Why do dogs eat grass and should I stop them? (2024)

Why do dogs eat grass? Dogs need roughage in their diets (a portion of plant foods), and grass provides a good source of fiber. Many dogs owners worry that grass is bad for their pets, but there are many reasons why your four-legged friends may be grazing on your garden lawn.

Why is my dog eating grass?

Dogs eating grass is fairly common and completely natural. According to the Blue Cross, some of the reasons dogs eat grass can be because they find it tasty, they are bored or they are suffering from an upset stomach.

Alison Brennan, Senior Vet at Blue Cross tells Country Living: "It shouldn’t be a problem that your dog likes a bit of grass, so long as the grass hasn’t been treated with chemicals and be aware of slugs and snails — particularly after a rain shower."

Other reasons your dog may be eating grass include...

• Improving digestion
• Fulfilling some unmet nutritional need
• They like the way it tastes and feels

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Is it okay for a dog to eat grass?

Many people believe dogs get sick from eating grass, as it is commonly eaten by horses and cows, but it is actually safe for dogs, too.

A study conducted by Pets Web MD found that fewer than 10% of dogs seem to be sick before eating grass, while less than 25% of dogs that eat grass vomit regularly after grazing.

While grass itself doesn't cause any harm to dogs, it is not the best snack as it does come with a certain amount of risk, including:

• Long grass can get stuck in their paws, ears and eyes, often causing irritation, particularly in the warmer months.

• Dogs can also pick up ticks from the grass, especially during spring when ticks are looking for an animal host to feed off. Ticks attach themselves to the dog's fur and, although most tick bites are harmless, some can carry diseases, including Lyme Disease.

• Watch out for your dog eating slugs or snails as they could pass on lungworm. Once inside the dog's system, the parasite travels through the body eventually ending up in the heart. If the infection is left untreated, the dog's health can rapidly deteriorate, even resulting in death.

• Be careful of any herbicides, pesticides or weed killer present on the grass as this can be poisonous.

What should I do if my dog eats grass?

If you are concerned and want to stop your dog eating grass, make sure you are providing them with enough roughage and fibre elsewhere in their diet.

You can try food reward training to encourage your dog to stop eating grass. This means taking treats on walks with you and monitoring your dog when it is in the garden. When your dog goes to eat grass, use a verbal signal to stop them and reward with a treat if they comply.

When training, you should use whichever technique your dog reacts the best to, be it treats, affection, heel or clicker training.

Should I see a vet if my dog keeps eating grass?

Grass doesn't harm dogs, but consult a vet if you notice the following:

• Your dog is eating grass but not its normal food
• The grass eating becomes excessive
• Your dog is repeatedly eating grass and vomiting up over a period of a few hours
• Your dog is eating grass and doesn’t seem themselves or appears unwell

Do dogs eat grass to settle their stomachs?

Many vets believe that grass can help to settle a dog's upset stomach, particularly when acids are building up. Often, dogs feel better after eating grass.

Grass is also a good source of roughage and fibre so a dog might turn to a grassy snack if they need more of these two things. Increased fibre helps the digestive system run smoothly.

Why does my dog want to eat grass and weeds?

If you notice your dog eating more grass and weeds than normal it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Just like humans, dogs need plenty of vitamins and minerals. If they feel like it isn't being provided for them by their owners, they may turn to grass as an additional source of fibre.

If your dog is playing outside or taking a break on a walk, they may also start grazing on grass and weeds as a sign of boredom. Bringing games will help to keep them occupied when heading outdoors.

Grass chewing could also be a sign of anxiety in a dog, much like an anxious human might bite their nails. If this is the case, is it likely that grass eating would increase when the dog is away from their owner.

Here are a few helpful guides on dogs and mental health:

• 9 signs your dog is depressed
• How to help a dog who is grieving the loss of a loved one
• 5 behaviours that indicate your dog is lonely

Do dogs like grass?

The most simple explanation for why dogs eat grass is that they like the taste and texture of it. This is why some dogs eat grass mostly in spring when grass is new and fresh.

Why do dogs eat grass to throw up?

The other type of grass eating may be because of instinctive behaviour. This is where your pet has an upset stomach and wants to deliberately make themselves sick to reduce the pain.

According to research from Hills Pet, it is believed that the long pieces of grass tickle their throats to stimulate vomiting. However, referring back to research mentioned above, less than 25% of dogs that eat grass vomit regularly after grazing.

Remember, if you are worried about your dog's health always head to your local vet for professional advice.