Skip to main content

Is it bad for dogs to eat grass? What you need to know

When fresh grass sprouts in your backyard,  does your dog turn into a grazing machine? Eating grass is a favorite pastime for many dogs. Some throw up shortly afterward while munching grass appears to have no physical impact on others. But why do dogs eat grass, and is it a problem? This is a frequent question posed to veterinarians. And while veterinary specialists agree that eating grass is a common, harmless behavior for dogs, there’s no definitive answer as to why they engage in the activity. Is it simply because they enjoy the taste of it? Could be! Read on to learn about three of the most common theories as to why dogs eat grass.

Grass might help with digestion

Many pet parents have noticed at one time or another that their dogs seem desperate to go outside. They open the door thinking the dog needs to do his business only to see him go straight to eating grass. The grass causes gastric irritation, which results in vomiting, and the dog returns to his happy self. This action leads to the assumption that dogs eat grass to relieve an upset stomach. In an article written by veterinary specialists at the VCA Hospital group, the authors say this assumption raises a perplexing question: “Does the dog eat grass to vomit and soothe an ailing stomach, or does he develop a stomachache and vomit because he ate grass?” The authors conclude that since studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after eating grass and only 10% show signs of illness beforehand, “it’s unlikely they turn to the green stuff as a form of self-medication.” The veterinarians write that rather than aiding an upset stomach, grass may help a dog’s digestive system by adding fiber, which helps with digestion and makes pooping easier.

Related Videos
Dog eating grass.

Grass fulfills a nutritional deficiency

Despite your best efforts to provide your dog with the highest-quality food possible, his body may be craving certain nutrients. Nutritional experts say that a dog’s body has different nutritional needs depending on age and activity level. Your dog may be eating grass to get nutrients missing from his diet. Grass is high in potassium, chlorophyll, and digestive enzymes.

Grass eating may be an inherited behavior

Researchers at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine conducted a study of 1,500 dogs to learn why they ate grass. The 2008 study concluded that the dogs didn’t suffer from upset stomachs and weren’t lacking in nutrients. In an article published by Cape Ann Veterinary Hospital, one of the researchers, Benjamin Hart, who has studied animal behavior for almost 50 years, said the research concluded that eating grass is probably a trait inherited from wild ancestors.

“We know that wolves and cougars eat grass,” said Hart. “That’s because they carry intestinal parasites. That’s just part and parcel of being in nature. Wild animals don’t have anything like the medicines we have for controlling worms. But by eating grass regularly, they can prevent a buildup by purging their systems of these parasites.”

The study also revealed that younger dogs are more likely to eat grass than older ones, and that’s also true in nature, Hart said.

When grass eating should be a cause for concern

If there’s a sudden increase in eating grass, it could be a sign of underlying health issues. This may also be accompanied by other symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, blood in the stool, or lethargy. A dog exhibiting these symptoms should be checked out by a veterinarian.

Woman giving a treat to her dog.

The bottom line is, it’s perfectly normal for your dog to eat grass. However, it’s up to you to ensure that the vegetation is safe. If he’s eating grass in your yard, don’t spray the lawn with herbicides and pesticides, as these can be toxic to your pet. Also, don’t allow your dog access to sprayed yards or grassy areas in your neighborhood. To be safe, take treats on your walks in case you need to distract your dog from eating treated grass.

Editors' Recommendations

Is getting a puppy for Christmas a good idea? You can’t return them like a sweater
Here's what to know before you bring home a puppy for Christmas
Woman snuggling Samoyed puppy in front of the Christmas tree

Of all the viral holiday videos to make their way around the internet, there’s nothing quite as heartwarming (and adorable) as seeing a new puppy jump out of a box on Christmas. It’s easy to see why many families feel inspired to get this surprise present for their loved ones and show up with a new furry friend during the holidays.
Getting a puppy for Christmas can seem like a special, even life-changing gift, but the cleaning and work that accompany them aren’t as cute. Many families aren’t prepared for the effort and expense that raising a dog requires, which unfortunately leads to pets being dropped off at shelters not long after the holidays.
If you’re considering gifting a puppy to your family this Christmas, make sure you do the research and consider the obligations that pet parenthood entails. Here’s what to know.

Why getting a puppy for Christmas isn’t always smart
Although getting a dog can be a rewarding and joyful experience, it also requires work, patience, and responsibility. Is your family ready to take this on?
According to the shelter staff at the Marion County Humane Society in West Virginia, the end of January tends to see a rise in shelter admissions. Unfortunately, many of these pets are Christmas gifts that families weren’t ready to care for. “People that got a new puppy or a new kitten, and they expect their young child to take care of them,” one shelter tech told WDTV. "Of course, if the kid doesn't do it, the parent doesn't want to take care of them either.”
A lack of research is also a large factor in unsuccessful pet adoptions. Not all dog breeds will do well in all homes, so consulting an expert or doing some reading is vital before taking action. And remember — a cute, tiny puppy can still grow into a huge, rambunctious dog (depending on their breed) so you’ll need to be prepared.
It’s also important to consider where you’re adopting your new pup from because not all breeders are reliable. As awful as it is to acknowledge, there are people who sell sick and injured dogs for a quick buck. Needless to say, a dog with health concerns can be as loving of a companion as any other — after treatment, of course — but you have a right to be informed about the condition of your new friend, including information about the puppy's parents.
Shelters can help you get to know your pup a bit before bringing him home, but rescued dogs may need some extra time to adjust to their surroundings. The honeymoon phase may not be as happy-go-lucky as you expect, especially if there has been any past trauma.

Read more
9 Boston terrier facts to know before you bring one into your life
Important facts about the adorable Boston terrier breed
Boston terrier on a pink leash in grass

Boston terriers are always dressed for a black-tie affair. The breed’s tuxedo coat is one of many features that have endeared. Their short muzzles, compact bodies, and oversized eyes make this terrier breed absolutely adorable. Come winter, you can find Bostons strutting their stuff in cute sweaters to keep them warm underneath their short coats.

Of course, looks aren’t everything. Boston terriers are also known for their curious and loving personalities, among other common traits. Though no two dogs are exactly alike — even ones in the same breed or litter — understanding common breed characteristics is a great launching point to researching what pup is best for your home and lifestyle. If a Boston terrier is on your list, look no further. We dog up the details on this lovable breed.

Read more
Does your cat have ear mites? How to tell (and what you can do about it)
Are your cat's ears dirty or does she have ear mites? What to know
A close-up shot of a blue-eyed white cat

Did you know your cat's ears are truly astounding? Not only can your fur baby's ears help her detect prey using her whiskers -- also known as ear furnishings -- inside her ears, but they can detect frequencies as high as 64,000 Hz. For comparison, humans can only detect frequencies as high as around 20,000 Hz, which means your cat's hearing is a little more than three times better than yours.

Just like humans, cats are susceptible to developing ear infections and other ear-related issues. (Fortunately for our feline friends, instances of ear infections are relatively uncommon.) Unfortunately, ear mites are considered common -- and they're highly contagious. If you've been frantically searching "mites cat ears," or "dirty cat ears vs. ear mites," you're in the right place. Does your cat have ear mites? We'll teach you how to tell.

Read more