Why does my dog eat grass? Reasons and when you should pay attention

It is completely normal for a dog to eat grass in most cases and is no cause for concern. Many dogs regularly nibble on blades of grass because they like the taste, are bored, or are acting on an ancestral instinct. You should pay attention if your dog suddenly eats a lot of grass, vomits frequently, or seems lethargic. In that case, you should take it to the vet. This guide will tell you what reasons may be behind grass-eating and what you should look out for in everyday life.

Is it normal for dogs to eat grass?

Yes. Eating grass is one of the most common behaviors among dogs. Surveys of dog owners show that a large proportion of dogs regularly eat grass. Most of them appear perfectly healthy beforehand, and only a small number vomit afterwards.

Wolves and other wild canids also occasionally eat plants. So eating grass is not a sign that something is wrong with your dog, but is usually completely natural behavior.

Why does my dog eat grass? The most common reasons

There is no single explanation. Often, several reasons are involved.

Taste and curiosity

Many dogs simply like the taste of fresh, young grass. Especially in spring, when the blades are tender and juicy, they like to nibble on them. Some dogs even have a favorite type and specifically search for it.

Boredom and stimulation

If your dog is understimulated or has little variety on walks, eating grass can become a form of stimulation. Puppies and young dogs also like to explore their surroundings with their mouths.

Natural instinct

Researchers suspect that eating grass is an inheritance from wild ancestors. Wolves always consume some plant material through their prey and directly from nature.

Fiber and digestion

Grass contains a lot of fiber. Some dogs may eat it because the roughage makes them feel good. However, it has not been scientifically proven whether a dog actually uses it to compensate for something in its food.

Stomach discomfort

Some dogs eat grass when their stomach feels unsettled and then vomit it back up. It is not conclusively clear whether the grass triggers the vomiting or whether the dog eats it because it already feels nauseous. If this happens frequently, you should have it checked by a vet.

Attention

If your dog has learned that you react immediately when it eats grass, this behavior may also be a way to get your attention.

What is your dog lacking if it eats grass?

Many dog owners ask this question. In most cases, your dog is not lacking anything at all. A healthy dog that receives high-quality, balanced food will still often like to eat grass. However, if your dog suddenly eats significantly more than usual, it is worth taking a look at its diet and talking to your vet. They can determine whether the ration is right for your dog or whether there is another underlying cause.

Dog eats grass and vomits: When should you go to the vet?

Occasional grass-eating followed by vomiting occurs and is usually harmless if your dog feels fit again afterwards. However, have your dog examined if you notice any of the following:

• Your dog suddenly eats a noticeably large or excessive amount of grass, or eats it hurriedly.
• It vomits several times a day or over several days.
• Blood is visible in the vomit or stool.
• It also has diarrhea, refuses to eat its food, or seems lethargic.
• Its belly is bloated, or it shows restlessness and pain.
• It tries to vomit without anything coming out.

The last point in particular can indicate an emergency in large dogs. In this case, call your vet or emergency veterinary service immediately. You can read more about stomach-related complaints in our article Gastritis in dogs.

What risks are associated with eating grass?

The grass itself is generally harmless to dogs. However, what is on it or among it can be dangerous:

• Fertilizers and pesticides: Grass along field edges, in parks, or in gardens may have been treated.
• Slug pellets: They are highly toxic to dogs and are often laid out in gardens.
• Poisonous plants: Plants that dogs cannot tolerate sometimes grow among the grass.
• Grass awns: The sharp seed heads of some grasses can get stuck in the mouth, throat, nose, or between the toes in summer.
• Contamination: Grass that many dogs or wild animals walk on can be contaminated with feces.
• Sharp-edged grasses: Hard, wide blades can irritate the mouth and throat.

Tips for everyday life with a grass-eating dog

You do not have to completely ban your dog from eating grass. A few simple rules will keep it safe:

• Choose safe places: Only let your dog eat grass where you are sure it has not been fertilized or sprayed.
• Offer your own grass: A pot of untreated wheat or cat grass on the balcony is a good alternative.
• Provide stimulation: Snuffle games, search tasks, and varied walks distract from boredom.
• Pay attention to the diet: Balanced food with sufficient fiber and regular feeding times support regular digestion.
• Offer chew items: Many dogs have a natural need to chew, which can also be satisfied with suitable chew items.
• Stay calm: Do not make a big deal out of grass-eating, so it does not become an attention-seeking ritual.

If you would like to supplement your dog's diet with products related to grass-eating, you can take a look at our Grass & Coprophagia Tablets for Dogs. They contain a combination of fiber, prebiotics and probiotics, as well as plant substances, and are free from added sugar and gluten. 

Frequently asked questions about dogs eating grass

Is it bad if my dog eats grass?

Usually not. Eating grass is widespread among dogs and is generally harmless. Make sure the grass has not been fertilized or sprayed, and keep an eye on whether your dog feels fit afterwards.

Why does my dog eat so much grass?

This may be due to boredom, taste, or an unsettled stomach. If your dog suddenly eats significantly more grass than usual, or eats it hurriedly and greedily, you should have it checked by a vet.

Why does my dog eat grass and then vomit?

Some dogs eat grass when they feel nauseous and then vomit it back up. If this only happens occasionally and your dog is lively afterwards, it is usually harmless. If vomiting is frequent, you should take it to the vet.

Should I ban my dog from eating grass?

Not necessarily. It is more important that it only eats grass in safe places. If you want to limit it, stimulation, a release command, and your own grass pot at home can help.

Does my dog eat grass because it is lacking something in its food?

This is a common assumption, but it has not been conclusively proven. Many dogs with balanced food still eat grass. If you are unsure whether the ration is right for your dog, talk to your vet.

Conclusion: 

If your dog eats grass, it is completely normal behavior in most cases. Common reasons are taste, boredom, and an ancestral instinct. It is important that your dog only eats untreated grass and that you pay attention to warning signs such as frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. In that case, your vet is the right person to contact.