by LMagno

If you own a dog, then chances are you have seen your puppy eat grass. For many pet owners, this makes them ask “what does it mean when a dog eats grass?” After all, dogs are not cows and when a dog eats grass, it just seems unnatural. It is even more concerning when your dog eats grass then starts throwing up.

Since dogs eating grass is such a hot topic, we will delve into the strange world of puppy grass eating.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

The technical term for this issue is pica. Pica is characterized as an eating disorder where the subject eats things which are not considered food (grass, wood, chalk, etc) Surprisingly enough, vets are not 100% certain why dogs eat grass. However, there are three main theories of why your puppy finds grass appealing.

1. Your Dog is Bored – Many vets believe puppies eat grass out of boredom. It is like chewing on wood or anything else. The puppy is just bored and grass taste good.
2. Your Dog is Sick – Some pet owners report their dogs eat grass and then vomit. While this does not happen with all dogs, it happens enough to make some people believe dogs eat grass on purpose. The theory is dogs have a tummy ache and then eat grass to vomit up whatever is making them feel bad.
3. Your Dog has a Nutritional Deficiency – Some vets believe dogs eat grass to fulfill a nutritional deficiency such as a lack of fiber. Since grass is not digestible, the grass acts as a natural fiber.

Is It Okay for Dogs to Eat Grass?

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is: “HELP. My dog eats grass. Is this safe?” In a nutshell, yes, dogs are omnivores and grass eating is safe. In fact, grass eating is completely normal in dogs and cats. There are only two cases in which you should worry about your puppy eating grass.

1. Excessive grass eating is not normal and not safe. Too much grass can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion.
2. Pesticides on the grass. This is really the main concern for dogs and cats. Since most lawns are treated with chemical pesticides, eating the grass can be dangerous. As long as the grass is chemical free, eating grass is not a problem. However, fertilized lawns and lawns treated with pesticides can prove toxic to all animals.

How Do You Stop Grass Eating?

If your dog eats grass and throws up, then you will want to stop your dog from eating the grass. Otherwise, allow you dog to nibble on grass when they feel the need.

Stopping the habit is based on the reason the dog is eating the grass in the first place.

1. My Dog Eats Grass from Boredom – If your dog is eating grass because it is bored, then the best way to stop your dog is by increasing its exercise. Most dogs need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise every day. Try increasing the exercise to see if it helps.
2. When Dogs Eat Grass Because of Nutrition – Some dogs eat grass because they lack certain nutrition. One way to stop this is by changing the dog food. Giving your dog high quality dog food is essential to ensuring proper nutrition.
3. When Dogs Eat Grass for Fiber – Sometimes dogs eat grass for more fiber. If this is the case, you can increase the fiber in your dog’s diet by either changing the dog food or by giving your dog more fiber. Some pet owners like to add broccoli or green beans to the dog’s food to increase the fiber as a cheap and natural method.

What Plants Can Dogs Eat?

Since grass is not the only plant dogs eat, it is only natural to wonder which plants are safe for dogs to eat. The list of toxic and non-toxic plants can be found on the ASPCA’s website. Additionally, you can check out a list of food dogs can’t eat by reading our article title What Can Dogs Eat: Dangerous Foods for Dogs