Dogs and Grass Explained
Vet Reveals Why Dogs Eat Grass: Understanding Natural Instincts and Fiber Needs
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Google searches for "why is my dog eating grass" are hitting their annual peak, with 20,000 searches per month and a 177% surge over the past three months, according to Leeds Live. If you've caught your dog snacking on the lawn, you're far from alone — and experts say there's usually a simple explanation.
Dr James Greenwood, a media vet and brand ambassador for natural pet food brand Forthglade, has broken down the main reasons dogs eat grass — and when it's time to worry.
Dogs Often Eat Grass Simply Because They Like It
The most straightforward reason your dog is eating grass? They enjoy it. Dr Greenwood says many dogs eat grass purely out of preference. It's not always a sign something is wrong. Some dogs are drawn to the taste or texture, especially fresh, young grass in spring and summer — which lines up with why searches spike this time of year, according to ExaminerLive.
Ancestral instinct also plays a role. Wild canine ancestors ate plant material as part of their natural diet. That behaviour hasn't entirely disappeared. Eating grass can be a deeply rooted, hardwired habit — not a red flag.
Boredom and Low Fibre Can Drive Grass Eating
For some dogs, grass eating is about boredom or a lack of mental stimulation. Dogs that aren't getting enough activity or enrichment may turn to grazing as a way to keep themselves occupied, according to Chronicle Live. If your dog eats grass mostly during idle outdoor time, this could be the cause.
Diet can also be a factor. Grass is a good source of fibre. If a dog isn't getting enough fibre from their food, they may seek it out in the garden. Dr Greenwood suggests checking your dog's diet to make sure it's nutritionally balanced and fibre-rich.
The Upset Stomach Myth Isn't Fully Proven
Many owners assume their dog is eating grass because their stomach hurts. The thinking goes: dog eats grass, dog vomits, problem solved. But Dr Greenwood says there is no hard evidence linking grass eating to tummy problems, according to Cambridge News. Most dogs that eat grass do not vomit afterward.
That said, if your dog is eating grass excessively and also showing signs like vomiting, notable weight loss, or changes in energy, those are reasons to act. Dr Greenwood recommends checking in with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
When to Call the Vet and What You Can Do Now
Occasional grass eating is considered normal dog behaviour. But there are a few things owners can do right away. Make sure your dog is getting enough daily exercise and mental stimulation. Review their food — look for options that are high in natural fibre, according to Gazette Live.
Also make sure the grass your dog is eating hasn't been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. These chemicals can be harmful. If the grass eating is constant, obsessive, or paired with other symptoms, book a vet appointment. In most cases, though, a grass-munching dog is a perfectly healthy one.
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