You go out of your way to make sure your dog has the best dog food – so why does he insist on eating grass?
There are many theories which attempt to solve this riddle, although it does not appear that there is one definitive answer to the question. Some people postulate that the dog is eating grass because he doesn’t feel well, while others just assume that Fido is bored. Here is a rundown on those theories and more – and some advice to follow if your pooch loves to dine on your front lawn.
Possible Reasons for your Dog Eating Grass
Many dog owners worry because their dog has begun to eat grass, and are concerned that it could mean that something is wrong with the dog. What could be causing this behavior?
- He is Bored: Especially with puppies and younger dogs, eating grass can be just another form of chewing, or can indicate that they are bored. If you see them chowing down on grass often, try offering them more opportunities for play and exercise, which will not only keep them engaged but will tire them out.
- He Doesn’t Feel Well: Many people have traditionally thought that a dog will eat grass when they do not feel well. They thought because a dog will sometimes vomit after eating grass that they are trying to induce vomiting to feel better. This theory has been discounted for several reasons. First off, although we all thinks our dogs are brilliant., they are likely not smart enough to make that decision. Secondly, studies have shown that only about 10% of the dogs who eat grass are feeling ill. That leaves the great majority eating grass for other reasons.
- He Has Pica: An eating disorder named pica may in fact be the cause of your dog’s preference for grass. Pica is simply a condition which causes your dog to eat anything that is not food – and as choices go, grass is really a benign alternate food source. It is estimated that 79% of dogs have eaten plants at some point, and the most common plant is grass.
- There is a Nutritional Deficiency: Sometimes dogs who exhibit pica by eating grass have been found to have a fiber deficiency in their diet. In fact, sometimes by simply switching their food to a high-fiber variety will cause them to cease eating grass. If you think your dog may have a deficiency in their diet, you can ask your veterinarian for further insight.
Should I Be Concerned about My Dog Eating Grass?
In general, there is no overwhelming cause for concern if your dog has shown a preference for grass. You can give them more fiber, play with them and give them more exercise, and keep an eye on him to see if he is exhibiting any other troubling symptoms.
However, you may have cause for concern if you treat your lawn with chemical pesticides or herbicides. These can be highly toxic to dogs. If your lawn has been treated, be sure to keep your pets off the grass until such time that it is considered safe for them, otherwise they can get very ill.
At Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we are concerned with the holistic health and well-being of your dog – from nutrition to obedience training and behavior modification. We invite all Sarasota, Bradenton and Tampa dog owners to call us with any questions you may have.
