Author: Evie Van Hove

My dog eats grass: Causes, Meaning and Solutions
 

It is a scenario that many dog owners have experienced at one time or another: you are walking your dog and suddenly you see him or her enthusiastically eating grass. This behaviour often raises questions and concerns. Why is my dog eating grass? Is this normal or a sign of an underlying problem? In this blog, we dive deeper into this topic and look at the possible causes, whether it is always a problem, and what you can do if your dog eats grass.
 

Behaviour: what exactly is happening?
 

Dogs that eat grass often show a specific pattern. They first smell the grass, carefully select certain blades and then start nibbling. Sometimes they eat large quantities, while other times they only take a few blades. After eating grass, they may vomit, but this is not always the case.
 

Causes: Why does my dog eat grass?

There are several theories about why dogs eat grass:
 

1. Natural instincts

Wild dogs and their ancestors, such as wolves, often eat the contents of the stomachs and intestines of their prey, which contain plant material. This behaviour may be a relic of their instincts.
 

2. Nutritional deficiency

Some experts believe that dogs eat grass to make up for nutrient deficiencies, such as fibre. Grass contains fibre that can aid digestion.
 

3. Stomach upset

Dogs can eat grass to relieve nausea or stomach discomfort. The grass can induce vomiting, which helps empty the stomach and remove the cause of discomfort.
 

4. Boredom or curiosity

Like humans, dogs can get bored. Eating grass may simply be a way to keep themselves occupied or satisfy curiosity.
 

5. Taste and texture

Some dogs seem to simply enjoy the taste and texture of grass.

Is it a problem?

In general, grass eating by dogs is no cause for alarm. In many cases, it is perfectly normal behaviour. However, there are situations where this behaviour can be problematic:
 

• Frequent vomiting

If your dog regularly eats grass and then vomits, this may indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention.

• Excessive grass eating

If your dog eats large amounts of grass, this could indicate boredom, stress or a feeding problem.

• Toxic plants

Be careful where your dog eats grass. Some plants and pesticides can be toxic to dogs.
 

Possible solutions

If you are concerned about your dog eating grass, there are several steps you can take:
 

1. Improve nutrition

Make sure your dog gets a balanced diet that contains all the nutrients it needs. Consult with your vet about the best food for your dog.
 

2. Sufficient exercise and stimulation

Make sure your dog gets sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Play with your dog, take long walks and give him challenging toys to prevent boredom.
 

3. Regular health checks

Have your dog regularly checked by the vet to rule out health problems that could cause grass eating.
 

4. Safe environment

Monitor where your dog eats grass and make sure the environment is free of toxic plants and chemicals.

5. Probiotics

A course of probiotics can help restore any imbalance in the digestive system, which will make the dog feel better if this is the cause.
 

Consult a clinical behaviourist

If your dog obsessively eats grass and you have tried all the above measures, it may be useful to consult a clinical behaviourist. These professionals can help identify and resolve underlying behavioural problems. They work with veterinarians to provide a holistic approach to caring for your pet.

Grass eating by dogs is usually not a cause for concern, but it can sometimes indicate an underlying problem. By understanding the causes and taking the right steps, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and happy. Remember that professional help is always available if you are concerned about your dog's behaviour.

Evie Van Hove is PgD Clinical Animal Behaviour, certified puppy coach, dog trainer and behaviour coach. She has been business manager of Pettherapy.be since 2021.