Dogs are naturally carnivores, mostly are eating meat. Then, if a dog starts eating grass, is it okay? This might be every dog owner’s question. It is surely uncommon to see a dog eating grass and enjoying it so much. Is it safe for my dogs to eat grass?
The answer to this questions is depending on how much grass is eaten by your dog. In some cases, dog eating grass is a common thing to see. It has been observed in wild dogs and it is considered as a natural thing.
This behavior does not give any side effects to the dog. However, when your dog starts to get crazy eating grass in a great amount, then it might indicate something.
Let’s see the further explanation about dogs eating grass, the reasons why and how to manage it.
There are various reasons why your dog is eating grass. Let’s check them out.
Your dog doesn’t feel well and feel like it wants to vomit. Your dog is eating grass to treat its upset stomach. After eating the normal amount of grass, it will start to vomit, and as a result your dog will feel better.
There are several evidences showing that the dog which feels unwell tends to eat grass. And, the interesting fact is not all dogs are eating grass to throw up.
Meanwhile, only 25% of the dogs throw up after grazing. In case your dog keeps vomiting even after all the grass are out, you can do these home remedies for your vomiting dog.
The main reason of your dog feeling unwell is related to the digestion process. There might be some problems with your dog’s digestive system. Besides, there are several more reasons, such as intestinal worm, or fulfilling the need of fiber.
There was a study reports on a miniature poodle eating grass and then vomited every day. Meanwhile, when it was given high-fiber diet, it started to stop grazing. You can also try to give these homemade diets to feed your sick dog.
Vitamin, nutrients and minerals deficiency can also be the other reason of your dog eating grass. It might miss some nutrients that your dog needs. Your dog needs a lot of fiber that is very advantageous for it to pass gas and stools and support other body functions.
If you are looking at some healthy food to feed to your dog, then you can see recipes you can cook for your dog game changer. They are easy, fun and practical to do!
However, when you feed your dog with high-fiber diet and it still eats grass, then there might be something wrong with its digestive system. You need to be aware of this conditions. If your dog keeps eating grass while the diet is rich in fiber already, immediately contact your vet.
The next question is whether grass is harmful for dogs. Grass itself is not harmful, but when it is sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, it might be very toxic for your dog.
Also, hookworms and roundworms might be ingested by your dog while plucking the grass from the ground. These parasites contain fecal residue from other dogs.
How Should You Manage Your Dog from Eating Grass?
Regardless of any bad effects of grass to your dog, grass is still not something your dog commonly consumes. You need to replace the grass with other food treats to stop your dog from eating grass.
Bring the treat along with you when your dog is walking with you or accompanying on potty breaks. Once your dog leans down to eat the grass, try distracting it with the treat you bring, or turn into other direction. You can also use verbal correction to your dog.
When the case of your dog grazing too much, then you should contact your vet immediately. It might indicate any diseases your dog might suffer from.
- Some additional tips!
Instead of giving the grass, you can give it a patch or a container full of healthy wheatgrass so your dog can munch it. You can find this in the nearest pet-supply stores. Be aware of the toys you cannot give to your dogs as well as written in dog toys you have to avoid.
Then, also make sure you provide balanced diet, which is also rich in fibers for your dogs. Believe me, once your dog is satisfied of the food you provide, the less possible they eat grass.
Vegetables are full of fiber, so you might give some of them to your dogs, but be sure to read is it possible to do feeding dogs by giving vegetables: what to know.