Your Pooch and Grass

Let's talk about your pooch and grass.

Does your dog munch on grass when you let it outside? Do you think this is strange and tell your dog not to eat grass? Many dog owners do because they've heard all different stories on why dogs eat grass and aren't sure what's true. This article can hopefully set the record straight for many dog owners.

Many people assume eating grass is unhealthy since it often makes pets throw up. However, the vomiting is often caused by the lack of chewing the grass and therefore the blades of grass actually tickle inside the pets throat and stomach causing vomiting. If a pet chews up the blades of grass they probably won't throw it up.

Now that you know why your dog throws up grass you're probably wondering why your dog eats the grass to begin with. You may not see grass as appetizing, but cows and many other animals often eat grass. Your dog may actually be craving the nutrients in vegetation such as grass. Why would your dog crave things after you feed it? Some commercial pet foods don't contain quality ingredients that fulfill your dogs dietary needs.

If your dog's food doesn't contain enough nutritional ingredients or not enough vegetable matter then your dog may seek those nutrients elsewhere. Dogs are omnivores. If you only feed your dog meat then they may eat grass if they can't find any other plants or vegetables to eat. Cats are carnivores, but dogs are not. Wild dogs will even eat things like berries. If your dog always wants to eat grass then give it natural herbs, cooked vegetables, or switch to a better dog food, something organic.

If your dog all of a sudden starts eating more grass than normal you may want to take it to the veterinarian for a checkup. Your dog may be eating grass as a type of self medication. For example. if your dog has gas, an upset stomach, etc. it may eat grass in hopes that it will be a remedy. This is fine, but if it's everyday then the problem could be more serious than just an upset stomach.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.