Why is Your Dog Eating Grass?

A dog eating grass is not uncommon. Even if dogs are known as carnivores, they can be considered omnivores, as they eat greens and vegetables. Many owners ask themselves why dogs eat grass. They may do it to relieve an upset stomach, or just because they like the taste and texture of grass.

Dog Vomiting

If a dog has an upset stomach, he will eat grass on purpose to induce vomiting. To provoke vomiting, the dog doesn't chew the grass thoroughly. The texture of the grass tickles the lining of the stomach, inducing vomiting.

If chewed, grass may also relieve constipation or diarrhea, due to the high fiber content of grass.

It's normal to see your dog swallowing grass and vomiting afterwards. However, if this happens too often, see a vet, as your dog may have a disease.

Taste for Green

Dogs that don’t have an upset stomach may chew on grass. This happens because dogs simply like the grass and they're curious. Grass has a special aroma, taste and texture that dogs like.

Nutritional Additives

Dogs like to have greens in their diet. If you offer them only kibble food, dogs will look for some greens; grass contains nutrients that are beneficial for dogs.

If you notice that your dog eats too much grass, you should opt for a different diet, rich in greens and maybe even some supplements of fibers. Alternatives for grass are broccoli or green beans, which can be served raw or in canned food.

Is My Dog Herbivorous?

Just because your dog eats grass doesn't mean that he's a herbivore. Dogs were initially carnivores, but they can adapt to any type of diet.

Domesticated dogs eat meat, but also vegetables, so they may be considered omnivores. A healthy dog diet includes protein (found in meats), fats and fibers (found in vegetables).

The Benefits of Grass

Grass has a lot of health benefits for your dog. Due to the fiber and amino acid components, grass stimulates digestion and the blood flow. A dog with a diet high in proteins may have difficulty in digestion, and grass may fix this problem.

Grass is a source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. A diet rich in antioxidants may prevent heart disease, strokes and cancer. Antioxidants also act as immunity boosters.

Grass contains niacin and other B group vitamins, which help the metabolism, stimulate the nervous system and preserve skin and fur health in dogs.

The only possible problem with grass is that dogs may ingest grass that contains poisonous pesticides and fertilizers. They may also be tempted to chew on other toxic plants that look like grass. If possible, get rid of any plants that are toxic for your dog and avoid using pesticides or fertilizers in your garden.

To be safe, you can grow grass at home and offer it to your dog. This should keep him away from other gardens and lawns.

 

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