Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

You let your dog into the garden and, instead of chasing birds, they start grazing like a little cow. It looks strange, but eating grass is very common in dogs, and most of the time it’s nothing to worry about.

Why dogs eat grass

• They like it: many dogs simply enjoy the taste and texture of fresh grass.
• Boredom: nibbling grass is something to do in the garden.
• An upset tummy: some dogs eat grass when they feel queasy, and may vomit afterwards.
• Missing fibre: some dogs seem to graze less when their food has enough fibre.
• Instinct: wild relatives of dogs eat plant matter too.

What really helps

1. Keep the garden chemical-free. Weed killers, fertilisers and snail bait on grass can poison dogs.
2. Feed a good-quality, complete food with enough fibre.
3. Beat boredom with walks, play and chew toys.
4. Watch for patterns. Note whether grazing comes with vomiting, a runny tummy or skipped meals.

When to speak to a vet

See your vet if your dog suddenly eats lots of grass, vomits often, has diarrhoea or blood in their stool, stops eating, seems in pain, or may have eaten treated grass or garden chemicals.

The heart of it

A dog nibbling grass in the sunshine is usually just enjoying the simple things. Keep the garden safe, feed them well and keep an eye out for changes, and you can let them graze in peace.