I can hear you saying to me: "Karine, if dogs are mostly carnivores as you teach us, why does my dog sometimes graze on grass like a ruminant LOL?"
No one really knows why dogs eat grass. What we do know, for example, is that it often ends up in a puddle of vomit…
There seem to be times of year that are more conducive to grazing, like right now in the spring. At my place, it's like I have sheep, not dogs, they're eating so much grass, and it's a spring phenomenon. This is probably because young grass shoots are less fibrous, sweeter, and full of nutrients, just like most shoots. So, young grass, in my opinion, tastes good!
I've also noticed that when it's hot and my dogs are exercising, they eat grass to quench their thirst. This is partly because grass, like most plants, contains about 70-80% water.
Some dogs will eat grass when they have digestive issues; it's like a reflex to relieve digestion.
Is it a problem if my dog eats grass? Should I let them do it?
In fact, every dog and every situation is different. If your dogs are like mine and graze on fresh grass in my yard in the spring without any issues, then why not let them?
However, for some dogs, this can become a problem because grass is fibrous and can irritate their digestive system. So, if your dog tends to vomit every time they eat grass or get diarrhea, it's best to prevent them from eating it, otherwise they can develop gastritis, which may require veterinary intervention. Using a basket muzzle can help if you’re unable to control grass consumption otherwise.
We must also be careful about what our dogs graze on. Some cities and individuals use fertilizers and pesticides on their lawns, and these can be very toxic to dogs. Be especially wary of golf courses, which often use these types of products in large quantities! Avoid using these kinds of products in your yard at all costs! There are also some toxic plants, so it's best to supervise our dogs when they're grazing.
When you go for a walk, make it a habit to bring water for your dog; this will help prevent them from being tempted to eat grass to hydrate and will avoid dehydration.
Finally, if your dog grazes continuously throughout the spring and summer, you should probably make sure that they don't have a stomach upset and that their diet is well-balanced. Excessive grazing can also, in my experience, be an indication that something is wrong. So, too much grazing throughout the year is a sign to take seriously.
So, that's my opinion and experience on carnivorous dogs that transform into ruminants in the spring!
Karine, agronomist
Canine nutrition consultant and expert
