4 Reasons Your Dog Eats Grass: Doggy Green Grass Grazing

You may have noticed your own dog chomping on the fresh green lawn. You feed your dog 2-3 times and day, plus the occasional treats – so why is this happening?  Here are 4 suggestions why your dog eats grass and how to help. 

There are many reasons for dogs eating grass. Veterinarians want you to be assured that it is a normal behavior when your dog does it sometimes. However, compulsive grass eaters may need intervention. Depending on how the grass was treated with fertilizer and other pesticides you need to make sure your dog has a safe place to graze.

You need to make sure your dog has a safe place to graze

Dogs Normally Eat Grass For Enjoyment

One reason dogs may eat grass is simply because the fresh smell and fun texture appeals to their senses. It’s fun and it tastes good. Makes for a nice treat!

Give your new regime a week and re-evaluate the grass eating

Is Boredom Causing Your Dog to Eat Grass?

Another reason that dogs eat grass may be out of boredom. If the grass eating is compulsive, your dog may not be getting enough mental stimulation. Try increasing your walk time around the neighborhood, try playing more brain games with your dog. Give your new regime a week and re-evaluate the grass eating. Has it improved? If not, move on to the next tip.

If the grass eating is compulsive, your dog may not be getting enough mental stimulation

Your Dog Eats Grass to Soothe Indigestion

Your dog may have stomach upset or digestive issues. The rumor is true, eating grass helps sooth canine tummies. As long as it comes from a safe source; that is without harmful pesticides, it can be beneficial to your dog’s digestive health. You can try to by a small patch of dog safe grass so your dog can nibble from an organic, safe and reliable source.

Is Your Dog Getting Enough Nutrition ?

Your dog may not be getting enough nutrition from their current diet.  Unfortunately, sometimes it’s not easy to interpret what is or is not in your dog’s food.  Are they getting enough of what they need?  Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are commonly not part of generic dog foods.  Neither are probiotics.  See your Veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s nutritional health.  This doesn’t mean your dog needs new food; there are many top-up options you can explore with your veterinarian.  Top up options are an affordable way to customize what your dog’s needs. 

Re-evaluating Your Dog’s Progress

You will discover the reason for your canine’s grass nibbling by re-evaluating one of these 4 reasons.  Which one of these 4 reasons does your dog eat grass? After implementing a solution give at least one week before you consider whether it was effective or not before moving on. Be reassured that occasional grass nibbling is common and normal dog behavior. Consider making a safe place to graze. Grass can be organic, nutritious and self-soothing.

Learn more about dogs eating grass here.

How did you stop your dogs from eating grass? Do you think it’s necessary to intervene?