Why does our dog keep eating grass??

Question

We have a new dog.... He is a labrador cross, mainly lab and he is 3 years old. He is as good as gold...but as soon as we're out he will try and eat as much grass as possible.

Is it bad for dogs to eat grass??...does it not matter??....should we let him??

Any answers much appreciated!

Answer 1

Dogs are naturally omnivorous scavengers, requiring a varied diet, both of animal and vegetable origin. Sadly today, most people feed their dogs a diet of predominantly processed meat products, topped up with a dose of vitamins and chemical preservative. Your dog is NOT ill, it is simply trying to balance its diet out. Try including a couple of dandelion and nettle leaves in their diet, mixed in with their food.

Answer 2

My Rottweiler sometimes eats grass as well, I don’t think it’s something you need to worry about too much…..Dogs commonly eat grass, and there are several explanations that have been offered for this behaviour.

We're so used to feeding our dogs on commercially produced foods that we forget or un-aware that they also enjoy vegetation in their diet too sometimes.
They may eat grass simply because it’s a normal part of their diet, there may be other reasons. No-one is REALLY sure of the answer

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’s a mystery, but it seems that some dogs may eat vegetation when they have an upset stomach inducing the vomiting themselves. They could be eating it simply because it tastes good or even because there are certain properties in it that are beneficial to the Dog.

Some dogs have certain species of grass or plant material that they search out and eat. My friend's German Shepherd will only eat from one patch in her garden.

In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behaviour, and not something you need to be concerned about. I wouldn't let him do it too often but it doesn't sound to me that that's a problem

Answer 3

Some dogs just like to eat grass, but many do it because they are having stomach problems. In some cases dogs will eat grass to the point that they get sick. (Sometimes its a relief to bring up whatever its bothering them.) If he's acting normally most of the time but just eats grass whenever he gets a chance to get to it he might just be curious. I'd keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't eat to the point where he gets sick.

Also, on your next vet visit ask the doctor, they may have some further insight. They might even ask you to adjust his diet.

Answer 4

Grass is a form of medicine to dogs and by eating it they will be sick and thus clear their stomachs. If he does this regularly perhaps he is being fed too much. They seem to know when they want to be sick and the grass does this. They might be feeling poorly or purely and simply just too full.

Answer 5

We always had dogs when I was growing up, they all ate grass at one time or another. I was always told they ate grass because they had a stomach ache, but it never made them vomit. I think it's just for digestion. The way we eat salad or other greens.

Answer 6

Dogs eat grass to help setele their stomaches and help in digestion like when we eat salads. All the dogs I have ever had eat grass its good for their digestive track

Answer 7

No problem. Every dog I've had has nibbled on grass. I think it's either helping with their digestive system, or correcting a mild imbalance therein. No it doesn't harm them, and no, you don't need to stop him. Obviously if he gets sick afterwards, take him to the vet. Otherwise, just leave him.

Answer 8

He might suffer from incontination issues, I have a similar problem with my miniature Schnauzer and vet told that when a dog eats grass is because he can't defecate like he should, they are purging themselves so you better have your dogie checked, nothing to really worry about but it won't harm to seek fro pro advise either

Answer 9

It is good for their digestive system and also makes them feel better if they have a bit of an upset tummy. My cats like grass too! Just keep an eye on him/her, because it can make them sick (if they are experiencing an upset tummy).

Answer 10

sometimes when a dog is not feeling well it will eat grass but there is also vitamin in the grass that your dog may not be getting