2007-02-07 06:38:55 · 12 answers · asked by jwlpeaceout 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Q. Why do dogs eat grass?
A. 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
2007-02-07 06:50:36 · answer #1 · answered by sknymnie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many guesses as to why dogs eat grass, but even your vet won't be able to answer for sure. If it makes your dog ill after eating it...she may have an upset stomach and be trying to relieve it. This seems to be the most common reason for dogs to eat grass. Other dogs just seem to like the taste and it has been said that it goes back to their "beginnings". Wild dogs would eat the entire animal after a kill. This included the contents of a plant eating animal's stomach, making the vegetation part of their normal diet.
As long as there seems to be no lasting effects, I wouldn't worry about it. However, if it becomes a daily habit resulting in vomiting, you may want to have her checked by the vet to ensure there is no digestive problem.
2007-02-07 14:50:20 · answer #2 · answered by motomouth_1965 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They eat grass because they need to throw up. It's normal, to a point. I never stop my dogs from eating it, but I've seen dogs get obsessive about strange things (eating grass included) Here's a link for more info:
http://www.vetinfo.com/deatgrass.html
2007-02-07 15:14:00 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs eat grass to help settle their stomach. She's probably feeling sick regardless of the grass. Take her in and get her checked for worms, and make sure you are feeding a proper dog food. Low-quality brands have a lot of junk in them that can make your dog sick and that don't provide any nutrition. Ingredients that exist to make the bag heavier. IAMs and Science Diet won't have those ingredients. Make sure your dog is not eating table scraps... that is the most common cause of indigestion in dogs.
2007-02-07 14:44:28 · answer #4 · answered by polly_peptide 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs eat grass to make themselves throw-up. It helps them to feel better.
2007-02-07 15:48:19 · answer #5 · answered by wildlifegirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs eat grass becasue it helps them/prepare to digest foods.
2007-02-07 14:51:32 · answer #6 · answered by Jola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs typically eat grass when they have an upset stomach. It will help them vomit up whatever is bothering them.
2007-02-07 14:42:30 · answer #7 · answered by Horsetrainer89 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They eat grass because their stomach is upset. So they eat it to get rid of what ever is in their stomach.
2007-02-07 16:57:12 · answer #8 · answered by sdart_93 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THEY eat grass because they are sick. IT HELPS with the poopoos.
2007-02-07 14:42:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they usually eat grass when their stomach is upset.
2007-02-07 19:34:11 · answer #10 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