Grass is perhaps one of the most hotly-debated of all dog ‘snacks’. But, contrary to popular belief, your dog’s inclination to munch on grass doesn’t necessarily mean they need to throw up. It can be an indication of your pet’s overall health and well-being.

There are a host of reasons your dog could be turning to your front lawn for a nibble, ranging from the benign (boredom) to the worrisome (upset stomach).

Here’s a look at what could be driving your dog to eat grass and when you should be concerned. If grass-eating is indicative of a more serious problem in your dog, having pet insurance in place can alleviate the cost of vet fees which could otherwise run into hundreds or thousands of pounds. We’ve rounded up our pick of the Best Pet Insurance For Dogs.

Why might your dog be eating grass?

Dogs eating grass is usually a harmless natural reaction or behaviour. We contacted a range of experts to arrive at these seven reasons why it could be happening.

1. An upset stomach

Dogs can turn to grass when they have an upset or inflamed stomach as it can induce vomiting.

A 2008 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that plant eating is a normal behaviour of domestic dogs. Researchers concluded that since plant-eating has also been observed in wolves and other wild canids, it seems likely that it serves some biological purpose.

2. To increase fibre intake

Dogs need fibre in their diet to help them digest food properly and regularly pass stool. Grass, which is a plentiful source of fibre, may be instinctively ingested to help regulate their bodily functions.

Too much grass, however, can cause constipation.

3. They have a nutritional deficiency

If a dog isn’t fed a well-balanced and appropriate diet, it may eat grass as a counterbalance to poor nutrition. In other words, if they are missing something from their diet, they could try and fill the void by consuming grass.

4. They’re anxious

Some dogs that experience anxiety may turn to eating grass as a coping mechanism or a self-soothing activity, according to experts.

A 2020 medical study conducted in Finland found that almost three-quarters of almost 14,000 dogs evaluated suffered from some kind of problematic behaviour, with the most common anxiety trait found was noise sensitivity.

Common signs of anxiety in dogs include:

• Destructive behaviours
• Drooling
• Ears pulled down or back
• Excessive barking
• Licking lips
• Panting
• Shaking
• Whining
• Whites of the eyes showing

Anxiety can be treated through behavioural modification and, potentially, anti-anxiety medications.

5. They’re bored or seeking attention

Dogs may chew or eat grass (or anything else) out of boredom, or because they realise that it will get their owner’s attention.

Dogs are also smart. If they notice they receive more attention from their owner every time they eat grass, it can quickly become a behaviour they develop and continue.

6. They enjoy the taste or texture

It could be that your dog simply enjoys the taste, texture or moisture of grass, especially if it’s young and coated in dew.

7. They are suffering from Pica

Some dogs develop a medical condition called pica which experts define as the persistent chewing and consumption of non-nutritional substances that provide no physical benefit to the animal.

A 2019 study conducted in Japan found that among 2,000 dog owners, pica was one of the three most common behavioural problems, alongside barking at noises inside the house and at unfamiliar visitors.

The study went further to note that pica was more likely to occur in younger dogs and those that have been neutered.

Pica can lead to medical problems, including poisoning, dental problems and gastrointestinal obstructions, experts say.

Is eating grass bad for dogs?

Generally speaking, your dog eating grass per-se is not cause for concern. However, contaminants or chemicals mixed into the grass could cause problems.

Eating grass could also carry the risk of your dog ingesting parasites. While more rare thanks to widespread vaccination, dogs can also become infected with a bacteria called Leptospira, which thrive in warm, wet environments like damp grass and standing water.

If a dog makes contact with the urine of an infected animal or contaminated food, soil, or water, it can lead to leptospirosis, symptoms of which include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Increase or decrease in urine
• Inactivity
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

If dogs are not treated properly, leptospirosis can cause death due to kidney or liver failure.

There are also certain types of grass that have subtly-barbed edges that can irritate a dog’s stomach lining, although this is likely to cause them to regurgitate the grass.

What are the effects of eating grass on dogs?

While eating grass isn’t necessarily bad for your dog, there are a few effects owners should look out for as an indication of more serious issues.

GI irritation

If they spend too much time eating grass, some dogs can develop gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis typically causes gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

Allergic reaction

Some dogs can experience an allergic reaction from eating grass, according to experts. The symptoms include swelling, inflammation, and itching of the skin, ears and eyes.

Parasite infection

If your dog is continually eating grass in an infected area, then they could be infecting themselves with parasites, even with the administration of regular deworming medication.

Intestinal blockage

In rare cases, eating too much grass can cause a dog to develop a gastrointestinal blockage or constipation.

A gastrointestinal blockage can be life-threatening if it leads to the intestine being completely blocked, which results in food and gas unable to pass through.

How can I prevent my dog from eating grass?

If you are concerned about your dog eating grass, you can take a proactive approach to helping your dog stop the habit.

Improve their diet

Always make sure your dog is eating a healthy, balanced diet. Sometimes adding in whole food supplements with minerals such as magnesium, manganese, and calcium can help balance your dog’s body and make them less likely to ‘need’ to consume large amounts of grass.

Increase their fibre

If your dog isn’t getting enough fiber in their regular diet, they might turn to grass. Increasing the fibre in their diet can help your dog feel fuller after meals, which can lead to less grass eating. Psyllium husk is a good source of fibre that can be added to a dog’s diet.

Avoid access to grass

One of the best ways to prevent your dog from eating grass is simply to walk your dog on a lead and avoid access.

Try a muzzle

For extremely dire situations, there is always a basket muzzle, which still allows them to open their mouths, breathe and lick, but prevents them from accessing anything for consumption on your walks.

Treat underlying medical conditions

If your dog is eating grass due to an underlying medical condition, taking them to the vet for treatment will help stop the grass-eating.

Create a designated grazing area

If your dog is otherwise healthy, and just likes the taste of grass, then create a designated grazing area for them. Owners can install a safe area of fresh, chemical-free green grass that their dogs can safely munch on.

When should I call the vet?

If your dog is occasionally eating grass, there is likely no cause for concern. If your dog is eating grass excessively or obsessively, leading to repeated vomiting and diarrhea, then it’s time to call your vet.

Other signs it’s time to call the vet, include:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea persist for over 24 hours
• The dog is showing signs of lethargy
• The dog won’t drink or can’t keep any water down
• It’s passing blood in the stool or is spitting up blood
• The dog won’t eat and has a poor appetite
• The dog is exhibiting unusual behaviour.

Bottom line

Dogs may eat grass for a variety of reasons, ranging from boredom to a nutritional deficiency. In most cases, a dog eating grass is not a cause for concern, but owners should keep an eye out for physical symptoms such as an upset stomach or an allergic reaction afterwards. If you’re concerned about your dog’s grass ingestion, contact your vet directly for advice.