Why do dogs eat grass as they were part cattle or something?

Question

My 4 pit bulls, whenever outside playing in the yard, will spend a numerous amount of time eating grass. And then of course vomit it all back up on the rug an hour later. Irritating habit, but my brother's chocolate lab eats grass too. Howcome?

Answer 1

Dogs commonly eat grass, and there are several explanations that have been offered for this behavior. One, eat all of an animal when they catch it. Since they eat many herbivores , 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. We know a beagle who can pick raspberries faster than his owner.

In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behavior, and is not of concern unless your dog does it excessively.

If grass eating is excessive, contact your family vet.

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. We know a beagle who can pick raspberries faster than his owner.

In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behavior, and is not of concern unless your dog does it excessively.

Answer 3

Most dogs eat grass when their stomachs are upset. The grass is kind of like tums to them but too much of it makes them vomit. Other dogs just do it for fun I guess. The vet I worked for, his girl Dachsund ate grass all the time and we never figured out why she did it. Do your dogs have any other problems like problems keeping down their food? If they have other problems then you might take them to the vet if not then its probably just a habit or weird tick they have. Hope this helps a little

Answer 4

Sometimes, they feel sick to their stomach, so they eat grass to throw up and make them feel better. Happens to my Chocolate lab all the time. You really can't stop this habit. It's just like if you were sick-you'd get medicine for it, so grass is the dog's medicine! (only-it's free)

Answer 5

as with humans and their need for fiber in the diet, dogs with improper food diets can create blockage. Grass is a source of fiber as lettuce and general greens are to humans. They serve a purpose. If you have no grass treatment ie: lawn care chemicals on your grass than permitting them to eat the grass is good for them. It is essential for them.

Answer 6

I was told by my vet that by them eating grass, it is a sort of medicine for their tummys to help them to rid themselves of anything inside that makes them feel sick. When u c them eating grass make them stay outside for a little bit longer after they stop eating it so they can up-chuck it outside instead of ur house.

Answer 7

i think it's to (as others have said) settle an upset stomach. They also eat it if they ate something bad and need to throw it back up (ugh). Its not usually a problem, my dogs ate it ALL the time.

Answer 8

when dogs eat grass that means their stomachs hurt so grass settles it

Answer 9

i always wondered that about my dog and i now know that they do that because the grass helps them digest food and when their done digesting they don't need the grass anymore so they regurgitate it

Answer 10

some dogs eat it when they have stomach aches beacause it helps them digest their food or something... i think others just like the way it tastes