Many dog owner wonder why their dog likes to chew on grass when going on a walk or being in the backyard. Eating grass is actually pretty common for dogs and there is typically no reason for concern. But there are a few things to pay attention to, when your dog eats grass. In this blog you will find reasons why your dog eats grass, when it becomes a problem, and how to stop your dog from eating grass.

Reasons Your Dog Eats Grass

1. Relieve Acid Reflux

Grass contains pectin, which is a type of fiber that relieves acid reflux in humans. Over time, dogs have also learnt that it soothes their acid reflux, which triggers them to eat grass.

There was a case study done on how a dog reacts to changing to a high-fiber diet after eating eating and vomiting grass for years. They found that the dog stopped eating grass and vomiting after changing to a high-fiber diet. You can find the original article about this case study in the resources at the bottom of this page.

You can find high-fiber dog food options here.

2. Dogs crave micronutrients found in plants.

Grass is a good source of nutrients, like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Your dog has a natural instinct to eat whichever nutrient he lacks. He/she might eat grass to make up for some nutrient he is missing in his diet or one his/her body lacks to produce.

3. Vomiting

Some dogs might have an upset stomach and eat grass to stimulate their throat, which leads them to throw up. I asked my veterinary about it and she said it is actually considered normal for your dog to eat grass. If your dog throws up after eating grass but behaves normal and eats his regular food, do not worry. But if he vomits multiple times, go seek advice from you veterinary!

4. Dogs like grass

Have you ever heard someone say: “I like water”. While most people react with a “but it doesn’t have any taste,” it could be as simple as that. Your dog might simply like the taste of grass and keeps eating it as a snack.

5. Boredom or Curiosity

Especially puppies or younger dogs like to chew on anything they can find. It is their way to explore their surroundings. If your dog is bored or curious, he might just start chewing on some grass as an activity.

Should My Dog Stop Eating Grass? When Does It become a Problem?

In general, it is not a concern when your dog eats grass, but you should always have an eye on your dog. Observe if he vomits after eating grass. It happened a few times that my dog vomited grass. I made sure that it was only a one time thing and did not happened again. Many animals vomit from time to time which is normal but it is important to recognize any uncommon behavior. As long as your dog behaves and eats his normal food, you have nothing to worry about. If your dog is throwing up constantly, you need to seek advice from your veterinary immediately.

Another concern might be the type of grass he eats. Is the grass treated with pesticides or herbicides? If your dog eats grass from your own yard and you know how your lawn is treated, it shouldn’t be of concern. BUT you do not know how your neighbor treats his lawn!

Even dog parks treat the grass with a pesticide to keep diseases under control.

Grass might also be contaminated by other animals’ feces. It might contain larvae or eggs of intestinal parasites, which make your dog sick.

How to Stop My Dog From Eating Grass?

If you do not have control over how the grass in your surroundings is treated, you should try to prevent your dog from eating grass.

1. If your dog is trained to perform a “no” or “leave it” command, use it right before he/she goes for the grass. Give him a treat or a toy, whenever he listens. That way you are gently training your dog that he should not eat grass.

2. There are different types of grass and your dog might not eat all of them. Take him to a park where he does not “like” the grass.

3. If you take your dog out right after he eats, he might not have the urge to eat grass.

In conclusion, eating grass in small amounts is not bad for your dog, but it is important to know what kind of grass he/she is eating. If your dog shows any sign of untypical behavior, always reach out to your veterinary for advice!

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