Why do dogs eat grass?

Updated: June 23, 2024: Have you found your dog eating grass? Are you shaking your head and wondering why? It’s not unusual for dogs to eat grass sometimes. In fact, even healthy dogs with well-balanced diets can be found eating grass regularly.

There are just so many reasons why your dog may be rushing out to nibble up all of that greenery.

Does grass have any nutritional value?

Many people think that it is related to the dog’s tummy trouble (yes, ingesting grass does make some dogs vomit), but grass does also have necessary nutrients so your dog may just be craving it. In fact, a survey of dog owners revealed that while the vast majority of their dogs ate grass, they usually didn’t appear nauseous before nor did they vomit afterwards.¹

Grass, often overlooked as just a common plant, actually contains an array of nutrients that might be appealing to our canine friends. For instance, grass is a source of fiber which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health. Additionally, it contains some essential nutrients like potassium and chlorophyll, which might not always be adequately supplied by a dog’s regular diet, especially if that diet is heavily processed. Chlorophyll, in particular, is known for its deodorizing properties, which could be beneficial for managing your pet’s breath.

It’s clear that this behavior could be linked to more than just a quirky habit; it might be a natural instinct to balance certain dietary needs. So next time you see your dog nibbling on the green stuff, consider that they might be doing more than just enjoying the outdoors—they could also be supplementing their diet with essential nutrients that support their overall health.

Reasons why dogs may eat grass?

They like it

This may be a too-boring reason for many of us, but the reason why dogs eat grass may be just as simple as because they like to. That’s right, maybe your dog just likes the flavor of grass. Let’s think a little bit, dogs eat lots and lots of things that us humans find disgusting (when was the last time you had to clean up trash that your dog has feasted upon??).

I know that Dylan loves munching on grass. I will often find him sitting outside happily chewing away. And he always insists on stopping at a certain house on our walks because he loves their grass.

Canine nature

According to studies, there are several theories that canine nature may have had a lot to do with why dogs eat grass. Here are a couple of those:

Dogs are in the Order Carnivora and the family Canidae along with other carnivorous mammals (including wolves, coyotes, and jackals). They are considered scavenging, or facultative carnivores. That means that they mainly eat meat, but can survive on plant material alone if necessary.
Wild dogs may eat grass to help purge intestinal parasites.²
Grass-eating may just be innate and they may be more likely to eat grass if their mother ate grass while nursing.³
The ingestion of grass can act as a natural laxative, helping these animals clear their digestive systems of bones, fur, and other indigestible components of their prey. The act of eating grass is thus not just a casual habit but could be seen as a survival tactic passed down through generations, allowing dogs to maintain digestive health and protect against internal parasites.

To self soothe

Some dogs will vomit after they eat grass, therefore it is thought to potentially be a way for dogs to self-soothe themselves. I have seen lots of people saying that the grass blades tickle the lining of the throat and stomach, which activates the dog’s gag reflex and helps them to empty their stomach. However, I can’t find any scientific research to prove this.

They are hungry

Yes, dogs eating grass can be caused by something as simple as hunger. You may start to notice that your dog eats grass more often right before meal time.

Is eating grass bad for dogs?

Most veterinarians and canine experts agree that dogs eating grass poses no real risk and it in itself is no reason to worry. That said, it is good to keep an eye on it. Most experts agree that you should contact your veterinarian in the event that any of the following things happen:

If there is a sudden increase in grass eating: as with any behavioral change, if your dog suddenly starts to eat grass, you may want to reach out to the veterinarian. They may have a parasite.
If your puppy is teething: your puppy can easily ingest too much grass and this could potentially lead to blockages in the intestines or cause bowel issues. So make sure to always monitor your dog and especially your puppy.
If you see your dog vomiting a lot after eating grass: if you find that your dog is eating excessive grass and vomiting, even if they seem otherwise fine, it is wise to take them to the veterinarian so that they may diagnose any issues with your pet. The veterinarian will run tests such as a fecal exam, a physical, and blood tests to look for any gastrointestinal issues. Chances are they will find nothing, but you want to make sure to stay on top of your dog’s health at all times.
If your dog starts to behave erratically in any other way: you may want to call your veterinarian. Like we said earlier, any sudden change in behavior is worth looking into.

Ensuring the grass your dog eats is safe

When it comes to your dog’s grass-eating habits, safety is paramount. While this natural behavior is typically harmless, the presence of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals on grass can pose significant health risks to your pet.

