Why do dogs eat grass?

Question

One of my dogs does this a lot.

Answer 1

While the physical structure of a dog's teeth, jaws, and intestinal system tell us they are natural carnivores, they also require some plant matter in their diet. Canine species in the wild ingest the stomach and intestines of their plant-eating prey. In doing so, they consume partly digested plant matter, which helps in digestion of the flesh and bone they feed upon.

Today, with the majority of pets fed a commercial diet of store-bought pet foods, we tend to forget that, given a choice they would instinctively choose some vegetarian fare.

Answer 2

Dogs commonly eat grass, and there are several explanations that have been offered for this behavior. One, wild canids (e.g., wolves and fox) eat all of an animal when they catch it. Since they eat many herbivores (plant-eating animals), they end up eating a lot of grasses and plants that were in the intestines of these animals. In addition, they have been known to eat certain berries and other plant material. Dogs then, may eat grass because, in reality, it is a normal part of their diet. Many times, dogs will vomit after eating grass. Did they eat grass to make them vomit? Or did they vomit because they ate grass? It is a mystery, but it seems that some dogs may eat vegetation when they have an upset stomach. The third reason - they just like it. Some dogs have certain species of grass or plant material that they will search out and eat.

Answer 3

Alot of folks would say that it's a nutritional deficiency, or a laxative, or the dog doesn't feel well etc.

I don't think that any of those answers is wrong, but they don't tell the whole story. I have four dogs who eat grass, simply because they like it! They don't vomit, and they're totally strong and healthy. They don't have vitamin or nutritional deficiencies (we had this checked at our vet -- it's a simple blood test), they have beautiful coats, and they do well in the show ring.

I try to stop this behavior as much as possible, but they always seem to sneek in a bite when I'm not looking. Unfortunately for me, my lawn looks terrible. Here's a tip if your dog likes to eat grass: be very, VERY careful not to apply fertilizer to grass your dog might eat.

Answer 4

Some times when a dog eats something that it later finds out is bad for it , it eats grass to throw it back up. Other times they just thinks its really good

Answer 5

The dog has a stomach problem. He eats grass because grass forces them to throw up.

Answer 6

If your dog is eating alot of grass you may want to change
his or her food to something that is a little lighter for the dogs
intake. Sometimes a heavier food is unhealthy. They tend to
eat grass to settle there stomach when there sick or have
taken in to much food. Just as we humans take stomach
medicine when we've eaten to much and so on.

Answer 7

My dogs usually eat grass when their stomach is upset. Eating some types of grass induces them to vomit, hence getting rid of the cause of stomach upset. Old folks also tell me that some dogs know which type of plants have therapeutic properties for specific ailments, hence sick dogs always heed for the forest or bushes not only to hide from people but mostly to seek for cure.

Answer 8

Grass tastes sweet to dogs, and dogs love eating sweets. However, grass isn't exactly beneficial to dogs, and therefore should not be encouraged.

Answer 9

Dogs eat grass, if they have a upset stomache, or if they feel they are going to puke. I studied to be a vet assistant, and that's what it said in the text.

Answer 10

Dogs can suffer from a number of digestive ailments just like humans. He could have irritable bowels, or a simple tummy ache. It may also be a sign that he is missing an important nutrient in his diet. If he continues to do it frequently, check with your vet. It could be worms or some sort of parasite that is causing him to feel uncomfortable.