthy wheatgrass for your dog. Pet supply stores often have kits for growing grass and plants that are safe for dogs.
Make sure your four-legged friend gets enough exercise every day. These include physical and mental exercises to ward off boredom. Dedicating some time each day to playing with your dog can make a significant difference in suppressing boredom-related behaviors.
A sudden increase in the incidence of grazing may be a sign of illness in your dog or deficiency of vital nutrients. Pay attention to your dog’s activities so you can discuss them with your vet if necessary.
Check the ingredients of your dog’s food to see if it truly provides a balanced diet with all the nutrients your dog needs. Switching to a food with a higher fiber content or one specifically designed to improve digestion can generally address some of your puppy’s needs and discontinue grass supplementation.
Careful!
If your dog grazes repeatedly for more than two days in a row and vomits each time, this is a sign that you should take your dog to the vet. A chronic stomach problem should be checked as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of intestinal parasites such as roundworms or something more serious such as parvovirus or kidney disease.
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