Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

Why do Dogs Eat Grass?

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category

Why do dogs eat grass

Is your dog an avid grass-eater? If you've noticed this odd behavior also known as pica (the term for eating things that aren't food), there's nothing to worry about. It's a very common and natural behavior that is observed among both domestic and wild dogs. Grass is actually healthy for your pet because it contains phytonutrients and is high in potassium and chlorophyll.
The most common reason people think dogs eat grass is to make themselves vomit and feel better. Simply munching on grass won't actually make your dog vomit. However, if your dog is seemingly gulping down the grass instead of nibbling on grass, they may have an upset stomach, and your dog may vomit as a result of the grass blades tickling the throat and stomach lining.

In addition to settling an upset stomach, dogs will also eat grass to:

  • Improve digestion
  • Treat intestinal worms
  • Fulfill some unmet nutritional need (like fiber)

They might even just do it out of boredom or because they like the way it tastes or feels.

Is it safe for dogs to eat grass?
Grazing and eating grass isn't harmful to your pet, but keep in mind that certain herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals that are used on lawns can be toxic if ingested.

How to prevent my dog from eating grass
If your dog is eating out of boredom, try to make sure they are getting enough exercise and interaction. If it's possible your dog is eating grass due to a lack of fiber, switch your dog to a high fiber diet. For example, add raw or lightly steamed fruits and vegetables to your dog's diet. Dog-friendly fruits and vegetables include sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, green beans, cucumber banana, apples (no seeds), and lettuce and cabbage ends.