We’re pretty sure that as a dog owner you will at some point have noticed your four-legged friend enjoying a cheeky nibble on some grass. But why do they do it? Is it harmful? Is it something to be worried about?
In this blog we’ll explore a variety of possible reasons that your dog has developed a taste for the green stuff. Spoiler alert, it’s not necessarily because they’re feeling unwell! Let’s bust that myth right out of the gate.
Whilst it’s true that some dogs might consume grass when they have an upset stomach, the vast majority who do it don’t show any signs of illness. In fact, one of the following theories could be a far more likely reason behind why your doggo enjoys the occasional blade or two.
1. Natural Instinct and Ancestral Behaviour
One of the most widely accepted theories is that eating grass is a behaviour that our dogs have inherited from their wild ancestors. Think about wild canines, like wolves or foxes; these predators are known to consume entire animals, including the stomach contents of herbivorous prey.
These contents would naturally include plant matter, like grass. It’s widely believed that domesticated dogs still retain many ancestral behaviours, so munching on grass could simply be evidence of their evolutionary past.
2. Nutritional Deficiency
Another common theory is that dogs may eat grass to compensate for a lack of certain nutrients in their diet. Just like humans, our canine companions need a variety of different vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. (See our Ultimate Gut Guide blog for more information.) This means that they could instinctively seek out foods which they believe may contain the required nutrition, including grass.
Whilst this theory seems plausible, the evidence to support it is limited. The same is true of the theory that dogs may eat their own, or other animal’s faeces for the same reason. This unsavoury behaviour is called coprophagia - more on that stomach-churning topic later!
If you do suspect your dog is eating grass due to a nutritional imbalance however, it may be worth revisiting their diet, speaking to a qualified nutritionist or consulting with your veterinarian for advice.
3. Boredom or Anxiety
Some dogs, especially those lacking adequate mental stimulation, may eat grass to simply pass the time or alleviate stress. Chewing is a natural stress reliever and can be soothing for some dogs, in the same way that we humans may chew gum or snack when we’re feeling anxious or bored.
Ensuring your doggo gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation may reduce grass-eating, should boredom or anxiety be the root cause. If you have observed excessive chewing generally, not just related to grass, this behaviour could be a sign of chronic stress and you may want to consult your vet for further advice.
4. Taste or Texture
It is quite possible that some dogs simply enjoy the taste or texture of grass. Axel for example seems more interested in nibbling on grass when it’s wet, indicating that he may just like the texture or hydration from the water droplets.
It will come as no surprise to many dog owners, but our four-legged friends often have preferences when it comes to food, and for some, grass might simply be seen as a tasty snack. The crunch or sensation of chewing could provide sensory enjoyment, even if there’s no deeper motivation behind the behaviour. I guess some dogs just like what they like.
5. Feeling Unwell
‘Hold on a minute!’ we hear you cry. ‘You said it wasn’t because they’re feeling unwell!’ Actually, what we said was that it wasn’t ‘necessarily’ because they were feeling unwell. Studies have shown that less than 10% of dogs who eat grass regularly vomit afterwards, indicating that this is not always their primary motivation.
That said, many dog owners have observed their dogs eating grass and then vomiting shortly afterward, leading to the popular belief that dogs eat grass to self-medicate and relieve an upset stomach. Whilst there may be some truth to this, it’s unclear whether dogs intentionally use grass to induce vomiting due to digestive discomfort. If your dog is doing this on a regular basis however, we would suggest seeking veterinary advice, as there could be an underlying digestive issue which may need resolving.
Is Grass Dangerous for Dogs?
In general, grass isn’t harmful to dogs, however there are some important caveats. For example, if the grass has been treated with pesticides or fertilizers, then it could potentially be toxic. This means you should be vigilant and cautious about where your dog grazes.
Furthermore, some wild plants or grasses may also be harmful if ingested, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your dog when they’re outdoors and familiarise yourself with some of the local flora. (See our Toxic Plants for Dogs blog for more information.)
Why Does My Dog Eat Poo?
Many of the same reasons are true of why your dog may dabble in a bit of coprophagia, including:
- Instinctual Behaviour: In the wild, mothers would often eat the faeces of their puppies to keep the den clean and free from predators.
- Dietary Deficiency: Dogs may seek out faeces containing partially digested food, compensating for a lack of certain nutrients in their diet.
- Boredom or Attention-Seeking: If a dog lacks stimulation or feels neglected, they may engage in behaviours that elicit a reaction from their owner, even if these reactions are negative.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness: Linked to the earlier example, some dogs may eat faeces in an attempt to keep their living space clean. This is more common in multi-dog households.
It’s worth remembering that what smells and tastes good to us isn’t necessarily what tastes and smells good to your dog. On average dogs only have 1,700 taste buds in comparison to humans who have 9,000. This goes some way to explaining their tendency to happily chow down on things that we as humans would find disgusting.
Top Tips To Prevent Grass Eating
There are several things you can do if you are concerned about your dog’s grass eating habit:
- Ensure a Balanced Diet – Make sure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need by feeding them high-quality, balanced diet. Providing your dog with proper nutrition is crucial to their overall health and wellbeing. (See our Ultimate Nutrition Guide blog for more information.)
- Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation – Regular exercise, interactive toys and training sessions could all help curb behaviours which may be rooted in boredom or anxiety.
- Supervise Outdoor Time – Keep a close eye your dog when they’re outside and try redirecting their attention with toys or treats when they look to munch on grass (or something much, much worse!).
- Consider Digestive Supplements – Particularly if your dog is eating faeces, a digestive supplement rich in fibre or a probiotic supplement may help address any potential imbalances in their gut.
Conclusion
Whilst grass-eating can sometimes be a sign that your dog is feeling unwell, it is not necessarily the case and there are several other equally likely reasons that they’re engaging in this behaviour. Nutritional deficiencies in their diet, instinctual behaviors inherited from their ancestors or even boredom can all be reasons why they’re doing it. It could even be as simple as they like the taste.
That said, there is some truth to the popular belief that dogs intentionally eat grass to induce vomiting due to digestive discomfort. If you find that your dog is doing this on a regular basis, we recommend consulting your vet for further advice.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.