Reasons Why Do Dogs Eat Grass

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By Nina'sWorld

Why do dogs eat grass? This question has been asked for many years already by many dog owners and still, no one can give a definite answer to it - not even the professionals. Some say they do it to make themselves throw up while some say it's because of stomach ache. There are many theories linked to it but nothing has been proven yet. The best way to answer this would be to ask a dog directly the question. Now if only they will be able to understand what your words meant or if only you could understand what they mean with their barks. Therefore, the most ideal way to answer this is by discussing each theory people have come up with as to why their dogs eat grass. There are some common opinions that people today have about this subject.

Many dog owners think that dogs eat grass in order to vomit. They think that their four-legged friend may be experiencing a stomach ache which is why they treat themselves by eating grass. This cannot be proven however as many owners have said that their dogs do not actually throw up after eating grass. With regards to dogs who indeed throw up, it is unclear whether they eat grass to throw up or the grass make them throw up. It is believed that when grass is not chewed well, this makes the dog vomit.

It is possible too that dogs eat grass on purpose. They taste of the grass may remind them of the meat they ate be it lamb or cattle. Some dogs also enjoy eating green vegetables such as broccoli. This is because dogs are omnivores which means they like to eat meat as well as greens. You may then want to give them green leafy vegetables every now and then just so they will not resort to eating grass. It would be advisable to have the vegetables cooked so that they are able to digest it better.

However, you have to be careful when your dogs eat grass. Most often, lawns today contain fertilizers and pesticides. Make sure that your dogs will not ingest this as it is toxic. You should not take them for a walk on lawns that have just been recently treated with chemicals. If this is something that they truly enjoy, let them graze on lawns that are safe for them. If you notice that your dog suddenly develops a liking for grass and tend to throw up often, you should speak with your veterinarian as this might be because of a gastrointestinal problem. If your dogs on the other hand do this every once in a while, you should not be worried as his might just be perfectly normal.

Comments

wendymckee profile image

wendymckee 17 months ago

If my dog eats something which upsets her stomach, she wants outside to vomit and then immediately chews grass after. So, I do think that grass has something in it to aid in settling the stomach or helps to get rid of the remainder of whatever is upsetting your dog's stomach.

Nina'sWorld profile image

Nina'sWorld Hub Author 17 months ago

Hi Wendy ! A friend has just told me the same thing. It's interesting. My dog though eats grass and nothing happens. I think he enjoys it.

Kaye McCulloch profile image

Kaye McCulloch 17 months ago

Interesting hub. My cat does this, but I've never seen my dog do it.

Jalus profile image

Jalus 16 months ago

I have one dog that eats grass and vomits at least once a week. My other dogs never touch it. She's a big girl (shepherd and pit mix), I catch her "eating" all kinds of strange things. I really think she just likes to eat - anything!

Nina'sWorld profile image

Nina'sWorld Hub Author 16 months ago

Hi Jalus. My other dog eats just about anything too except grass. My beagles though eat grass. They're not throwing up though so I guess they're fine.

Hi Kaye. Really your cat eats grass ? That's new to me ! :-)

Nick 4 weeks ago

My dog only eats this leafy grass that grows here. She doesn't eat typical grass. She's also particue about just getting and eating the leaf! I let her as she has never vomited from it. Strange though.

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