Why Do Dogs Eat Grass, and How Can You Get Them to Stop

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Dogs are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods. Their diet consists of meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables. And sometimes it can include grass.

Most of the time, dogs eat grass because they like it and it's there. But it could be because they're bored or anxious or for other reasons.

Let's look at why dogs eat grass, when it could mean your dog has a health issue, and how to stop your dog from eating grass.

Reasons why your dog might be eating grass

We don't know why some dogs eat grass. But research suggests it could be for a variety of reasons. These are the most common.

Digestive issues

Your pup may eat grass to supplement their dog food with nutrients like fiber. Grass might also settle an upset stomach or relieve excess gas.

Boredom

If your dog has nothing to keep them entertained, they may munch on grass out of boredom. It's just something dogs do to pass the time.

Instinct

Your pet's ancestors, wild dogs, have been scavenging for food and eating plants for generations. It may be in their DNA to graze on grass as their great-great-grandparents did.

Taste

Just as a bowl of greens tastes good to you, a grassy salad may taste good to your furry friend.

Hunger

Grass may serve as an appetizer, especially if your pet is hungry and waiting for their next meal. Once they eat their kibble, they're less likely to snack on grass for the rest of the day.

Anxiety

Eating grass can be considered a form of pica, a condition in which dogs eat nonfood items like grass, dirt, and rocks. Anxiety is one of the causes of pica, and eating grass is a way your dog may relieve stress.

Curiosity

It is also normal for puppies to eat grass as they explore their environment. Much like young children, puppies put everything in their mouths. They may chew on grass, flowers, and even dirt. This can make a mess and destroy your landscaping in no time.

Ask your veterinarian about chewable treats as healthy alternatives for your pet. A busy mouth is a happy mouth.

Is eating grass dangerous for dogs?

One of the major risks of eating grass is the possibility that it has been treated with chemicals. Fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers can be very toxic to pets. If you treat your garden or landscaping with chemicals, keep your dog out of the area altogether.

Take your dog to a veterinary emergency hospital if you suspect your dog has licked, chewed, or swallowed any amount of pesticides, fungicides, or other toxic chemicals. Take a photo of the ingredients label on the lawn-care product you used to show the emergency vet.

Dogs who eat grass may also be at risk of getting intestinal parasites. Parasites can live in traces of poop in the grass from other dogs or animals. When your dog eats contaminated grass, they may pick up those parasites.

Will my dog throw up after eating grass?

Some dogs eat so much grass all at once that their stomachs reject it. This can cause vomiting, even in healthy dogs.

Dogs throw up easily. They are natural scavengers and always on the lookout for food. Throwing up is a built-in protection to help keep dogs from getting sick if they eat the wrong thing or eat too much.

If your dog vomits often, however, that could be a sign of an underlying illness. Take them to the vet to make sure there's nothing to worry about.

When should you worry about your dog eating grass?

Eating grass can be a sign of illness in dogs. If your dog is eating a lot of grass or if eating grass is something new for your dog, take your dog to the vet.

Look for other signs your dog may be sick. Dogs can cope with an illness and not seem very sick until it becomes an emergency.

If you notice the following symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian right away:

• Not eating for more than 24 hours

• Throwing up more than once in the last 24 hours

• Having diarrhea with blood in it

• Passing more gas than usual

• Losing weight

• Seeming quieter and less active than usual

• Change in the consistency or odor of your dog's poop

How to stop your dog from eating grass

There are several things you can do if you want to stop your dog from eating your or your neighbor's lawn:

• Keep your dog on a leash as you're walking around the neighborhood.

• Fence in a smaller part of your yard.

• Keep your dog on a concrete patio.

• Cover the lawn in a restricted area with pavers.

• Train your dog to heed to the command "stop" every time they go to eat grass. Gently pull them away from the grass, then reward them with treats or affection.

• Give your dog alternatives to grass, such as celery, romaine or iceberg lettuce, spinach, or raw carrots. You can also give them fresh fruits that are safe for dogs.

Frequently asked questions

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