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Why does my dog eat grass?

Is grass dangerous for my dog?

Many owners get worried when they see their eating grass when out and about. Even though it’s generally not a life-threatening matter, eating grass will often result in vomiting and discomfort, due to irritation of the stomach and intestines. If your lawn contains chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, the risks could be greater.

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Here are the main reasons why dogs eat grass:

Boredom

Dogs who do not receive enough daily exercise may eventually become bored and look for things to do and occupy their time. Strangely enough, these activities can include eating grass. Therefore, a good starting point is to look at how much exercise your dog is getting and consider introducing more walks, using different types of toys or engaging in different types of games with them.

Nutritional Issues

Historically, dogs are considered omnivores, which means they consume both meat and plant-based food. There is some indication that dogs with a low fibre diet may decide to eat grass to satisfy this nutritional deficiency. These dogs may also find that grass has an appealing flavor and consistency. If you feel this may be the reason why your dog is eating grass, then consider discussing with our Vets or Nurses ways to incorporate more fibre into your dog’s diet.

If you are worried that eating grass is dangerous for your dog, please contact us straight away. ​

Upset Stomach

There is a belief that dogs with an upset or gassy stomach will self-medicate by consuming grass, since vomiting often follows this grass eating activity, eliminating the contents of the stomach or alleviating the gas build up in the stomach region

There is varying theories behind this but not many are fully tested yet. If you suspect that your dog has an upset stomach or any other underlying medical issue that could be causing this behavior, you should consult with us straight away.

Why does my dog eat grass? - Village Vets - Emergency Vets