Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? The Truth Behind the Myth

By: this mess is ours

We've all seen our dogs eating grass in the yard, and if you're like me, you become immediately curious, maybe even a little worried. So do we actually know why dogs eat grass?  Let's find out!

We ask ourselves a version of the famous question: "Does the grass make dogs sick?" or "Do sick dogs eat grass to soothe ailing stomachs?" "Am I feeding them enough? Do they need more fiber?"

The most obvious reason that dogs eat grass is that they like it. If your dog isn't showing any signs of sickness or unusual behavior associated with eating grass, there is no need to worry. This is a natural behavior for canines and may even be a genetic predisposition shared with their wild canine cousins, the wolves.

PICA - Pica is defined as "an eating disorder that involves eating items that are not typically thought of as food and that do not contain significant nutritional value.

Lack of Proper Nutrition - If your dog isn't getting the proper amount of nutrients in his diet, he may try to make up for the deficiency by eating natural items like soil and grass.

Boredom - A bored dog is a destructive dog.

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Reasons Your Dog Might Be Eating Grass

Anxiety - Just like humans, some dogs can be stress-eaters.

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Is eating grass dangerous for dogs?

Whether your dog is eating grass for enjoyment or because of a deep-seated behavioral issue, it is still not a great snack for them. You should take steps to eliminate the act or, at least, minimize the risks involved.

Some ways to keep your grass-eating dog healthy:

Dog-friendly green space Remove feces from area Be aware of house plants