Why do dogs eat grass? Many of us have been puzzled over the years. It doesn’t make sense. Well, we know there can be several reasons. We’ve put together a few of the top probabilities, each shedding a little light on why on earth a dog would want to eat grass in the first place.
Instinct:
Wolves. We know that our furry and cuddly companions are, in fact, the descendants of wolves, and even though they have been domesticated for thousands of years, some of their wild instincts remain. In the wild, canines might consume plant material, including grass, as part of their omnivorous diet. This behavior could be instinctual.
Diet:
Sometimes, dogs eat grass because they’re not getting the nutrition they need. They might instinctively turn to grass if their diet lacks certain fibers or nutrients. Grass contains lots of fiber, which helps digestion and clears any blockages or discomfort.
Gastrointestinal:
One of the most common beliefs is that dogs eat grass when sick, particularly with an upset stomach. The grass can irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting. This might help them to get rid of whatever was causing them discomfort, whether it’s something they ate that didn’t agree with them or excess stomach acid. However, this is only sometimes true since not all grass-eating leads to vomiting.
Behavior:
Have you ever eaten because you’re bored? Boredom can also lead dogs to eat grass. If dogs are not stimulated enough, they might try eating grass for entertainment or to get a reaction from their owners. Dogs are adept at learning what behaviors draw attention from their humans, even if that attention is to stop them from eating grass.
Taste:
Some dogs might like the taste of grass. Like human babies, dogs explore their surroundings with their mouths, which can sometimes include tasting different plants. Fresh, young grass might have a taste or texture that some dogs find interesting.
Laxative:
If your dog is having trouble pooping, eating grass can help stimulate bowel movements. Grass can be a natural laxative.
Trait:
There’s also an evolutionary take in which dogs, as scavengers, ate whatever they found, including plants. This behavior could be a remnant of times when food was scarce, and any available vegetation could provide some nutritional value or fill the stomach to alleviate hunger.
Psychology:
There’s a psychological aspect where dogs might find comfort when eating grass. Like humans chew gum, dogs might chew grass as a calming activity or to alleviate anxiety.
It’s worth mentioning that while grass-eating now and again is generally considered safe, it can be a problem if it’s excessive, especially if your yard has been treated with pesticides, which could be toxic. If grass eating is sudden, frequent, and followed by signs of distress or illness, it might be wise to call your veterinarian. It might mean a more serious health issue like gastrointestinal problems or even parasites.
So why do dogs eat grass? The answer is likely for instinctual, dietary, behavioral, and health-related reasons. These reasons speak to dogs’ connection with their environment, reflecting their ancestral roots and life as modern pets.
