Why does my dog eat grass?

If you've caught your dog chomping on your garden grass, you're not alone! Many dog owners notice this odd habit and immediately start to worry. Is grass eating a sign of illness? Does your pup have a hidden craving for greens? Or is it just a weird canine quirk?

Well, we're here to demystify this behaviour! This blog will explore the reasons why dogs eat grass, whether it’s something to be concerned about, and how the right supplements can address the root of the issue. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your dog’s behaviour—and some helpful tips to keep them happy and healthy!

Dogs eating grass is one of those peculiar habits that has puzzled owners for centuries. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to why they do it, as it often depends on individual traits, nutritional needs, and even boredom. Below, we've broken down the most common reasons:

One of the most well-known theories is that dogs eat grass to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. When their tummy feels unsettled, dogs may munch on blades of grass to stimulate vomiting. The rough texture of grass can irritate their stomach lining, which helps them get rid of whatever’s causing the problem.

What to watch out for:

If your dog regularly eats grass and vomits shortly after, it could be a sign of a more serious digestive issue. Frequent vomiting should always prompt a visit to your vet to rule out any underlying problems.

Dogs, like humans, seek out nutrients their bodies are lacking. Some experts suggest that grass-eating occurs because your dog may not be getting sufficient fibre, minerals, or enzymes from their diet. Grass might provide them with a quick (albeit less-than-ideal) fix for these deficiencies.

How to help:

If you suspect nutrition might be the issue, it's time to make adjustments to their diet. High-quality dog food, along with targeted supplements, can fill those gaps and reduce the need to snack on your lawn.

Believe it or not, eating grass is a completely natural instinct for dogs. Their ancestors, including wild canines like wolves, often consumed grass and plants as part of their diet when scavenging or feasting on prey. This behaviour has remained hardwired in dogs, even if they’re provided with balanced meals.

Sometimes, there’s no deeper explanation—your dog might just be bored! Many dogs turn to odd behaviours like chewing shoes, digging up the garden, or munching on grass as a way to entertain themselves when they have excess energy.

How to help:

If boredom is the culprit, make sure to prioritise daily exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and longer walks can work wonders for curbing unwanted behaviours.

Lastly, grass may simply appeal to your dog’s sense of curiosity. After all, dogs love to explore the world around them by tasting things. The texture and flavour of grass might intrigue some dogs, especially younger pups, leading them to treat your lawn as a salad bar.

The good news is that, in most cases, occasional grass-eating is harmless. However, there are a few risks to keep in mind:

• Pesticides and Chemicals: Grass treated with fertilisers, herbicides, or pesticides can be toxic to dogs. Always supervise your pup outdoors to ensure they’re not consuming harmful substances.

• Poisonous Plants: Not all greenery is safe for dogs. Plants like daffodils, lilies, and azaleas are toxic and could be growing alongside the grass your dog is sampling.

• Frequent Vomiting: If grass-eating becomes a habit and leads to routine vomiting, it’s a sign that something might be wrong. An appointment with your vet can help identify any underlying health concerns.

If your dog’s grass-eating habit is due to nutritional gaps, digestive discomfort, or even boredom, supplements can play a key role in addressing the underlying triggers. Here’s how:

Dogs with sensitive stomachs often experience moments of distress, leading to behaviours like grass munching. A high-quality probiotic supplement can promote healthy digestion and balance their gut microbiome, reducing the likelihood of stomach upset.

If your dog isn’t getting the fibre they need from their food, adding pumpkin to their diet is a great way of increasing the amount of fibre they’re eating. Plus pumpkin is packed with essential nutrients and prebiotics so it can support your dog’s overall health too!

Boredom-driven grass-eating can often be reduced with calming supplements. Chews or meal toppers containing natural ingredients like lemon balm extract or L-tryptophan provide stress relief and help ease mild anxiety, making your dog less likely to adopt destructive behaviours.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon oil, support gut health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to better digestion. They’re an excellent supplement to add to your dog’s routine for overall wellbeing.

Supplements aren’t the only solution. Here are some additional tips to help your dog kick their grassy habit:

• Provide a Balanced Diet: Ensure your dog’s meals are nutritionally complete and include plenty of fibre. High-protein diets often leave dogs seeking fibre elsewhere.

• Regular Exercise: A tired dog is a happy dog! Ensure your pup gets exercise every day to burn off extra energy.

• Safe Alternatives: If your dog loves the crunch of grass, offer them safe alternatives like carrot sticks or green beans.

• Training & Supervision: Teach your dog the command “leave it” and supervise them in grassy areas. This can help deter the behaviour altogether.

Grass-munching is a puzzling but fairly common behaviour among dogs. While it’s usually harmless, it may signal boredom, nutritional gaps, or an upset stomach. By understanding the reasons behind this habit and taking proactive steps—like introducing supplements, improving diet, and offering mental stimulation—you can ensure your pup stays healthy and happy.