they eat grass and then throw up shortly after, why would they eat something they know is going to upset thier stomach's ?
2006-07-25 08:26:57 · 35 answers · asked by sn1per2k6 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
well dogs eat there own vomit, and cat poop too! who knows.
2006-07-25 08:31:53 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grass is pretty indigestible for cats and dogs because they do not have the digestive enzymes necessary to breakdown the fibre content ..which is high. Apart from fibre and water, grass also contains some minerals, vitamin A and sometimes vitamin D.
The nutritional value of grass for cats and dogs is very poor...so there is unlikely to be a basic instinctive nutritional reason why cats and dogs would eat grass ...unless they have a need for dietary fibre itself which is thought to be unlikely. Cats in particular are known to be obligate carnivores and have no requirement for nutrients derived from plant material.
It has been reported (but not scientifically proved) that cats and dogs will eat grass if they have a digestive system problem such as gastritis or nausea. They will also eat unusual materials if they have a nutritional deficiency, or if they are hungry and do not have access to food. On the other hand eating small amounts of untypical foods ..grass, wood, leaves ..can just be a normal behavioural trait and is not important providing the material eaten is not toxic - such as laburnum leaves or sticks. Grass is usually safe - unless it has been sprayed with herbicide or insecticides.
If your pet suddenly starts eating grass it would be worthwhile getting your veterinarian to examine it just in case there is an underlying gastrointestinal problem or a nutritional deficiency.
2006-07-25 08:35:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs eat grass because they are feeling sick. They are having a stomach upset and eat it so they can throw up.
2006-07-25 09:39:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to any of the previous posters. None of them know what they are talking about.
Dogs need a specific enzyme that is found in the tips of certain green grasses. One common variety they particularly like is quack grass. The throwing up and such that is reported by so many other posters is nothing more than a natural reaction to the serrated blades of the grass irritating the dogs insides causing him/her to throw up.
If you dog seems to be doing this a lot, you can help them out by giving them a supplement. One such is "Barley Dog." I'm including a link to it here at a website where you can buy it. You'll find more information at their site.
2006-07-25 08:36:51 · answer #4 · answered by lowerbearville 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's exactly why they do it...it's sortof like a spring tonic for animals. Cats do it all the time, too. Anytime your dogs are eating grass, their stomachs are upset for some reason. They'll eat grass, either throw up or have loose stools, and then all is OK.. don't fret. They are just doing what animals do!!
2006-07-25 08:31:21 · answer #5 · answered by themom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, dogs eat grass even when their tummies arent upset.
But, they eat it to ease their stomach, and yes they do throw it up immediately, but eventually it stays down.
If they're vomiting a lot, you will need to take them to the vet, but an occasional vomit isnt necessarily dangerous.
2006-07-25 08:31:11 · answer #6 · answered by D'oh! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always thought they ate it to help them vomit up something that was making them feel sick.
It turns out there are a variety of reasons. It doesn't seem to be related to just one reason. Some dogs apparently like to eat grass. Others use it as a way to make themselves feel better. Here's a link with more information
2006-07-25 08:32:37 · answer #7 · answered by ralphwaldo45 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually dogs with upset stomaches eat grass to help them throw up, you may want to try deworming your dog & see your vet...obviously there is a problem
2006-07-25 08:31:59 · answer #8 · answered by Tiffany D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that when dogs are going to be sick they tend to eat grass to try to get rid of the nauseous feeling! There is also an article I read as to exactly why they eat grass because my dog used to do it! Apparently they eat the grass to vomit and get rid of the poisonous material that is causing them to feel sick! Here is the link!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/science/2003-12-19-wonderquest-dogs-grass_x.htm
Hope it helps!
2006-07-25 08:28:58 · answer #9 · answered by ~*Pamcake*~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they eat the grass for the specific purpose of regurgitation. their stomach gets sour at times and grass relieves the symptom
add some fiber to their diets, rice is an excellent source of rounding out a dog's diet.
2006-07-25 08:30:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs eat grass to clean their stomach. It doesn't really upset their stomachs.
2006-07-25 08:30:03 · answer #11 · answered by sunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