why do dogs eat grass and what is a substitute?

Question

I feel that I am not supplying my dogs with all they need if they are continually eating grass. It's like taking cows for a walk. Basically is there anything that is missing from their diet that I can supply?

Answer 1

Dogs eat grass because they like it, not because they are sick.

I have 5 dogs. They eat grass almost daily. Sometimes like cows, sometimes a little nibble here and there. I also have my father's lab over here rehabbing from surgery. I walked her in the back yard, she nibbled on some grass. I walked her in the front yard, nibbling...

No one is sick, no one is puking. They just like grass.

I can also assure you that nothing is missing from my dog's diets. They are fed Innova. Their diet is more balanced than mine.

They do it because it's something to do and they want to. Don't worry.

Answer 2

Grass Alternatives For Dogs

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
why do dogs eat grass and what is a substitute?
I feel that I am not supplying my dogs with all they need if they are continually eating grass. It's like taking cows for a walk. Basically is there anything that is missing from their diet that I can supply?

Answer 4

Why do Dogs Eat Grass?
There are a lot of theories surrounding dogs and grass eating. While we still don’t know exactly why dogs do this, one thing is for sure: the common wisdom that dogs seek out grass when they’ve got a stomachache is simply untrue. Dogs generally eat grass because they like it. In fact, some dogs eat grass constantly with no after effects.

Blame My Ancestors
Unlike their feline counterparts, dogs are not pure carnivores. While they're fond of meat - very, very fond of meat - they can survive on a well-balanced vegetarian diet. In fact, the ancestors of dogs, wild canids (wolves and foxes), ate the entire "kill" when they hunted for food. Since their prey consisted of many herbivores (plant-eating animals), they wound up eating a lot of plants and even berries found in the stomach and intestines. Interestingly enough, these animals, like all carnivores, tended to eat the stomach and its contents before the other parts.

Whatever it is that causes your dog to gobble up your lawn, there's no need to be concerned; this is normal behavior. It's important to note, however, that dogs should never eat grass that has been treated with fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides. This could cause stomach upset or even more serious illnesses.

More Greens, Please
One theory of why dogs like grass is that it makes up for a nutritional deficiency caused by eating too much meat or a poor quality dog food. However, grass has limited if any nutritional benefit for dogs because they don't have the stomach enzymes to digest grass. Remember, the key to a proper diet is a nutritionally complete dog food, not a snack from your lawn.

Answer 5

Well, whenever dogs don't feel good, they'll eat grass. A lot of times, we may not know exactly why, or they'll eat it for other reasons. They know why they need it.
When we got our puppy from the shelter, who was rescued from the highway, he ate lots of grass. He still does sometimes. If your dog continues to eat grass for too long, it might be a habit. Our adopted puppy will eat grass out of habit now, and itch himself though he's been treated for his dry skin and fleas.
We have bought these treats with grass in it, so he won't eat grass. Maybe you should try to look for these grass treats? I bet your vet would know what to add. Our vet said to buy a food mixture called "Missing Link" and it seems to work really well, and is high in fiber so he goes regularly.

Answer 6

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU2an

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 7

I think that grass has enzymes that dogs need to digest food. Ordinarily, the raw meat they would eat in the wild would have it, but dry dog food doesn't.
There's not much wrong with them eating grass, except when they puke it up on the carpet. It's free, and keeps you from mowing that patch. So don't worry.

Answer 8

My Newfs GRAZE!!! Daily. It is natural and not a problem. It DOES NOT mean that they are sick. Just let them eat grass!!! They like it!!

See, WAY too many people think that they eat grass because they are sick. If that were true, my dogs would have been sick their entire lives!!!!!!!! We have two Coyotes that stand in the field and eat grass too. It is NORMAL! We tried the grass you can grow inside, but they prefer the natural grass!!!!!

Answer 9

My two dogs graze each day. One dog always throws up when he's finished and then he's happy. He receives raw and cooked vegetables often and this is not a substitute for him grazing. I don't think that they have anything missing from their diet, I think it aids their digestion.

Answer 10

Many dogs eat grass all the time. It doesn't mean that they are sick, it helps aid in their digestion. If you are truly worried, take your dogs to the vet along with samples of your dogs' food. Your vet will assure you that either there is nothing wrong, or he or she will help you to make the necessary changes in your dogs' diet.