This is the question most dog owners have wondered and sought an answer for.
While there isn’t a clear-cut answer to this question, there are a few possible explanations as to why your dog eats grass.
It’s in Their DNA
Before dogs became mans’ best friend and domesticated, wild dogs relied on hunting for their nutritional needs. This meant eating an animal almost in its entirety and whatever food or plant that animal ate.
Since it’s a dog’s nature to eat grass because wild dogs have done this before, your dog may be eating grass because it’s a behavior passed down from other dogs.
They Just Like Grass
A lot of us have that one thing that we enjoy doing that other people don’t understand why we like it so much.
Dogs are the same way.
Eating grass is just one of those odd things dogs like to do.
They’re Trying to Relieve an Upset Stomach
Over the years, dogs have learned to associate grass with stomach relief.
It’s a learned behavior to eat grass in the hopes of “purging” or vomiting to relieve gas or an upset stomach.
Please seek your local veterinarian if you suspect gastrointestinal issues with your dog.
Your Dog is Attempting to Fulfill a Needed Nutrient
Even though grass does not provide nutritional value to your dog, your furry friend might be attempting to fulfill a needed nutrient, like fiber for example, by eating the grass.
Consult your veterinarian for advice and tips regarding your dog’s diet if you’re concerned about whether their diet is enough for their nutritional needs.
Please Keep in Mind
While the occasional grass eating spell is not something to be too concerned about, you should seek medical attention for your dog if they’re eating more grass than normal.
It’s also best to avoid letting your dog eat grass if you know your grass or someone else’s yard has been treated with harmful chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers.
These chemicals are not safe for your pet to ingest.
Please reach out to us or your local veterinarian if you still have questions and concerns about your dog’s unique grass eating habit.