Why Does My Dog Keep Eating Grass? Nutrition, Boredom, and When to See a Vet!

​There can be a number of reasons why our dogs eat grass, which can range from simple behavioural habits to more serious health concerns. Finding out the specific reason your dog eats grass can help you address the issue or rectify any underlying health problems.

🥗 Eating Grass to Fulfill Nutritional Voids

Grass contains roughage, which is dietary fibre found in the indigestible (for humans) parts of plants. Although human digestive systems cannot break down and use the fibre from roughage, dog’s in fact can. If a dog is lacking fibre in their diet and it’s causing them to be unable to comfortably pass bowel motions, they may begin eating grass to help them pass this.

If your dog’s diet is steadily consistent and they eat grass often, this could be a reason why. You should discuss with your vet and assess the nutritional content of your dog’s diet.
Although there is no universal rule for how much crude fibre a dog should have daily within their diet, in general the suggested amount is anywhere between 2.5-6%, however this should always be discussed with your vet as every circumstance is different for each dog, based on their aged and health.

😋 Some Dogs Just Like Eating Grass

Some dogs simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass. 

Some dogs may only eat specific types of grasses, or they might prefer it when it is at a particular length, or at certain times of the year (e.g., when new shoots appear).
This habit can also stem from boredom. If you find your dog does this when they haven’t been for a walk or at times when they are alone, it could be a self-entertainment habit. The act of chewing releases serotonin and dopamine, the "happy chemicals, in a dog’s brain, so chewing is often a habit they use to alleviate boredom or anxiety.
If your dog only eats grass periodically or a specific type of grass, it may just be a habit that they enjoy. It shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, however, you should always be aware of any chemicals or pesticides that have been sprayed on the grass, as these are toxic to dogs. Leaving them with suitable and safe chew toys can also give them an alternative to keep themselves entertained.

🤢 Eating Grass to Induce Vomiting

This is likely the most common reason people think their dog eats grass, but it’s often considered the least frequent primary reason in veterinary studies.

Dogs are not necessarily trying to vomit when they start eating grass; rather, they may eat the grass because they are already feeling unwell. If your dog does vomit immediately after eating grass, it often means the stomach was already irritated and the indigestible texture of the grass simply helped to bring on the vomiting process. The tough, sharp blades of grass may tickle the throat or stomach lining.

If your dog frequently vomits after eating grass, they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, as there is usually an underlying health issue causing the gastric upset, such as:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Acid reflux
• Dietary intolerance
• Blockage of the digestive tract
  
  

If you are concerned that your dog may be unwell or may have eaten grass that has been sprayed with chemicals, you should always consult your vet immediately. Our blog, ‘Signs of Toxicity in Dogs,’ can help you identify if your dog is displaying any worrying signs.