Why Dogs Eat Grass
When you think of animals that regularly eat grass, it may seem strange to consider your dog being one of them. It’s natural to stop your dog when you see them eating grass or even feel a level of concern about why they are doing so. Eating grass is a form of Pica; eating things that are not considered food.
There are a few reasons why your family canine feels the need to munch on something green. Their bodies are probably telling them they need to, and kind of like when we are sometimes randomly craving a kale salad for lunch. From boredom (mainly in puppies) to a nutritional deficiency, here are a few reasons for your pup’s grass snacking habit:
1. To help with digestion - Try a doggie probiotic or ask your vet for guidance. They can be found in powder, chews, capsules, or dogfood form.
2. Nutritional deficiency – If your dog feels like they are mission nutrients like fiber, for instance, they may turn to your lawn to fulfill the need. Do some research, talk to your vet, and adjust your dog’s diet to ensure they get what they need.
3. Boredom – Some dogs, especially younger ones, sometimes express that they are bored by eating grass. Making sure they are getting enough exercise is an easy fix to that. You could also invest in a few fun toys for them; puppies love to chew on things.
Regardless of the reason, grazing isn’t necessarily harmful to your dog. Even after finding solutions to provide what they seem to be missing, they may not completely stop. A few things to be on the lookout for to keep them safe would-be herbicides, pesticides, and toxic plants. A few of those plants on the list include tomato plants, ivy, sabal palms and aloe vera. When letting them out to go potty or taking them out for a walk, keep an eye out for these things and be mindful of the chemicals used on your lawn.
We hope that this post brings ease to your mind. Don’t be alarmed when you notice your dog’s habit of munching on your lawn. Experts would even say that it is normal dog behavior for them to do so.