Have you ever seen your dog eat grass or weeds while on a walk or in a park? Did you wonder, “Do dogs eat grass? Should I let my dog eat grass?” The answers are, respectively, “Sometimes” and “Under the right circumstances.” Now let’s add that unpleasant question, “Do dogs eat grass to vomit?” The answer to that one is, “Not always.”
So many questions, so many answers. Let’s explore what makes a dog eat grass. Let’s find out what’s going on with your dog!
Why Dogs Eat Grass
Instinct and Dietary Needs
Dogs are primarily carnivores—their diets consist of mostly meat. Like other predator animals, their teeth and digestive systems are designed to grab and eat other animals. However, dog ancestors have always had some plant-based food in their diets through an indirect source—their prey. The prey animals’ stomachs contained predigested vegetable and fruit material, which made it easy for the dogs to absorb the additional nutrition because it was already processed.
Dogs also can and do eat some plant food directly. Like humans, dogs need some fiber to help their food and waste move efficiently through their digestive systems. Wolves have been known to eat berries, apples, and pears, which provide the fiber that meat does not have. In addition, some dogs enjoy a few pieces of banana, some blueberries, or a small serving of vegetables. It adds a little fiber and nutrition.
And sometimes, they eat grass and weeds, which also can be a great source of fiber. If there’s not enough fiber in their diet, your dog might decide to chomp on some grass.
The grass may contain other dietary elements. Dogs are great at knowing what grasses and weeds to eat. These are often the same plants found in immune- and other system-boosting capsules sold in health food stores. If some nutritional elements are missing from their diet, your dog may instinctively seek them in the grass. In the spring, your dog may eat young sprouts rich in vitamins, nutrients, and chlorophyll. They will find a specific type of grass and eat the sweet, just sprouting part.
One important note before we move on: Not all fruits and vegetables are good for your dog. Some are actually toxic. Take a look at this list of foods your dog can and cannot eat.
Health
Dogs have a sense of the medicinal value of various plants. For example, when our Newfoundland became arthritic, he would seek out a large patch of poison ivy on our property. During our daily walks, he would make it a point to stand in that patch for a few minutes, eat the grass that grew there, then move on. At first, we couldn’t understand his behavior. However, we discovered that Rhus Tox, a homeopathic remedy for achy joints and rheumatism, is made from poison ivy.
And now we’re back to that question: “Do dogs eat grass and vomit?” Dogs have incredible knowledge of what weeds to eat and when. One reason is to induce vomiting. A dog may have eaten something that disagrees with them. Grass is not digestible. It goes into the stomach and binds whatever it contains, which is then expelled. It’s an adaptive behavior that protects the dog against indigestion and food poisoning. As a result, dogs with access to the right kinds of grass, those with wide, serrated edges, rarely get food poisoning.
So yes, dogs do eat grass to vomit, but it is not the only reason. Therefore, it is not a cause for concern unless this happens frequently or excessively. Then it’s time to contact the veterinarian to see if an underlying illness needs treatment.
What Do You Do with a Grass-Eating Dog?
Check Their Nutrition
You don’t necessarily have to stop your dog from eating grass. But you should take a look into the possible reasons. For example, check their food for its nutritional value. Are they getting what they need?
All dogs need a consistent, balanced diet. Therefore, they will seek missing nutrition elsewhere if needed. One way to ensure a balanced diet is Volhard’s Natural Diet Foundation. It contains whole food ingredients, and it’s biologically appropriate, natural food for your dog!
Try adding fermented vegetables to their food. For example, a little sauerkraut or cabbage may be enough to stop the grass eating. The amount depends on the size of the dog. For example, for a 50-pound dog, add one tablespoon to a meal.
Make Sure the Grass Is Safe
Grass outside may contain things you don’t want your dog to ingest. For example, grass in parks and other places is often sprayed with pesticides. The grass may also be covered in other dogs’ waste which may contain parasites.
If your dog enjoys the taste of grass, plant some cat grass in a pot. It’s 100% digestible, tastes good, and is more nutritious than the grass in your backyard. It is also safer because you know what is and is not on it.
A Parting Reminder
Dogs eat grass for many reasons, only one of which is to vomit. They may be supplementing their nutrition or trying to fix themselves when they’re not feeling so great. While dogs are meat eaters, a little plant-based content is helpful and healthy.
For the most part, you can trust your dog’s instincts and not worry about your little predator enjoying an occasional salad. However, check their food for nutrition and adjust it if it does not give your dog what they need. Also, do have their health checked if the grass eating is excessive.
If you’re concerned about pesticides and other dangerous things that may be attached to the grass outside, grow some of your own indoors for your dog to enjoy.
Let’s recap our questions:
- Do dogs eat grass? Sometimes, yes.
- Should I let my dog eat grass? As long as it’s safe, yes.
- Do dogs eat grass to vomit? Sometimes, yes, if they have an upset stomach. But there are other reasons, too.
Your dog eating grass shouldn’t raise alarms. It’s a natural behavior. As long as you watch their nutrition and health and ensure the grass they eat is clean and safe, they will be just fine.