Grass eating appears to be common among dogs and isn't as strange as some of the other eating habits puppies exhibit. The reason for this foraging behavior is unclear, though some dogs appear to enjoy eating grass. Ingestion of grass, on the other hand, maybe a way for other dogs to meet an unmet nutritional need or to self-induce vomiting to relieve an upset stomach. Or they may do it occasionally simply because they are bored.
Why Do Dogs Consume Grass?
Pica is a condition in which many dogs eat things that aren't food, such as dirt, feces, toys, and grass.
Most experts agree, however, that grass eating is normal canine behavior and that this type of pica rarely, if ever, causes problems. So, what's the deal with grass?
It's Delicious to Eat Grass
Some dogs, it's safe to assume, simply enjoy the flavor and texture of grass. There is also some speculation that grazing on grass may provide fiber or trace amounts of vitamins and minerals that aren't adequately supplied in commercial dog food.
In general, the modern domestic dog's diet is limited, but its wild relatives continue to enjoy a diverse bounty of food. Coyotes, for example, eat vegetable matter found in prey animals' stomachs and intestines. In fact, in addition to the meat they kill or scavenge, many wild canines eat roots, grasses, and berries.
This proclivity to eat plants manifests itself in your dog's behavior as well. In addition to grass, it's likely that your puppy enjoys safe raw-plant snacks such as sliced bananas, green beans, strawberries, or even apple slices on occasion.
You may also notice that your dog dislikes certain raw fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, but loves them cooked.
To Cause Vomiting
Eating grass does not always result in vomiting, but it can, especially in dogs who do not eat grass on a regular basis. It's possible that these infrequent grass eaters are trying to use it as a natural emetic to induce vomiting when they're feeling ill.
You may notice this if your dog is a little gassy before going outside to do its business or if it has eaten something it shouldn't have. Its feces may also be runny, discolored, or otherwise abnormal, and the dog may appear depressed or less energetic than usual.
When you take your dog outside, he or she may start gulping mouthfuls of grass. The long, tickling strands may cause it to regurgitate whatever has been bothering its stomach. When this is completed, it should be able to resume normal activities and show no other signs of illness.
To Relieve Boredom
Some experts believe that bored dogs eat grass simply to keep themselves busy. This happens a lot with dogs who don't get enough exercise, especially young dogs and puppies who have a lot of pent-up energy to burn.
Following Steps
Occasional grass eating is not a cause for alarm. If your dog is eating grass because he is bored or has a nutritional deficiency, you can make simple changes to spice up his life and food bowl.
However, there are times when you must stop this behavior immediately for your dog's safety, and other times when it may indicate that your pup is seriously ill.
Indoor dogs can satisfy their grazing instincts by nibbling on houseplants. Depending on the plant species, this could be a dangerous or even fatal activity. To be safe, avoid growing any potentially poisonous plants indoors or outdoors.
If you can't or don't want to avoid growing toxic plants for dogs, keep the plants in a place where your dog can't get to them. Alternatively, work on training your dog to understand which plants or areas in your home or garden are off-limits.
Never let your dog eat chemically treated grass, as this can lead to poisoning. Even if you do not use herbicides or pesticides on your lawn or garden, your neighbor may. Toxic substances may end up in your yard through runoff or wind, especially if applied on a windy day. This also applies to public areas where the grass has been treated, such as parks.
Provide an alternative for your grass-loving dog to satisfy its craving. For example, you could give your dog a patch or a container of healthy wheatgrass to eat. Grass and herb-growing kits that are safe for dogs are frequently available at pet supply stores.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day. This includes both physical and mental exercise to keep boredom at bay. Taking the time to play with your dog and work on training on a daily basis can make a big difference in reducing boredom-related behaviors.
A sudden increase in grazing may indicate that your dog is ill or is deficient in essential nutrients. Keep an eye on your dog's activities so you can discuss them with your veterinarian if necessary.
Examine the ingredients in your dog's food to see if it truly provides a balanced diet that includes all of the nutrients your dog requires. Changing to a food that contains more fiber or improves digestion, in general, may reduce your dog's need for its grassy supplement.
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