Why does my dog eat grass?
It may seem unusual because dogs are carnivores, but the herb can have many benefits. All dog owners know that their canine companions enjoy the occasional bite of grass, followed mainly through vomiting at breakfast. Due to this reaction, it is common for dog owners to think that grass is toxic to their canine bodies, and many people will criticize them for eating green things.
dogs eating grass
You might be surprised to learn that it can have numerous health benefits when dogs eat grass, including everything from relieving constipation and relieving natural stress. Here in this article, we discuss all the possibilities in which dogs eat grass and what impact grass has on your dog’s body. So for more information, keep reading.
Why does my dog eat grass?
Forcing dogs to eat grass is strange, especially since they are carnivores and do not need plants to survive. In its current form, researchers haven’t agreed on a definitive reason why your dog likes to test your lawn, but there are many theories as to why they might. The main reasons are:
- The herb helps an upset stomach
One of the most general theories behind why dogs eat grass is that it helps with an upset stomach. Dogs typically throw away the grass after ingesting it. And the reason for doing so is because dogs lack the necessary enzymes to digest grass. Thus, it has been thought that they can eat grass and then try to regurgitate it as ruminants. This process helps them, allowing them to cleanse their system of anything they cannot digest, such as their feathers or prey hair and bones. It is also a common cause of cats eating grass.
- Herb juice contains folic acid.
Interestingly, grass juice contains folic acid, an essential vitamin that aids digestion, supports cell growth, and enhances hemoglobin production. If your dog feels that he is deficient in these vitamins, he can search for grass to find it. So if in doubt, why does my dog eat grass? It could be due to a lack of folic acid.
- Grass acts as a natural laxative
Sometimes your dog can’t digest things that move too much up the GI tract. In this case, the grass can help to decompose it, facilitating the passage. It means that the herb can also help cleanse your GIT system and relieve constipation. Ultimately, the herb acts as a laxative and also provides a calming effect to canines.
- Provide enough juice
Like most breast milk, herb juice contains folic acid. It is an essential vitamin (B9) for the body’s normal functions and helps produce hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the blood. Think of it as your dog’s wheatgrass smoothie (hopefully, they like it better than you do).
Some fatal canine medical conditions such as Pica (due to deficiency of phosphorus and other minerals) cause the dog to eat grass and other inedible things. This is a medical condition and should be treated as soon as possible.
Is it safe for dogs to eat grass?
When consumed in moderation and provided it has not been treated with pesticides or herbicides, the action of eating dog grass is accepted to some extent. However, if your dog eats grass to excess, it can become trapped inside his nasal chambers and cause him to sneeze excessively. If this occurs, you will need to contact your vet-doctor immediately to have the grass removed manually.
If your dog has a routine of eating plants and grass, you must make sure that all the plants in your house are not toxic. Some popular indoor plants, such as lilies and Kalanchoes, are toxic to dogs and can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. If your dog contracts a poisonous plant, always be sure to take him to a veterinarian for treatment.
If you want to make sure your canine companion only eats safe grass, you can buy dog grass pots to feed your dog. Not only can this satisfy their needs, but it can also prevent them from chewing or eating their favorite houseplants. Keep this in mind when your dog is playing outside
- If your dog tends to eat grass occasionally or rarely, this is usually not a cause for concern. However, you must take some precautionary measures to ensure the safety of your dog.
- Pesticides – If you have a yard that your dog has declared a suitable hunting ground, make sure you don’t use pesticides or herbicides. You can accidentally poison them.
- Check for poisonous plants you can grow there.
- Grow dog grass. If the entire neighborhood is a suitable roaming area for your pet, make sure that it does not eat anything other than dog grass.
- Cutgrass is a better option to replace potentially harmful substances present in the exterior. You can provide dog grass with dog food at home, which you know is a safer option and completes dog grass needs.
- Dog grass seeds, usually oats, barley, or wheat, are available at any pet store. You might even consider growing them in pots or outdoors in an open field.
- Poisonous Plants – If you keep your dog indoors, be sure to remove all poisonous plants they might use and provide dog grass instead.
Whether your canine spends a lot of time outside or inside, it helps to review this list of the most common toxic plants:
- Amaryllis
- Sago’s palm
- Aloe plant
- Dieffenbachia (also known as Dumb Cane)
- Lilies
- Heartleaf philodendron (also known as horsehead philodendron)
How to prevent your dogs from eating grass?
You can prevent your dog from eating grass by doing the following:
- Give them enough phosphorus and calcium.
- Give your puppy/dog a nice gift
- Make your backyard a water park!
- Help your dog get outside quickly and safely.
- Provide dog trees and outdoor toys.