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Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? & Is It Something to Worry About?
Have you ever caught your dog happily munching on grass during a walk? Yep, ours does it too. In fact, my Golden Retriever enjoys nibbling on grass so much that I sometimes wonder if he’s secretly decided to become a herbivore… until I remember how much he loves chicken, fish and basically anything else he can get his paws on.
So if you’re like me and you’ve asked yourself “why does my dog eat grass?”, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common questions dog owners have, and it’s easy to assume something must be wrong. But we’re here to reassure you that in most cases, it’s perfectly normal behaviour.
Dogs might eat grass for all sorts of reasons; to help settle their stomachs, out of boredom or simply because they like the taste and texture. While it’s rarely a cause for concern, understanding why your dog eats grass can help you spot if it ever becomes a sign of something more serious.
So if you’re like me, and you’ve found yourself questioning your four-legged friend’s grazing habits, then join me as we learn all about the different reasons behind this behaviour and when, if ever, it’s something worth worrying about.
Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
It’s one of those questions most dog owners have asked at some point: why does my dog eat grass? It’s not uncommon for you and your pup to be out and about enjoying a nice stroll when all of a sudden, those gentle sniffs of grass turn into a mini banquet. Who would have thought though that this behaviour is far more common than it might seem! Turns out grass eating in dogs isn’t unusual and there are several reasons they do it…
To Help Their Digestion
Grass actually contains a good amount of fibre which helps keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly. Sometimes, eating grass can help with digestion or even ease mild constipation by encouraging things to move along naturally. So when your pup munches on a few blades of green, it can be your dog’s way of adding a bit of roughage to their diet.
Filling a Nutritional Gap
While it’s rare for dogs on a balanced, high-quality diet to be deficient in nutrients, some may instinctively eat grass to top up on certain vitamins or minerals. Grass contains trace amounts of nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium, and occasionally, dogs may graze to make up for what they feel is missing. If you’ve been wondering why does my dog eat grass despite feeding them well, it’s worth checking their diet with your vet to make sure all their nutritional bases are covered.
An Instinct from Their Wild Ancestors
Long before dogs became our couch companions, their wild ancestors were omnivorous scavengers. Wolves, for example, often consumed the stomach contents of plant-eating prey which meant grass and other vegetation were part of their diet. Some experts believe this instinct still lingers today. So when your dog tucks into a patch of grass, it might just be an ancient behaviour resurfacing, not a sign of anything wrong.
Boredom, Stress or Anxiety
Dogs are clever and curious creatures, and sometimes, they eat grass simply because there’s not much else going on. If your dog isn’t getting enough mental stimulation or physical exercise, they might start snacking on grass out of boredom. Similarly, anxious or stressed dogs may use the repetitive motion of grazing as a soothing behaviour, a bit like humans biting their nails or fidgeting. Instead, try offering more enrichment toys, puzzle feeders and extra playtime to help redirect this energy into something more engaging.
They Just Like It!
And sometimes, your dog simply likes the taste and texture of grass. Yup, sounds a little weird we know, but some dogs genuinely find fresh, dewy blades irresistible, especially during spring and summer. It’s a little like us snacking on crisps and chocolate, not because we’re hungry, but simply because we enjoy the taste!
To Soothe an Upset Stomach
One of the most common assumptions is that dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit. While there’s some truth to this with a small number of dogs do seem to graze before being sick, studies show it’s actually quite rare for vomiting to be the goal. In many cases, dogs eat grass without throwing up afterwards. Still, if your dog is eating large amounts of grass and regularly being sick, it’s best to check in with your vet to rule out any underlying digestive issues.
When To Be Concerned
Most of the time, a little grass nibbling is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. But, like many quirky canine habits, there are moments when it’s worth paying closer attention.
For example, if you notice a sudden increase in how often your dog is eating grass, or they seem unusually fixated on finding patches to graze on, it might be a sign of something more going on beneath the surface, whether that’s a digestive issue or nutritional imbalance.
You should also take note if your dog appears unwell before or after eating grass. Things like lethargy, bloating or general discomfort can sometimes indicate that their tummy isn’t quite right. Occasional vomiting isn’t uncommon after eating grass, but if it starts happening frequently, or your dog loses interest in food altogether, it’s best to speak with your vet for advice.
It’s also important to think about where your dog is snacking. Grass in parks or gardens can sometimes be treated with pesticides or herbicides, which can be harmful if ingested. Try to make sure your pup’s grazing grounds are safe and chemical-free.
At the end of the day, you know your dog best, so if something feels off, trust your gut. There’s never any harm in getting them checked at the vets and asking the experts for some advice.
How Can I Stop My Dog Eating Grass?
Even if you now know the answer to “why does my dog eat grass” and feel reassured that it’s usually nothing to worry about, that doesn’t necessarily mean you want it to become their favourite hobby. No one wants to be constantly stopping mid-walk so your dog can snack on the nearest tuft of grass… it’s not exactly ideal!
So instead, why not consider a few of these little tips and tricks on how to stop your dog from eating grass and redirect their attention elsewhere!
Make Sure Their Diet Is Nutritious and Balanced
One reason dogs nibble on grass is that they might be missing key nutrients. If you’re wondering why does my dog eat grass, it’s worth checking that their meals are high quality, well-balanced, and full of fibre. Adding natural food toppers for dogs, dog-safe veggies like carrots and peas, or supplements designed to aid digestion can really make a difference.
Take Treats on Walks to Redirect Their Focus
Having high-value dog treats on hand is a simple way to distract your dog from grassy patches. If you spot them eyeing a blade of grass, call their name and reward them when they return to you. This teaches them that paying attention to you is far more rewarding than grazing. Treats in a pocket or a convenient dog treat pouch make this easy to manage on every walk.
Teach Them The “Leave It” Command
“Leave it” is a lifesaver for grass-eating prevention. Start at home with treats or toys, then practise outdoors. When your dog goes for grass, calmly say “leave it” and reward them for listening. Over time, this builds a positive habit and teaches them to check in with you before taking a bite. Not only does this help with grass eating, but it’s truthfully a handy command for all sorts of situations.
Keep Them Stimulated with Enrichment Toys
Boredom can be a big factor behind grass munching so making sure your dog is both mentally and physically tired out can help prevent it. Try using slow feeder dog bowls, lick mats and treat-dispensing toys at home to give your dog something rewarding to focus on. Enrichment toys for dogs satisfy their natural foraging instincts and keep their mind busy which in turn should help reduce their urge to snack on grass just to pass the time.
Create Positive Associations Outdoors
It’s also a good idea to make walks just about sniffing and snacking. Try bringing their favourite fetch toy or do some training out in the open. This not only helps keep walks fun and engaging but it’ll eventually teach them to change their habits while out and about and reduce those grassy indulgences.
Conclusion: Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
In most cases, your dog munching on a few blades of green is completely normal and nothing to worry about. As we’ve mentioned, it could be because they want to add some fibre into their diet for digestion, satisfy a bit of boredom or simply because they love the taste.
That said, it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your pup. If grass eating suddenly increases, becomes obsessive, or is accompanied by signs of illness, don’t hesitate to check in with your vet.
And if you’d like to reduce the grazing habit, there are plenty of ways to help. Offering enrichment toys like lick mats and treat dispensers for dogs will help keep their mind busy and tire them out at home, even before you’ve left the house for a walk. You can also add supplements and food toppers for dogs into their meals to ensure they’re meeting all nutritional needs. We also always suggest taking some tasty treats with you on walks so you can redirect their attention from the nearest patch of grass.
Here at WOOOF, we’ve got all this and more to ensure your dog is living their best life. Shop our range of dog treats, enrichment toys, supplements for digestion and more today!
Most of the time, grass eating is totally normal and nothing to worry about. Some dogs do it out of instinct, others do it out of boredom and others simply because they like it!
Grass eating in dogs can sometimes be linked to digestion or a mild nutritional gap, but it’s rarely a sign of anything serious.
Keep an eye out if your dog suddenly starts eating more grass, seems unwell, or is vomiting frequently. That's when it’s time to check with your vet.
If you’d rather they didn’t snack on grass, try enrichment toys, tasty treats, balanced food toppers and commands like “leave it” to redirect their focus.
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
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Is grass poisonous to dogs?
Most types of grass aren’t toxic to dogs, but the danger comes from what’s on it. You might come across lawns and parks that have been treated with fertilisers or weed killers that can be harmful if eaten. Always make sure your dog’s grazing spots are chemical-free and rinse paws after walks just to be safe.
Why does my dog eat grass but refuse to eat their food?
If your dog is ignoring their meals but happily munching grass, it might be a sign of nausea or something more serious. Check their diet, has everything they need and then make an appointment with your vet, especially if the lack of appetite continues.
Should I stop my dog from eating grass?
In most cases, eating a little grass isn’t harmful and it’s a relatively normal behaviour for dogs. That said, dogs don’t actually need grass in their diet and eating too much can sometimes cause stomach upset.
If you’d like to reduce this habit, try offering enrichment toys, giving tasty treats on walks and ensuring their meals are nutritionally complete. A good combination of enrichment and a healthy diet should be all you need to reduce this habit!
