Why do dogs eat grass? Everything you need to know

By Charlotte Francesca Stiles, DVM

When our pets start doing things they don’t usually do, it can be both worrying and confusing. Dogs eating grass is a common concern and can be due to a variety of reasons.

In this article, we’ll explain the following:

• Reasons why dogs may eat grass.
• What to do if your dog eats grass.
• How to stop your dog from eating grass.

Disclaimer: Please refer to the information in this article as a guide only. If you are worried about your pet or think they may be unwell, talk to your veterinarian.

Reasons why dogs eat grass

Anyone who’s ever had a dog, has likely seen them eating grass. In this section, we’ll go through some of the most common reasons why a dog may eat grass.

Don’t forget, this list is not extensive and there may be other reasons behind a dog eating grass. If you’re worried about your pet’s health or behaviour, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.

Our Lifetime Protection Membership includes 24/7 access to veterinarians by phone, email, or live chat. So, if you’re worried about your pet’s health, you can quickly get the help you need.

They’re not feeling well

It’s commonly assumed by pet parents that dogs eat grass when they aren’t feeling well. There is little evidence to support this, however, if your dog has other symptoms such as diarrhoea a or decreased appetite or energy, then it’s best to take them to your veterinarian for a proper check-up.

They’re bored

Another reason dogs may eat grass is boredom. If you’re sure that there is nothing medically wrong with your pet, then they may just be looking for something to do.

When taking care of your pet, don’t forget their mental state too. It’s important to provide them with enrichment by offering things to play with, training them, and taking them for walks.

PICA

The term PICA refers to cases when animals eat or chew non-edible objects for no apparent reason or beneficial outcome. It can pose a risk to your pet, especially if they decide to eat or chew hard, sharp, or hazardous materials, and it may be linked to feelings of stress, boredom, or anxiety.

If you can’t get to the bottom of why your pet is eating grass, it’s best to take them to your veterinarian to get a diagnosis.

Deficiencies

If your dog is lacking in a particular nutritional component, such as fiber, then they may try to help themselves by eating grass. Fiber is important for keeping things moving through the gastrointestinal system. If you think that your dog’s diet may not be meeting all their needs, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian.

What should I do if my dog eats grass?

If your dog starts eating grass, it’s important not to panic and to take into account the circumstances. For example, a dog who casually or curiously eats a few blades of grass, is unlikely to be a major cause for concern. However, a dog who also appears unwell or has other symptoms, and is also eating grass, needs to be taken to a vet.

If your dog has nibbled on a bit of grass, but seems ok otherwise, the best thing to do is check them over and monitor the situation. However, if your dog is eating a lot of grass, on more than one occasion, or has other symptoms, it’s best to seek veterinary advice.

Here are some examples of signs your dog may need to see a veterinarian:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Lack of energy.
• Decreased appetite.
• Breathing difficulties or abnormalities.
• Signs of pain, like vocalization.

Please remember that the above is not extensive, as should be used as a guide only. If you’re worried about your pet, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.

Many pet parents report that their dogs eat grass regularly without a problem, so try not to panic, and just monitor the situation.

How can I stop my dog from eating grass?

If your dog nibbles at a bit of grass, from time to time, as part of their normal behaviour and is healthy otherwise, you don’t need to stop them from eating grass.

However, if the grass nibbling is a symptom of a health or behavioural condition, then you’ll need to work out why your pet is doing it, to both help them feel better by providing the solution and stop them from eating grass.

As we mentioned earlier, if your dog is eating grass due to an underlying medical condition, then you’ll need to take them to a veterinarian to get a diagnosis.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article, and it has given you need to help get to the bottom of why your dog may be eating grass. Don’t forget, if you’re ever worried about your pet’s health or behaviour, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.