My puppy likes to eat grass or leaves..does that mean she is missing some nutrition from her diet?

Question

My 6 months old cocker spaniel likes to eat the grass and leaves . I was told by some friends that means she is missing some nutrition from her diet. Is that true? Please share your knowledge and thoughts. Thanks

Answer 1

There are a number of different reasons dogs eat grass. It could be that she is supplimenting her diet since most commercial dog foods don't supply some of the nutrients that a predator would absorb from eating the stomach contents of its prey. It could also be trying to settle a minor digestive upset. If the dog vomits shortly after this is likely the case. Then again, some dogs just like the taste. Which ever it is, it is most likely nothing to be concerned about. The main thing to be careful of is to watch that she isn't eating grass that has been treated with pesticides or herbicides which could make her seriously ill.

Answer 2

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they get their nutrition from more than just meat. So she may be lacking in something that prompts her to eat grass. On the other hand, they also eat it if their tummy feels bad. The grass will cause them to vomit up whatever's bugging their stomach and it will look yellow [the vomit-this is bile]. If she seems content and is not vomiting, she may just enjoy a little salad in her diet. My two dogs do. They are out in the yard every day, picking out their greens. They will mash down the oregano to get at some nice green blades of some type of grass. They eat a very high quality diet, yet like this vegetation immensely. The pug makes ridiculous yummy noises while she grazes.

Answer 3

Not really. I feed premium dog foods and a dog I used to have was a regular grazer. If you are concerned about nutrition here's dog food 101. Don't fall for advertising, they all say there food is great. Read the ingredients list, learn what the stuff in there is and what it does. Quickie short lesson. Corn/corn products and by products are not in a really good quality pet food. Corn is just a filler and often triggers skin problems. By products can contain cancerous tissue. Some of the best brands out there include: California Natural, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick. BTW, eating grass does not mean they have a stomach upset, they just like it.

Answer 4

I don't know but both my dogs do that as well. Actually my puppy who is lab/shepard mix just started eatting trees. I would venture to say that I have heard a dog eats grass when they have a slight upset tummy.

Answer 5

Alot of times, dogs and cats eat grass to help them with stomach issues that maybe going on at the time. I had both cats and dogs eating grass when they didn't feel so well. good luck.

Answer 6

some puppies are curious and jus eats ne thing on the ground.. my dog does the same thing and he also eats thse yellow flowers that rgow everywher every summer....he has a well balanced meal each and every day im guessin he jus likes the taste of it...if you are feeding her well then she is gettin her nutrition and vitamins or w/e...and i wud depending on how shes eatin no she isnt missin nutrtion from her diet.. and by her eatin the grass shes gettin nutrition

Answer 7

Yea could be that or could be that your puppy has a little bit of an upset stomach. Don't worry about it Dogs like the chew on a lot of things.

Answer 8

I've always heard when dogs and even cats eat grass that they have an upset stomach. My cat does it all the time and seems to be healthy.

Answer 9

My puppies do it all the time. It might be because they have an upset stomach, but it cold also be just because their curious. Puppies explore the world through their mouth because thats how they can feel things, taste them, and smell them. They also look at them as toys to play with. Your dog is very healthy.

Answer 10

It can mean that, it can mean they are sick (grass is like pepto for dogs), and some dogs are just freaks that like to eat grass. Take your pup to the vet and get her tested for deficiencies, talk to your vet about what she is doing. If her tests come back healthy leave her be ... she'll be O.K.