Dogs may simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass in their mouths. Do they like grass?ĭespite the numerous well thought-out explanations for why dogs eat grass, we cannot overlook the simplest explanation of all, that just like it. In fact, behavior modification may interfere with natural instincts and do more harm than good. You need not worry if the occasional grazing session does not make your dog sick and consistent parasite prevention is provided (intestinal parasites may also be consumed with grass). Some dogs, even those that love their commercial dog food, will eat grass as a reflection of their ancestry and the need to be scavengers.įor these dogs, eating grass is a behavior problem that really may not be a problem at all. Modern dogs do not have to hunt for their food, but that does not mean that they have lost the natural instinct to scavenge. Examining stool samples shows that 11-47% of wolves eat grass. Eating an entire animal provided a fairly balanced diet, especially when the prey’s stomach contained grass and plants that fulfilled the dog’s need for fiber.ĭogs are not true carnivores (strictly meat eaters), but they are not exactly omnivores (meat and plant eaters) either dogs in the wild consume anything that helps fulfill their basic dietary requirements. Dogs in the wild balanced their diets by eating what they hunted-all of what they hunted including meat, bones, internal organs, and stomach contents of their prey. Your dog’s ancestors did not eat kibble packaged in sealed bags. For dogs that crave socialization with other canines, doggie day care may be a good option. More active dogs benefit from more frequent walks and strenuous play time. A food-containing puzzle toy that challenges the dog will provide mental stimulation and relieve boredom. What can owners do for these grazing dogs? For anxious dogs, a new toy or an old t-shirt with his owner's familiar scent may provide a modicum of comfort. Whether dogs are bored, lonely, or anxious, it is often noted that the grass eating increases as owner contact time decreases. In addition, anxious dogs eat grass as a comfort mechanism much like nervous people chew their finger nails. Nibbling grass that is readily available helps fill the hours.ĭogs crave human interaction and may try to get their owners’ attention through inappropriate actions like eating grass if they feel neglected. Although most dogs enjoy being outside, some get bored when alone and need to do something to pass the time. See your veterinarian to rule out serious medical conditions and receive appropriate treatment.Ī dog’s day focuses on his owners’ activities, watching them leave and anxiously awaiting their return. A lack of roughage affects the dog’s ability to digest food and pass stool, so grass may actually help their bodily functions run more smoothly.Ĭaution: If your turf-munching dog shows signs of stomach discomfort, he may have a medical problem such as gastric reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatitis. Dogs need roughage in their diets and grass is a good source of fiber. However, there may be another digestive need filled by grazing. "The bottom line is that the majority of grass-eating dogs are not sick The bottom line is that the majority of grass-eating dogs are not sick beforehand and do not vomit afterwards. In fact, only 10% of dogs show signs of illness prior to eating grass. egg dilemma: Does a dog eat grass to vomit and soothe an ailing stomach or does he develop a stomachache and vomit because he ate grass? Since studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass, it is unlikely that they turn to the green stuff as a form of self-medication. Some dogs consume grass with urgency, then vomit shortly afterwards. One common assumption is that dogs eat grass to relieve upset stomachs. The question may be simple, but the answer is not. But dogs on well-balanced, commercial diets should not be nutritionally deficient, so why do they eat grass? Eating “strange” non-food items (like grass) is technically known as pica and may be associated with a diet deficient in nutrients, vitamins, or minerals. Veterinarians will tell you that they answer this question all day, every day which means lots of dogs eat grass.
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