Eating grass is common in some dogs, even some wild dogs have exhibited this trait as well, and it may be a natural trait after all. This seemingly weird behavior is explained by a number of theories, but no definite answer has been found.
If you ask Google why dogs eat grass, several websites that try to address this same issue will be displayed. I personally checked out over 24 such sites and they all said something about dogs eating grass to enable them vomit when they have stomach upset. But some argue that the dog's intelligence is not that much developed to the extent of taking such a measure to treat stomach upset. But unarguably, dogs lack the necessary enzyme needed for the digestion and absorption of fiber contained in the grass they eat, which means they derive no kind of nutritional values from such meals.
So what is the major reason why dogs would want to make grass part of their diet?
From my viewpoint, let me summarize it using the following assumptions:
- Dogs enjoy the taste of grass in their mouths. Chewing the green grass is normal for dogs. Some dog species even have preferences when it comes to the kind of grass they eat. Some like it fresh, some like it a bit dry, while some limit their grass intake to some particular grass species.
- The dog might be probably bored. Sometimes a dog eats grass because there is nothing else to do. It is simply a way of finding something to do in that vast backyard.
- Some dogs are quite compulsive and obsessive and eating grass to such dogs goes beyond a mere sporty habit. If you feel your dog is going through some anxiety disorder, you might be right and the best thing to do is to get in touch with your pet behavior therapist.
What You Can Do
If you feel the grass eating habit is out of boredom, you may consider creating more sports and exercising avenues for your dog's benefit. Make your dog part of more fun activities. Play some interactive games with the dog or buy him a toy to chase around the house. Anything that can keep him occupied and kill the boredom will go a long way to stop him from eating grass.
If you feel the grass eating is as a result of inadequate nutrition, you may like to consider getting a new brand and blend of dog food for him. A food rich in fiber can go a long way to solve this kind of problem.
Though experts say there is nothing harmful about your dog eating grass once in a while, but it is important to note that certain brands of pesticides and herbicides used on your lawn can become quite toxic if the dog ingests it in the process of eating the grass they were sprayed on.
In addition, a good number of plants can be quite toxic, this can put the dog's life at risk when he munches on them. You must ensure no dangerous grass grows around the area your dog loves to graze.