Dog eats grass

Why Does a Dog Eat Grass?

There are several reasons why a dog might eat grass. It’s often assumed that dogs eat grass because they feel nauseous — and that can indeed be true.

Some people also believe that dogs eat grass because they’re not getting enough fibre from their food.

But the most likely reason dogs eat grass? They simply enjoy it!

My Dog Eats Grass Because He’s Nauseous

Dogs may eat grass when they feel nauseous. Eating grass can trigger the vomiting reflex. Signs of nausea in your dog may include lip-smacking, drooling, gurgling stomach noises, or other signs of abdominal discomfort.

Outdoors, your dog may seek out grass to eat, and shortly after, he may vomit.

If this only happens once or occasionally, it’s nothing to worry about. But does your dog eat grass daily and vomit afterwards? Or does he show other gastrointestinal symptoms — such as vomiting on an empty stomach, regurgitating food, reduced appetite, weight loss, diarrhoea or flatulence? Then it’s best to visit your veterinarian for a check-up.

Some dogs suffer from chronic gastrointestinal issues and may need to be supported with special, easily digestible or hypoallergenic food.

Think, for example, of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal and Vetality Gastrointestinal – Dog Food.

My Dog Eats Grass But Isn’t Nauseous

There are various theories about why dogs might eat grass even when they’re not feeling unwell.

Grass Eating Out of Habit

Some dogs behave like cows — eagerly munching on long blades of grass around every lamppost and swallowing large clumps. Yet, the dog remains cheerful, doesn’t vomit, has a normal appetite, and healthy stools. In this case, it’s likely your dog eats grass out of habit, playfulness, or simply because he enjoys the taste.

Grass Eating Due to a Fibre Deficiency

It’s sometimes suggested that dogs eat grass because they don’t get enough fibre in their diet. However, most commercially available dog foods contain sufficient fibre. Does your dog poop 1–3 times per day? And is the consistency normal? Then fibre intake is likely not an issue.

Grass Eating to Expel Worms

Grass eating may also serve a purpose when we look at wild dogs and cats. Ingesting plant material may help clean the intestines of gastrointestinal worms (nematodes). The plants stimulate intestinal movement and may help wrap and flush out the parasites. It’s possible that grass eating is genetically ingrained and serves an anti-parasitic function.

Can I Train My Dog to Stop Eating Grass?

If your dog eats grass out of habit, it can be difficult to stop. You’ll need to intervene before he starts eating and distract him with his favourite toy or a tasty treat. You can link this to a command, so your dog learns that it means “no grass.”

However, you’ll need to be very consistent — every time your dog manages to eat grass, the behaviour is rewarded and reinforced, setting back your training progress.

Is Eating Grass Dangerous for My Dog?

Generally speaking, eating grass isn’t harmful to dogs. Sometimes long blades of grass can get stuck in the digestive tract, making it hard for your dog to defecate and requiring assistance from you as the owner. If your dog eats a lot of grass and it clumps together in the stomach or intestines, it could cause a blockage.

Grass can also contain worm eggs or other parasites that your dog might ingest.

So, Is It Okay to Let My Dog Eat Grass?

If your dog eats grass and shows no other symptoms, you usually don’t need to worry. Just make sure he’s not grazing entire patches of lawn.

Keep your dog’s deworming schedule up to date or regularly have his stool tested for worm eggs.

Your dog likely just enjoys the taste of grass. It’s considered normal behaviour, and often not a sign of illness or nutritional deficiency. Are you unsure if your dog eats grass because he’s nauseous? Then have your vet check him out.

Does your dog eat grass and you’re unsure whether it’s “normal” for him? Contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.