Why do dogs chew grass?

Question

My dog, a German Shepherd mix, seems to need to chew on certain types of grass. He searches it out on his walks. What's the deal?

He doesn't vomit afterwards. I feed him Kibbles n Bits or Purina One. He does get table scraps.

Answer 1

Mine just enjoy it. They eat veggies too.

Answer 2

I actually answered this question the other day, so I figured I'd cross-post.

There are actually a few theories as to why dogs will eat grass.

Some people believe that it aids in digestion, while others believe that they simply like the taste.

One of the more scientific theories believes that dogs eat grass when they have upset stomachs in order to induce vomiting.

The grass acts as an irritant causing the dog to vomit, bringing up the food that was causing the upset stomach.

I provided some links with more information below for ya.
Enjoy!

Answer 3

Alot of people that have answered are correct. It does help to settle their stomach or enduce vomiting when they feel they need to, but also, dogs do need some vegitables in their diet. Unlike humans, dogs doen't have parents standing over them telling them to eat their green beans, but they seem to know that they need the vitamins that can be provided by leafy greens. You can actually by special grass at pet stores such as Petsmart and Petco that is better than just letting them eat wild grass. I am not sure but I have heard that you are suppose to plant this grass that they sell in a little pot and the dog eating it actually helps to spread the grass not only when being eaten, but when the dog releases the waste. It might be something to look into. Get your dog some greens and spread grass throught your yard.

Answer 4

Usually a dog or cat will eat grass because they have an upset stomach and need to throw up, which is what the grass helps with.

Answer 5

The chlorophyll in certain kinds of grass, and the thin blades of the same, brings about regurgitation and, like the other person said, soothes the stomach. It might help to cut down on the milk products your shepherd ingests and increase the lean meats.

Answer 6

We're not sure why your pup likes grass, although there have been many theories offered. Primarily, dogs are descended from wild canids (wolves and foxes), which ate the entire “kill” when they hunted for food. Since they consumed many herbivores (plant-eating animals), they wound up eating a lot of plants and even berries found in the stomach and intestines of their prey

Answer 7

Grass has a substance in it that feeds an illness, what I don't know.But they'll throw it up also. Maybe for upset stomach. Not only grass, but green plants also.

Answer 8

The dogs I've seen that do that throw up afterwards. Maybe they ate some bad old food or something. Watch what he is eating from now on ok?

Answer 9

My dog always used to chew it before he vomitted. I don't know if he was trying to calm his stomach, or trying to get something in there to help it come up.

Answer 10

my dogs eat grass to digest. I went out and got wheat grass seeds so I can grow it in my backyard. If you go to petco the already grown grass are $3.99.

Answer 11

all dogs actually chew grass they find the best grass don't worry they know what grass to eat. it naturally in dogs.