Why Is My Dog Eating Grass?

Did you know almost four-fifths of dogs eat grass? ¹ Dogs naturally have a taste for grass, but it can also be a sign that something is wrong. Read on for the research-backed reasons your dog might be eating your lawn and how you can help them kick their grass habit.

Key Takeaways

Dogs naturally eat grass, as do wolves and other related animals.
In many cases, your dog's taste for grass could be nothing to worry about.
Dogs may eat grass out of boredom or curiosity.
However, their grass-eating may also be a sign they need more fiber or food.
If your dog is eating grass due to stress, consider giving them a calming chew to promote relaxation.
Grass eating can sometimes be a sign that something is wrong, so if you're concerned, check with your vet.

Understanding Your Dog's Grass-Eating Habit

Most pet parents have witnessed the strange sight of their dog eating grass. You might be wondering why your dog is doing this.

While eating grass can be a sign that something is wrong, in many cases, it's actually quite normal. According to one study, 79% of dog owners reported seeing their dog eat grass or other plants.¹

You might think of dogs as meat eaters, but they're actually omnivores. ² Plant material is an important part of their diet, which they need to stay healthy. ³ In fact, it's technically possible (though not necessarily advisable) to feed dogs entirely plant-based diets. ⁴

But there's a difference between snacking on a delicious hemp-based dog treat and chowing down on raw grass. Dogs eat grass for many different reasons, and it could be a sign your pup wants or needs something they aren't getting.

Potential Reasons Your Dog Is Eating Grass

Stress

Some experts think dogs eat grass when stressed. For example, one professor of animal behavior explained that grass eating could be a "displacement behavior," like how humans might bite their nails when nervous. ⁵

If you think your dog is eating grass due to stress, try tackling that first. One great option is pet CBD, which has been shown to promote relaxation in dogs. ⁶

Those hemp hearts we mentioned earlier are packed with full-spectrum CBD to help keep your dog relaxed. If they need a little extra, try our extra-strength option.

Boredom

Equally, your dog may be eating grass because they're plain bored. ⁷ For example, a study in Japan found that younger dogs, who are more likely to become bored, were more likely to eat grass than older dogs. ⁸

If you think this is the cause of your dog's taste for grass, try giving them more stimulation. Walks, playtime, and puzzles are all great options.

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Instinct

As we mentioned, dogs are naturally omnivores. This might be due to them evolving alongside humans, but their ancestors also ate plants. We know that from research into the stomach contents and scat of wolves, which often contains plant matter. ⁹

In fact, wild wolves (and related animals, like foxes and jackals) have been observed eating grass. ¹⁰

It's therefore possible that your dog's grass eating is coming from some kind of deeply buried instinct.

Attention

Most dogs love attention, especially from their humans. Dogs can learn that certain behaviors get them the attention they need. For example, you may have seen viral videos of dogs faking a limp to get attention. ¹¹

It's entirely possible that your clever pup has learned that when they eat grass (or try to), they'll get your attention. Even if that attention comes in the form of a telling off, your dog might want it. ¹²

Hunger

Dogs sometimes eat grass because they're hungry. Research shows that dogs are more likely to eat grass before a meal and less likely to eat grass when full. ¹³

Now, some pet parents might point out that their dog always seems to be hungry. Unfortunately, for some breeds, that's the reality. Research has found that about one-quarter of Labradors are genetically predisposed to feel hungrier between meals than other dogs. ¹⁴

Dogs may also eat grass because of a dietary deficiency. For example, one scientific report recounts the case of a Miniature Poodle who'd been eating grass for years. When the pup was put on a high-fiber diet, their grass-eating habit disappeared. ¹⁵

It's a good idea to double-check you're feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet. If you are, and they're still eating grass, check with your vet. They'll be able to determine if your pup is eating too much grass and help you figure out what to do next.

Bonus: What to Give a Dog for an Upset Stomach

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Does Eating Grass Make Dogs Vomit?

Some researchers believe that dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit. But studies have found that fewer than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass. And only 10% show signs of distress before eating grass. ¹⁶

In one study, almost all pet parents surveyed said their dogs ate grass. But almost none of them said their dogs vomited afterwards. ¹⁷

There's a chance your dog might be instinctively eating grass because their stomach feels upset. If you think that's the case, try addressing the underlying issue.

One great option is bovine colostrum, a potent digestive aid that helps support proper digestion and bowel health.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass

Your dog's ancestors ate grass, and wild dogs eat grass, too. Eating grass is a normal behavior that may be nothing to worry about.

But if you're concerned, try to identify why you think your pup is indulging in grass. That will help you determine what you can do to support them.

For example, if you think your dog is eating grass due to an upset stomach, consider adding a digestive aid to their diet. Similarly, check your dog's diet. A complete and balanced diet may induce your dog to stop eating grass.

If your dog is eating grass out of boredom or curiosity, try giving them more to do. And if it's because of stress, consider helping them stay relaxed with CBD oil or a similar supplement.

Why Should Dogs Not Eat Grass

Grass (and other non-toxic plants) isn't necessarily harmful to dogs. ¹⁸ But it's also not necessarily helpful. ¹⁹

However, grass may be treated with herbicides or other chemicals that can be harmful to your dog.

dog sitting outside in field of grass veterinarian sick dirt talk pesticides nutrients toxic veterinarian

Conclusion

There are many reasons your dog likes eating grass. By identifying and addressing the underlying issue, you may be able to help them stop doing so.

If you're still concerned, consult your vet. They'll be able to help you get to the bottom of your dog's grass habit and figure out how you can best support your furry friend.

Keep Reading: How Important is L-Glutamine for Dogs?

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Worry If My Dog Is Eating Grass?

Not necessarily. Eating grass is a completely natural behavior for dogs, and in many cases, it's not harmful.

However, eating grass can be a sign that something is amiss with your dog. They might be bored or stressed, have a nutritional deficiency, or something else.

If that's the case, try addressing the underlying issue first. Doing that could solve the grass problem entirely.

What Should I Give My Dog If He's Eating Grass?

It depends why your dog is eating grass. If they're just curious or bored, try giving them more stimulation and exercise. Similarly, if they're stressed, try giving them CBD to help keep them calm.

However, eating grass can be a sign your dog needs more fiber in their diet.

Our pumpkin hemp hearts contain fiber and CBD, so they could be helpful in both cases.

When Should I Worry About Grass-Eating?

Like with many otherwise natural behaviors, grass eating can be a sign that something is wrong when done compulsively or obsessively. Try to see whether it's accompanied by other symptoms.

Also, grass can be treated with harmful chemicals.

Sources

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Why Is My Dog Eating Grass?

Key Takeaways

Understanding Your Dog's Grass-Eating Habit