Why Dogs Eat Grass

There are a variety of reasons dogs might be munching on your lawn. Some people think this in response to being sick – others disagree. Here’s the science behind it all.

Theories to Why Dogs Eat Grass

There’s a theory that some people think when their dogs eat grass, it’s to throw up whatever is upsetting their stomach. As far as we know, only about 10% of dogs who eat grass were sick beforehand according to their owners. And only about 25% of dogs who eat grass regularly vomit after eating it. Another theory is that your furry friend needs more fiber and thinks the lawn will help raise that intake. So feeding your pooch more fiber may decrease their grass-eating habits. Or your dog could simply like the taste of grass.

What to Do About the Grass-Eating

If you think your dog is eating grass out of boredom, then it’s probably time you give them a bit more exercise! Try some frisbee or other interactive games you can play with your dog. Mentally stimulating your pooch is just as important as physical stimulation. Grab your furry friend, some engaging games and puzzles to keep them busy. Chewy sticks can also help keep their mouths occupied on something other than grass. Your canine companion could be feeling this way to a possible nutritional deficiency. In that case, try switching to better dog food and see if it helps. High-fiber varieties are a great place to start.

Should You Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass?

Overall though, most experts don’t consider grass-eating to be harmful to your pooch. Something that could be harmful though is any herbicides or pesticides used on lawns. These are incredibly toxic for Fifo to digest. Most houseplants are toxic to dogs as well, so try to keep your canine companion away from those as well.

To be safe, always check the ASPA’s Animal Poison Control Center’s website, there you’ll find a list of all the toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs.