Your dog may eat grass due to several reasons. Occasional and random grass eating is not a sign of concern, but you must be a bit more careful when your dog starts eating grass fanatically and gets obsessive with it.
Key Takeaways
Dogs eat grass for various reasons, such as an upset stomach, to get fiber, due to Pica, stress, or out of thirst.
You can train your dog to stop eating grass with “leave it” or “stop” commands. Reward your pup with a treat to develop positive reinforcement.
Let’s check out the common reasons your dog may eat grass and what you can do to stop your dog from eating grass.
7 Common Reason your Dog is Eating Grass
Upset Stomach
You may have heard many people say that dogs and cats eat grass when they have an upset stomach. Although there is no medical evidence to support this claim, many vets and pet owners agree with it. The grass may help your dog settle an upset stomach and relieve pain by acting as an antacid that may calm your dog.
Remember that eating grass may not actually help your dog and may indicate some other problem with your canine friend.
Dietary Needs (Fiber Dose)
The grass is rich in dietary fiber. As you all know, fiber helps soothe the stomach and induce healthy bowel movements. So, your dog may eat grass fanatically just to pass stool. If so, consider increasing fiber-rich foods in your dog’s diet.
Pica
Pica is a medical condition characterized by the urge to eat non-edible items such as paper, clothes, rocks, dirt, and grass.
It may look like normal behavior, but eating non-edible items can lead to nutritional problems, bloating, and stomach issues. Pica is usually reported in adolescent and adult dogs and doesn’t go away after some time. Take your dog to a vet immediately if eating non-edible items becomes obsessive.
Pups may also eat non-food stuff, but it is completely normal because they explore the world around them and love to munch on everything they can grasp.
Stress/Anxiety/Boredom
Stress, anxiety, and boredom often account for irregular dog behavior like eating grass, chasing tails, and licking paws.
Take your dog out for a walk, play with him, treat him with special foods & toys, and show affection. Dogs like to play, wander around and enjoy themselves. Keeping them confined can build up negative energy and they’ll manifest it in different ways.
Enjoying a Special Treat
Your dog may like a special treat in the shape of grass. If your dog eats grass calmly (grazing) in small amounts and doesn’t get ill, there is nothing to worry about. He just loves it. Relax and let him fulfill his appetite.
Your dog is Thirsty
Dogs may eat grass early morning or evening to quench their thirst. There is a lot of dew on the grass during this time, and they eat it for water. You can avoid this by keeping your dog well-hydrated.
Instincts
Your dog may eat grass out of instinct. Dogs used to roam the wilderness and ate whatever they like before they were made pets and put to use by humans.
You can do nothing to stop them if they are eating grass out of instinct. Let them eat it but supervise, so they don’t eat anything harmful or fall ill.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dogs Eating Grass-like Crazy
Is grass safe for my dog?
The grass is usually safe for dogs that stay healthy and fit after eating it. However, the grass must be free from pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, poisonous plants, and weeds.
What to do if my dog is eating grass?
You don’t need to do anything if your dog eats grass calmly and doesn’t get sick or display other symptoms after eating grass. There is no need to worry and rush to a vet.
However, you must be vigilant if your dog makes grass-eating a habit. Keep an eye on them and only use pet-safe pesticides and insecticides on your lawn. Look out for your dog eating other non-edible stuff, which may indicate pica. Talk to your vet if you think your dog is suffering from pica.
Discussing grass-eating with a vet is a better option if it prolongs and your dog becomes obsessive. The vet will mostly recommend changes in diet and lifestyle for your dog.
How to stop my dog from eating grass?
- Teach your dog not to eat grass with the “leave it” command and check his diet to address deficiencies.
- Spend more time with your dog to rule out the possibility of psychological reasons behind eating grass.
- Monitor your dog closely whenever they are on a lawn or area with grass.
- Keep your dog well fed and hydrated by feeding in smaller, frequent portions.
- Consult your vet for nutritional recommendations for a well-balanced diet.
Why is my dog eating grass in the middle of the night?
It is probably due to an upset stomach. Your dog’s stomach may hurt, and he will munch on some grass to soothe his stomach.
What is the difference between frantic eating and grazing?
Frantic, fanatic, or crazy grass-eating is usually a sign of worry. Your dog would ignore his food and eat grass. Grazing, on the other hand, is pleasure eating.
