As dog owners, we witness all (or most) of our dog’s many firsts – and that includes all the quirky behaviors they learn or develop as years go by.
And one quirky behavior that dog owners commonly see is their dogs eating grass. Seeing this, you might wonder “is my dog turning vegan?”
Well, the answer is no, they’re not! Eating grass doesn’t mean your dog is turning vegan. Instead, this is a common (yet weird) habit that dogs develop.
But why do dogs do it? Why the sudden taste for greenery? In this article, we’ll explore the curious habit of dogs eating grass, uncover the possible reasons behind it, and how to properly handle it!
Dogs Eating Grass: Are They Turning Vegan?
Seeing your dog happily and deliciously chomp on grass like it’s the finest salad in town can be a confusing experience.
This habit can be seen when you walk your dog in the park and they see a patch of grass they find oh so delectable. Or you might catch them munching on grass while they’re in the backyard.
But these scenarios don’t mean that your dog is slowly switching to a vegan diet. Dogs are naturally carnivorous and while they have omnivorous tendencies from eating some vegetables and fruits, eating grass is not an indication of a diet switch.
It may be due an eating disorder called Pica where dogs eat “strange” non-food items which is often associated with a diet deficient in nutrients, vitamins, or minerals.
But if dogs look to be healthy and is on a well-balanced diet, then why are dogs eating grass? Let’s find out!
5 Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass
There are many theories, speculations, and possibilities observed on why dogs eat grass, but the truth is no one knows for sure what the exact reason is.
You might’ve heard that dogs eat grass to relieve an upset stomach. But how true is this? Thankfully, there have been studies that show a few theories and how some myths are just not true at all.
Curious to know the science behind dogs eating grass? Continue reading to find five possible reasons why they do this.
1. Your Dog Is Bored
Chewing on grass might be a sign that your dog is lacking mental stimulation. Dogs do not only need physical exercise but also mental stimulation to keep them healthy and busy.
Chewing behaviors, along with digging behaviors, have been commonly linked to boredom. Dogs use this as a coping mechanism for stress and boredom.
So, if you see your dog munching on grass, then it might be a sign that they’re not getting enough exercise.
2. Your Dog Likes The Taste Of Grass
We promise you, your dog is not turning into a vegan! However it’s more common to see dogs eating grass during the spring and summer season, between April and August, because the grass is more “fresh” during these seasons.
The texture, smell, and taste of the grass may be more inviting to dogs during these times, and so they start chomping on grass.
As a matter of fact, one study found that grass was the most frequently eaten plants by 79% of dogs.
3. It’s Simply Your Dog’s Instinct!
Scientists suggest that dogs eating grass is simply an instinct that they inherited from their wolf ancestors.
VCA Hospital shares that examining stool samples shows that 11-47% of wolves eat grass, since they have to consume anything in the wild that helps fulfill their basic diet requirements.
And while dogs today don’t have to hunt for their own food, they still have their natural instinct to scavenge.
So, if you see dogs eating grass occasionally, it might not be a cause of worry but something that comes naturally to them!
4. Your Dog Needs More Fiber
A poor and unbalanced diet can be an indication why your dog is eating grass. Since grass contains a lot of fiber, many dogs will resort to eating it simply because their diet is lacking in the nutrients that they need.
Indications of a lack of fiber in dogs include loose stools or constipation. So, if you notice these signs and see your dog eating grass, then it’s time to evaluate their diet and supplement it with fiber.
Some dog-safe vegetables and fruits that are rich in fiber include:
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Apples
- Watermelon
- Canned and unseasoned pumpkin
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Banana
However, please give these foods to your dog in moderation because a diet that contains too much fiber can cause stomach and digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloat, and dehydration.
5. Your Dog Is Trying To Soothe An Upset Stomach
When you see dogs eating grass, it might mean they have an upset stomach and are trying to soothe it.
If you see your them do this, while also vomiting and experiencing diarrhea, then a stomach issue might be the culprit behind it.
Grass contains fiber, which helps with loose stools or constipation. Furthermore, grass has also been shown to help settle your dog’s stomach by bringing its pH level down, helping soothe the pain and symptoms dog feel.
Should Grass-Eating In Dogs Be A Cause Of Concern?
Furthermore, if your dog is casually eating grass on your backyard, make sure the grass is not treated with any harmful and toxic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Doing so can be life threatening to your dog.
If dogs eating grass show other signs of health issues along with the grass-eating behavior, make sure to immediately consult this with your dog’s vet.
How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass
If the grass-eating habit is becoming excessively concerning, it’s best to look for ways to help stop the behavior altogether. But how do you do this? Here are ways you can slowly stop this habit:
- Improve their diet by increasing fiber intake. As mentioned above, dogs eating grass may be because they do not get all the necessary nutrients they need, including fiber, from their food. Consider switching up your dog’s diet by adding cooked vegetables (rich in fiber) to their diet, or giving them dog-safe and fiber-rich fruits as a form of treat.
- Mental stimulation. Dogs that eat grass usually lack the mental stimulation they need. If this is the case, then providing mental stimulation in the form of interactive dog toys or training can help alleviate the behavior.
- Physical exercise is a must. If you do not walk your dog regularly, then they might start developing the habit of eating grass. So, make sure you walk your dog regularly or play with them. A game of fetch in the backyard will definitely keep your dog’s mind away from chewing some “delicious” grass!
- Provide them with chewing alternatives. There are plenty of chew toys and treats that your dog can chew on to pass time, instead of the grass!
- Supervise their outdoor time. Whether it’s a walk in the park or playtime in the backyard, make sure to watch your dog closely so that they don’t show interest in grass.
- Consult a vet. If all else fails, and if you feel like the behavior is becoming obsessive, then please do consult with your dog’s vet to rule out any medical and health reasons.
Conclusion
Dogs eating grass is usually harmless, but it doesn’t mean your pooch is turning vegan in doing so!
Even though it is a common yet quirky behavior, it is still important to keep an eye on how often your pooch does it, and if your pooch is showing health concerns along with the behavior. Doing this can help you address the underlying problem, if there are any, properly.
How often does your dog eat grass? And how do you usually curb this “craving”? Share it in the comments below!
