Dogs are known for being inquisitive pets and they crack us up on the daily with their quirky personalities and bizarre antics. One of the most common quirks our furry friends share is their habit to snack on grass.
While some pet owners may be concerned about whether or not eating grass is safe for dogs, we can assure you that it is actually a natural and totally normal behaviour for our pets. Let’s explore the reasons why dogs eat grass and why it is safe.
Why is my dog eating grass?
There are a few different theories that answer the question “why does my dog eat grass”. Let’s dig into each of them.
Eating grass induces vomiting
You may have caught your dog on more than one occasion dining on a few blades of grass and then throwing up. But why do dogs eat grass and then throw up? If they have an upset stomach, eating grass can stimulate the digestive system and cause a dog to vomit, which can help to relieve any discomfort they may be experiencing.
Grass is a source of fibre
Vets often consider grass-eating a form of pica (the consumption of non-food items) and a sign of deficiencies in the diet. These diet deficiencies can include a lack of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fibres.
In the wild, dogs were on their own when it came to nutritional intake. They had access to a variety of plants and fibres, and today, some dogs may still be instinctively drawn to grass as a source of fibre. Eating grass can help to regulate their digestive system and keep their stool firm.
Grass is a natural boredom buster
To us, grass is just grass. But to some dogs, it’s a way to alleviate anxiety and rid themselves of any boredom they may be experiencing. If a dog is feeling restless or nervous, chewing on grass can help to calm them down.
Dogs are grass connoisseurs
VCA Canada says that dogs may just enjoy the texture and taste of grass – it’s as simple as that. In fact, they actually prefer to eat it in the spring when it is newly emerging from the ground.
Is it safe for dogs to eat grass?
The question really isn’t “is grass good for dogs”, but rather is it safe? In general, yes, eating grass is safe for dogs and is not harmful to their health. However, it is important to make sure that the grass they are eating has not been treated with any chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides. These substances can be toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested.
It is also important to note that some dogs may have an allergy or intolerance to certain types of grass, and may experience symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting after eating it. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour or health after they have eaten grass, it is important to consult with your veterinarian.
According to the American Kennel Club, a study was conducted that showed only about 22% of dogs studied frequently vomited after eating grass and 9% frequently show signs of sickness prior to eating grass.
What kind of grass is good for dogs to eat?
For the most part, any type of grass is suitable for your dog to munch on, as long as it hasn’t been treated with pesticides or fertilizers. If you’re growing grass specifically for your dog to eat, consider using organic fertilizer and avoiding chemicals that could be harmful to your pet. According to The Spruce, some common grasses that are safe for dogs include Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and Bermuda grass. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while eating grass is a normal behaviour for many dogs, it can also indicate an upset stomach or other digestive issues, so if you notice your dog eating grass excessively or if they experience any vomiting or diarrhea, it’s best to consult with your holistic veterinarian.
What kind of food should I feed a dog that always eats grass?
We believe that dogs do best on a nutritious diet that includes high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, probiotics and digestive enzymes, like Bold By Nature raw food for pets. Our raw diets provide your dog with a nutritious meal while avoiding all the unnecessary additives (you can learn more about those in dog food to avoid). They are low-glycemic, single-ingredient diets. Low-glycemic carbohydrates also provide our dogs with beneficial nutrients and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Bones can also be found in our recipes which are used to help promote firm, less smelly stools.
If your dog is eating a ton of grass, an alternate source of fibre can be found in our pet supplements like Bold by Nature+ Pumpkin with Inulin Prebiotic. There are many different pumpkin benefits for dogs and it is a supplement that is used to support your pet’s digestive health. The source of fibre helps to soothe digestive tracts and any sort of digestive upset your pet may be experiencing while the added inulin aids in healthy intestinal bacteria which promotes favourable gut flora. Our Bold by Nature+ Slippery Elm with Prebiotics is also a great dog fibre supplement. This supplement supports a healthy digestive system while the psyllium found within is a prebiotic fibre that aids in healthy intestinal bacteria, promoting favourable gut flora. It’s important to note that our slippery elm supplement is meant to be fed for supplementary purposes only and not on an ongoing basis.
For dogs that eat grass out of pure boredom, it could be time to treat them to something that provides more mental stimulation. You can try teaching them new tricks, offering them puzzle toys, or giving them recreational bones like our Bold by Nature knuckle and marrow bones. These types of bones are perfect for keeping pets entertained for long periods of time.
It’s also good to ensure that your dog has plenty of water available, especially if they’re eating more grass than usual, as this can help prevent dehydration and digestive upset.
Where can I get Bold by Nature products?
If you’re ready to get started on your raw journey, getting Bold by Nature products is easy. You can purchase Canadian raw dog food online or at a local retailer that carries Bold by Nature products. If you’re unsure of which stores carry our products, you can use our location finder to explore raw pet food near me.
