Why is my dog grazing on the grass? Is it dangerous?

November 22, 2023 Karine Simard

If your dog starts nibbling on grass, you're probably wondering why he's doing this and if it could be dangerous for his health.

Many dog parents wonder about this strange behaviour… And me first! I've often seen this behaviour in my dogs, and I've asked myself many questions about it after seeing my dogs do it so often.

So why are our dogs, who need meat, starting to eat grass? Is it dangerous for them? Should we stop them from doing it?

This is what I will address in this article, where I will provide explanations about this behaviour and give you advice on how to manage the situation if it becomes excessive and causes issues.

Is grazing dangerous for my dog's health?

First, it's important to know that generally, occasionally eating grass isn't dangerous for dogs. However, if this behaviour becomes excessive or makes them sick, it can become a problem. Also, be careful that the grass your dog eats hasn't been treated with chemicals or that there aren't any toxic plants in the area where they graze. Ingesting chemicals or toxic plants can have serious health consequences for your dog. If your dog grazes excessively or vomits after eating grass, it's recommended to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.

So why do dogs eat grass?

Several reasons could explain this behaviour:

1. Digestive issues

When a dog has abdominal pain or digestive issues, it may instinctively eat grass to purge itself. This can relieve its discomfort by inducing vomiting. However, this behaviour can worsen stomach irritation and cause gastrointestinal issues.

2. Thirst

Sometimes dogs eat grass because they're thirsty. Grass contains a certain amount of water, which can help quench their thirst, especially when it's young and damp, like in the morning. So, if you're out for a walk and your dog is eating grass, it might simply be because they’re thirsty. If you go for a walk, try to bring fresh water with you so they can stay hydrated.

3. Taste and nutrients

Some dogs simply enjoy the taste of grass, while others may seek to fulfill certain nutritional needs by consuming it. For example, in the spring, when the grass is young and rich in nutrients, dogs may be more inclined to eat it.

4. Hunger

Hungry dogs may eat grass to fill their stomachs. If your dog is eating grass and other inedible objects, it could be a sign of hunger or an eating disorder.

5. Need for chewing

Some dogs eat grass to satisfy their natural need to chew. If your dog isn't getting enough chewing opportunities through toys or bones, it may turn to grass.

How to manage grass-eating behaviour?

If your dog is compulsively eating grass and it is making them sick, it’s important to investigate the cause of this behaviour and act with caution.

In some cases, providing your dog with plenty of opportunities to chew by offering durable toys and appropriate bones can greatly help with this problem (come to my website to see what I suggest in terms of chew toys, such as meaty bones , Bully sticks, and beef cheek braids are all great options for chew toys for your dog.

It's also important to make sure your dog's diet is balanced, since a diet that doesn't meet all their nutritional needs can be the cause of their grazing behavior. On that note, come download my free tool that will help you determine if the food you're giving your dog is suitable for them!

Next, make sure that the grass your dog is eating doesn’t contain toxic plants or pesticides, which may be the cause of its vomiting.

Finally, if your dog continues to eat excessive amounts of grass despite your efforts to control it, consult a veterinarian. Digestive or health issues could be the underlying cause of this behaviour.

While you're waiting to find a solution, if your dog is excessively eating grass, you could consider putting a muzzle on them when you take them outside. This will prevent them from eating everything they see. However, since grazing behaviour is likely a sign that something is wrong, it's important to investigate the causes of this behaviour and not just treat the symptoms.

In summary

If your dog occasionally eats grass, it's usually nothing to worry about. However, if the behaviour becomes excessive and causes health issues, it's essential to find the underlying cause. Most of the time, there are solutions to manage this behaviour and ensure your dog's well-being.

Thank you and see you soon!

Karine, agronomist

PS: If you'd like to better understand your dog's diet and nutritional needs, subscribe to my YouTube channel, or my pages Facebook and Instagram, where I regularly post on all sorts of topics related to dogs, their diet and the issues often encountered by dog parents I see in consultation.