Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? 5 Reasons Explained

The sun is shining, you’re ready to start some outdoor fun with your dog, and they’re in the corner eating...grass? 

If your dog loves to munch on your lawn, you’re not alone. But why do dogs eat grass? From nutritional needs to boredom, here are five reasons for this common dog behavioral problem. 

Reason #1: They’re Seeking Nutrition

If you find your dog eating grass, it could mean they aren’t getting enough nutrients in their diet.  

While grass certainly shouldn’t be a snack for your dog, it does contain vitamins A, B, & C and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, & potassium. When these are lacking in your pet’s diet, it could lead them to seek out alternatives—such as your lawn.  

This is why choosing the right food for your dog is key! Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your furry friend’s specific dietary needs. 

Reason #2: They’re Using Grass as a Digestive Aid

Speaking of nutrition, grass is naturally rich in fiber…but that doesn’t mean your dog should eat it! 

One reason why dogs eat grass may be because they‘re experiencing regulation issues and want to settle their stomachs. Grass contains lots of fiber, and after it’s eaten, it’s fermented into fatty acids by beneficial bacteria naturally found in dogs’ intestines. If they are experiencing an upset stomach, some dogs may eat grass to induce vomiting according to a study published by Benjamin L. Hart, DVM. 

While a balanced diet can help provide proper regulation, eating off-limit items may lead to stomach upset. Keep anything your dog shouldn’t consume out of reach. 

Reason #3: They’re Bored or Anxious

Dogs are co-dependent creatures who can grow bored quite easily when they’re left alone for too long. If your pooch isn’t receiving proper mental stimulation, they may gnaw on something they probably shouldn’t, such as your furniture, shoes, even grass.

The best way to combat unwanted chewing is to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Try some of these activities to get their mind and body moving:

🐶 Play games with them — Not only are dog brain games good for the mind, but they help strengthen your relationship and build trust between you and your dog. Hide & seek and tug-of-war are just a few games you can play to entertain your bored pup. 

🦴 Offer them a chew toy! — Occupy your dog with a chew toy before and after they spend periods of time alone, such as when you’re getting ready for work or when you’re relaxing together in the evening. No matter your dog’s size or chewing style, there’s a wide range of chew toys in unique shapes, flavors, and textures they’ll love! 

🍽 Give them a treat to munch on instead! — Chew treats are a much tastier and safer alternative to grass. You can even combine chew time and treat time with a stuffable treat toy: just fill the toy with your dogs’ favorite treats and spreads to make chew time more fun! 

Reason #4: It’s an Instinctual Behavior  

Like many unusual canine behaviors, one reason why dogs eat grass can be traced back to their wild canine ancestors. 

Dogs couldn’t exactly eat prepackaged food in the wild. So along with protein, dogs would eat plants and herbs to aid digestion or fulfill their nutritional needs. There were also times when wild canines may have consumed plant matter from the stomach contents of prey animals they hunted down, according to Wag! 

🐶 Related: Why Do Dogs Chew? A Guide for Decoding & Managing the Habit 

Reason #5: They Simply Like the Taste

Although dogs have fewer tastebuds than humans, that doesn’t mean they can’t taste food at all. And they often enjoy things that humans may find a little odd! 

If it isn’t the taste, it could be the texture.  

If your dog is eating grass, they may crave something flavor packed and textured. To deliver both of those qualities, try Natural Nubz chew treats! 

How Much Grass Is Too Much?  

You should keep a close eye on your pup if they tend to eat grass, especially because it may be treated with herbicides or pesticides that are toxic to dogs. There’s also a chance that eating grass can result in ingesting intestinal parasites, such as roundworms or hookworms, left behind from other animals’ droppings.  

If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decrease in appetite, bloody excrement, or excessive lip licking after eating grass, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.  

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener 

Whether it’s for nutrients or just for taste, there are many reasons why dogs eat grass. Watch your dog when they’re exploring the yard, and make sure they don’t nibble any grass or plants. There’s sure to be a tastier, safer snack for your furry friend to munch on! 

If learning the answer to “why do dogs eat grass” has piqued your interest in dog behavior, check out these other topics: 

• Why Do Dogs Howl?  
• Why Do Dogs Pant? 
• Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?