Know your area: Familiarize yourself with the maintenance practices of the grassy areas where your dog likes to roam. Parks, lawns, and other public spaces might be treated with chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. Don’t hesitate to contact local authorities or maintenance services to inquire about the types of substances used.
Use safe products at home: If you treat your own lawn or garden, opt for pet-safe products. Many brands offer herbicides and pesticides that are less harmful to animals. Always follow the application instructions carefully and keep your dog off the treated grass for the recommended period.
Clean paws after walks: After walking your dog, it’s a good idea to wash their paws. This not only prevents them from ingesting chemicals while licking their paws but also reduces the risk of bringing potentially harmful substances into your home.
Choose organic and natural spaces: Whenever possible, let your dog play in areas that you know are maintained organically. These spots are less likely to expose your dog to undesirable chemicals and offer a safer environment for their grass-eating habits.
Educate yourself on toxic plants: Beyond chemicals, some natural plants are toxic to dogs. Educate yourself about which plants are dangerous (such as certain types of mushrooms, foxglove, and nightshade) and ensure your dog steers clear of these during their explorations.
Create a safe grazing area: If your dog is particularly fond of eating grass, consider growing a small patch of grass. Use organic soil and seeds, and ensure it’s a grass type that’s safe and digestible for dogs.

By implementing these safety tips, you can allow your dog to enjoy their natural grass-eating behavior without undue worry about their health and well-being. This proactive approach helps maintain the delicate balance between allowing natural behaviors and ensuring safety.

Safety hotline

Here are two good resources in case your pet eats something potentially poisonous (please note that they may charge an incident fee):

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Are there any grass alternatives that dogs like?

If you have noticed that your dog seems to be overly interested in eating grass, you may want to step in and introduce alternatives to your dog. The following are all great options:

Add pureed or lightly cooked vegetables and/or herbs into your dog’s diet. This is easy if you make your dog’s food. I often use some rosemary and parsley for instance in some of the treats I make for Dylan and Rainey. And I give them pureed vegetable blends that will include yummy things like kale, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Invest in a small tray of grass (such as wheatgrass) to keep indoors. If they have a safe selection of grass in a safe location available for them to eat you will find it much less stressful for you!
Start an herbal garden in your home. An herbal garden can get them the nutritional needs they are lacking from a safe, natural source. Some other herbs that can be beneficial to your dog include: basil, peppermint, oregano.

How can I stop my dog from eating grass?

In addition to the alternatives mentioned above, there are some ways that you can help to stop your dog from eating grass.

Get them moving

Your dog may just be bored. If you are outside with them, play with them, take them for a walk, or do something else that helps to keep them busy and otherwise occupied so they don’t have time to hang out and eat grass.

Additionally, you can work to distract them from eating grass by distracting them. A good way to do this is by playing fetch, playing Frisbee, or even giving them a good, quality chew toy will help.

Change their food

In the event that your dog is eating grass in order to supplement a nutritional deficiency, you may consider changing their food. Switching your dog to a high-quality food may help. There was a study that showed that just switching a dog’s diet to something with more fiber may help to curb grass eating.⁴

Pay attention to your dog

You know your dog better than anyone else does. It’s a good chance that there is no reason to worry when you see your dog eating grass. And anyway, there’s a good chance that you will recognize if there is something wrong. Simply paying attention to your dog can help calm your fears and ease your worries.

Training tips to manage grass-eating habits

For pet owners looking to discourage or manage their dog’s grass-eating behavior, incorporating specific training methods and commands can be highly effective. Here are some strategies to consider:

Basic obedience training: Ensure your dog has a strong foundation in basic commands such as “leave it” or “come.” These commands are invaluable for preventing or interrupting undesirable behaviors, including unwanted grass eating. Consistent training sessions help reinforce these commands, making it easier to manage your dog’s actions during walks or outdoor play.
Distraction techniques: Carry toys or treats to distract your dog from grass-eating during walks. If you notice your dog starting to nibble on grass, redirect their attention with a favorite toy or a training treat. Engaging them in a quick game or a training session can also divert their focus and reinforce positive behavior.
Environmental management: When possible, manage the environment to minimize grass-eating opportunities. Choose walking routes with fewer grassy areas, or keep your dog on a shorter leash in grass-rich environments to maintain better control.
Positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for ignoring or walking away from grass with treats, praise, or extra playtime. Positive reinforcement not only discourages the grass-eating behavior but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, making future training easier.
Consistency is key: Whatever methods you choose, consistency is crucial. Dogs learn best through consistent reinforcement and clear expectations. Make sure all family members and caregivers are on the same page with the training approaches to avoid confusing your pet.

By integrating these training tips into your routine, you can effectively manage or even eliminate your dog’s grass-eating behavior, ensuring a happier and healthier outing for both of you.

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