You take your dog for a potty break and see them eating grass like they’re a furry lawn mower. Then you worry and ask yourself, ” Why is my dog eating grass?”
Dogs eat grass for several reasons, including normal instinct, boredom, taste, or sometimes an upset stomach. I’ve seen my dog, Henry, do it occasionally, which sends me investigating why.
Your dog eating grass can be safe and instinctual. There are a few instances when your pup is giving you a clear sign they need to see the vet or need help in some other way. But thankfully, most of the time it’s just your buddy being a dog.
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Budget tip: Your dog eating grass is usually harmless. But in some cases, it can lead to a vet visit, especially if other symptoms accompany it. Knowing the difference can save you money and protect your dog’s health. That's a big win for your dog and your wallet!
Why Dogs Eat Grass (Quick Answer)
- Normal instinct
- Upset stomach (sometimes)
- Boredom
- Taste preference
- Diet issues (rarely)
What I Use and Love for Dogs Who Eat Grass
If your dog is eating grass due to boredom or tummy troubles, these are a few simple things I use with Henry that really help:
- Pumpkin – As Henry’s vet says, pumpkin is a great gut balancer.
- Lick mat – Henry loves his lick mat with his breakfast and dinner.
- CBD cookie – This CBD cookie helps with discomfort when Henry has a stomachache.
- Enrichment activities – Knowing how much stimulation your dog needs daily is half the battle.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
1. It’s Completely Normal Behavior
Eating grass can be a normal part of being a dog and something that was passed on from their ancient wolf ancestors. In this case, it’s generally not a problem. Occasional grass eating may be your pup being a dog.
2. Upset Stomach (But Not Always)
Sometimes, dogs eat grass when they have a stomachache. This will normally be Henry’s case. He has a very sensitive stomach. When I see him eating grass, I evaluate if he’s had a bowel movement during the day and what he’s eaten. When I suspect he has a tummy ache, I’ll give him a CBD cookie for discomfort, and then massage his stomach. Most of the time, he’ll have a bowel movement within about 30 minutes. That stops him from wanting to eat grass.
3. They Like the Taste or Texture
Some dogs like the taste or texture of grass. My childhood dog, Tag, liked grass. But he was probably also tasting the bunnies and wildlife that had crossed over the grass.
When it’s hot, cool grass can taste refreshing.
If this is your dog, try a cool homemade treat or frozen green beans.
4. Boredom or Habit
Some dogs eat grass out of boredom. Henry’s best pup friend will eat grass when she’s bored. It’s also become a habit for her. But when she’s engaged with a mental game, walking, or playing fetch, her desire to eat grass decreases.
If your dog is bored, try increasing mind activities with a stimulation toy, longer sniff walk, or engaged training. Henry loves training as a way to engage his mind.
5. Nutritional Gaps (Rare, But Possible)
Some dogs eat grass as a way to increase their fiber or nutrients. This is generally when the dog has poor food.
Talking with your vet about food and adding in more fiber should help if this is why your dog is eating grass.
Should I Be Worried If My Dog Is Eating Grass?
When It’s Usually Harmless
- Eats grass occasionally
- No other symptoms
- Otherwise acts normal
Red Flags to Watch For
- Frequent vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Obsessive grass eating
If this is your dog, then it’s time to see your vet.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass and Then Throw Up?
If your dog is eating grass due to a stomachache, they might be trying to alleviate the pain. Sometimes vomiting will help a tummy ache. Grass is a high fiber plant, which means it can irritate the lining of the stomach and induce vomiting.
This is a case of cause (eating grass) producing a desired effect (vomiting). If your dog returns to normal, then there probably isn’t a need to worry.
Is It Bad for Dogs to Eat Grass?
Most of the time, it is safe for your dog to eat grass. But you do need to be aware of certain times when it may cause more of an issue. It may not be safe if:
- You use pesticides or chemicals on your grass
- There are parasites lurking in your lawn
- Toxic plants are growing with your grass
I am always aware of Henry’s environment and look at where he’s roaming and sniffing. I live in a high desert climate. So, I’ve been surprised when, after a good rain, I’ll find mushrooms growing in the yard. Of course, if he ate those, it could be a pricey vet bill.
