Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Dogs have a lot of natural behaviors that just make sense to most humans. For example, pawing at your hand when they want you to pet them, staring at you while you eat dinner, or even walking in circles to find the best spot to go potty. But there are some behaviors that just leave humans scratching their heads - such as eating grass.

You might have some concern. Is your dog ill or bored? Hungry for some doggie salad?

You aren’t the only one questioning this behavior; most dog owners ask this question at some point. As it turns out, eating grass is such a common dog behavior that wild dogs have been seen doing it, and vets even consider it a normal behavior. Crazy huh?

While we can accept that it’s normal, we still are curious why dogs do this.

Many dog professionals call it “Pica.” Pica is defined as an eating disorder, where an animal eats things that are not considered food. Usually this is a result of lack of nutrition, but can also be because of a desire for a specific texture or flavor.

The AKC suggests pre-domesticated dogs would have preyed upon animals that were herbivores; therefore, they would receive the dietary fiber from their food. Domesticated dogs should not have dietary deficiencies in nutrients and minerals, but some kibbles can lack sufficient fiber. That could lead to a dog munching on the lawn to fulfill that need. Fiber is important for a dog’s digestion; it helps them pass their stool and gas. If you are particularly bothered by grass eating, you could talk to your vet about starting a high-fiber diet for your dog.

A common concern about grass eating is if it’s a form of settling an upset stomach. As a matter of fact, “studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass - it’s unlikely that they turn to the green stuff as a form of self-medication. In fact, only 10% of dogs show signs of illness prior to eating grass” (VCA). The bottom line is most dogs don’t eat grass to soothe an upset stomach.

Note: If you are concerned about underlying health issues related to digestive or GI tract, contact your vet.

Keeping Grass Dog-Friendly

Limit your dog’s grass eating to your backyard (other animal feces could cause intestinal parasites)
Don’t use herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers with harmful chemicals
If you do need to spray your yard, wait a few days, and a few watering cycles, before you allow your dog to eat grass
Keep an eye out for foxtails
Keep up to date on parasite treatments as a preventative measure

The Bottom Line

If you find your dog grazing in the yard, there isn’t much immediate concern. Most vets and dog professionals believe dogs eat grass simply because they like it! If you would like to prevent your dog from eating grass, you could always train them to leave it alone. Check out our blog on how to train dogs, for ideas on redirecting their attention to something besides the grass.