Has ever the sight of seeing your furry companion chewing on a large mouthful of grass freaked you out? Have you ever wondered why your four-legged friend eats grass when appropriately fed?
While you might panic and think grass eating habit of your pet is a sign of illness, do note that eating grass is a relatively normal and instinctual behavior in dogs.
According to behaviorists and veterinarians, there are several reasons behind this behavior. In this article, we will look at the most common reasons that drive your dog to eat grass.
Reasons Why Your Dog May Be Eating Grass?
1. They Like The Taste Of The Grass
Some dogs enjoy fresh grass’s taste and/or texture, especially young spring grasses. They find the texture and taste of the grass appealing, as it offers something delightfully different from what they usually see in their bowls. Another reason could be the moisture that your furry companion intakes with the grass coated in dew.
2. Distraction From Boredom
Dogs, like humans, can experience boredom and may resort to eating grass, as they may not be getting enough mental stimulation. Hence, it is essential to keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated by indulging them in adequate exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to alleviate their boredom. This will help keep your dog happy, healthy and discourage it from excessive grass-eating behavior.
3. They Need More Fiber
If their current diet is low on fiber, dogs will instinctively consume grass to supplement their fiber intake. Grass is a good source of fiber, and dogs need it in their diet to help them digest food and regularly pass stool. It may be consumed to help their digestive systems run smoothly.
To help increase your dog’s fiber intake, you can puree or steam vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, peas, broccoli, green beans, parsley, celery, spinach, etc., that are high in fiber and feed it to your furry dog. This may make it less likely for him to eat grass.
4. To Help Soothe An Upset Stomach
Dogs are also commonly known to eat grass when they have an upset or inflamed stomach. Since the grass contains fiber, it can help soothe stomach problems by lowering the stomach’s pH level, thereby reducing pain and symptoms.
5. Diet Deficiency
Some dogs will also eat grass if they have a diet deficiency. This means their diet is not providing them enough vitamins and minerals. The possible reasons could be that your dog may have a medical condition or isn’t fed a proper, well-balanced, and appropriate diet. If you are concerned that your dog may have a diet deficiency, it is best to take your dog to the vet to see where their diet may be lacking.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is OK to let your dog eat grass occasionally. However, the grass-eating behavior of your dog can be unsafe when the grass has been sprayed with potentially toxic chemicals like harmful herbicides and pesticides. Also, avoid letting your dog eat a large chunk of grass at once, as this could make them sick.
Also, it would be good to consult a vet if you notice that your dog’s grass intake has become excessive, has vomiting or diarrhea, shows signs of having a medical condition, and doesn’t seem themselves or appears unwell.