Curious what other things might be lurking in your yard that could harm your dog? This article walks you through what to look for and avoid in your yard.
How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass
1. Increase Mental Stimulation
Simply increasing your dog’s mental stimulation to relieve boredom may reduce grass eating. This is especially true if your dog has developed a grass eating habit. You can try such activities as:
- More sniffing walks
- Enrichment toys
- Doggie daycare (Henry loves this option)
This article gives you more fun ideas for relieving your dog’s boredom.
2. Add More Fiber to Their Diet
If you and your vet decide that your dog is eating grass for fiber or a nutritional deficiency, then you can add a bit more to your pup’s diet. Henry loves:
- Pumpkin (plain with no spices or preservatives)
- Green beans
- Apples
They always help with his digestive issues.
3. Supervise Outdoor Time
It takes a blink of an eye for something to go sideways. If your dog is obsessed with eating grass, make sure you always supervise their yard time.
4. Rule Out Medical Issues
If your dog is constantly eating grass, especially if it’s accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or other issues, see your vet. A medical evaluation can rule out or address any underlying health issues.
Can Dogs Eating Grass Lead to Expensive Vet Bills?
If ignored, grass eating can definitely lead to more vet bills. Consider the following for a moment.
| Possible Issue | Estimated Cost |
| Pesticide or toxic plant poisoning | $200 – $8,000 |
| Parasite treatment | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| GI blockage treatment | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| A happy healthy dog | PRICELESS!!! |
FAQs About Dogs Eating Grass
Why is my dog eating grass all of a sudden?
It could be a tummy ache. My dog Henry will eat grass occasionally when he has a stomachache.
Do dogs eat grass when they are sick?
Yes, they can. It can be a sign of an underlying health issue, especially if your dog is also vomiting, is lethargic, has a loss of appetite, or has diarrhea. If this is the case, see your vet.
Can puppies eat grass?
Yes, younger dogs can eat grass. It could be a sign of an upset stomach, especially as you wean your puppy to real puppy or dog food. Your pup may show obsessive behaviors, including eating grass.
Should I stop my dog from eating grass?
That depends. If it’s an occasional behavior, it may not be doing any harm. If your dog is obsessively eating grass, it could be a sign of something else going on in his body. I always like to know why my dog, Henry, is eating grass and then help him through any discomfort if needed.
Why does my dog eat grass every day?
If there are no other symptoms, then it could be that your dog is simply bored or has developed a grass eating habit. If this is the case with your pup, then try increasing your buddy’s mental stimulation activities throughout the day. Here’s a free calculator to tell you how much mental engagement your dog needs daily.
Is it bad for dogs to eat grass?
No, usually not. Especially if there are no other symptoms and the grass is dog-safe.
Helpful reads for curious dog parents:
- 16 Hazards To Avoid In A Safe Dog Yard
- Dog Digestive Sensitivity: How to Keep Your Pup’s Tummy Happy
- Your Dog’s Brain Exercise Needs Revealed
- Pawsitively Perfect: Dog Lick Mat Benefits
- Improve Gut Health in Dogs: Amazingly Easy!
- Quick Simple Dog Massage Therapy at Home
- 10 Benefits of Daycare for Dogs
- How Can I Turn a Bored Dog Into a Happy Dog for Pennies?
Why Is My Dog Eating Grass? (Final Thoughts)
Thankfully, most of the time it’s a harmless behavior. But sometimes your dog is trying to tell you something is wrong, like Henry does for me. If your pup is like Henry’s best playmate, then he could be saying he’s bored.
Finding the reason your dog is eating grass is the first step. Then you can actually fix it. For Henry, that means a CBD cookie for his tummy ache and a gentle stomach massage.
But if your dog’s grass eating is in combination with other symptoms, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or vomiting, seek your vet’s medical advice.
If you want to find out more ways to cut your dog’s expenses and keep him healthy, join my 5-Day Dog Expense Reset. But if you really want to dive into how to keep your dog healthy on a budget, check out my ebook, Stop The Dog Money Worry.
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