why do dogs eat grass?

When people see their dog eating grass, everybody jumps straight to the conclusion of “my dogs got a sick tummy!” But this is not necessarily true….

Tons of dogs simply like the taste and entertainment of leisurely eating grass. Its a source of entertainment when your dog is hanging out outside, and who doesn’t like a snack?

Grass-eating can be:

• A self-soothing behaviour

• A boredom activity

• A learned habit (especially in puppies)

Dogs that spend a lot of time alone or lack mental stimulation may do this more.

It Smells and Tastes Interesting.

Dogs explore the world with their noses and mouths. Fresh grass, especially in spring can smell intense and provide sensory stimulation. Sometimes, it’s really just that simple. Maybe we should follow our dogs lead and stop to smell the roses on a busy day (or just the grass haha).

To add, grass is also a great source of fibre for your dog. If eating grass is a constant habit for your dog, then maybe you should take a closer look into what your feeding your pup and potentially add an alternative source of fibre to add to your dogs food. This is more common in dogs on highly processed diets…. So maybe invest into a higher quality food for your dog. And I don’t just mean invest financially into the most expensive food for your dog, I know this isn’t always an option for everybody. But invest your time and energy into learning about dog nutrition, this will save you money in vet bills down the road and add years and quality to your dogs life. 

There are TONS of supplements for dogs that provide all of the nutrition, vitamins and minerals that could be missing from your dogs daily food as an additive. There are fruits and veggies that you can add from your own diet to theirs. 

Eating grass is also instinctual!

Wolves and other wild canines will actually eat the plant matter from their prey’s stomachs. Grass eating is thought to be a leftover instinct, not necessarily a sign something is wrong. 

Nature isn’t always pretty… and I love a gentle reminder that while these dogs feel like family members and soulmates to us, at the end of the day they are instinctual animals.

Now yes, SOMETIMES, dogs eat grass because they have a sore stomach and then vomit, which leads people to think they’re trying to make themselves throw up. Interestingly, most dogs don’t vomit after eating grass so this isn’t the main reason, but it can happen.

When it can be a concern

Occasional grass eating is normal. You should look closer if:

• It’s excessive or obsessive

• It’s paired with lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss

• Your dog is vomiting frequently

• Your dog suddenly starts eating grass constantly

Also, avoid grass treated with pesticides or fertilizers, as these can be toxic.

In conclusion, grass-eating is one of those dog behaviours that looks concerning at first, but is usually completely normal. For many dogs, it’s simply a mix of instinct, sensory enjoyment, boredom, or a way to add a little extra fibre to their diet. Not every unusual behaviour needs to be pathologized, and sometimes our dogs are just… being dogs.

The key is learning your dog. Occasional grazing on a walk or in the backyard is nothing to panic about, especially if your dog is otherwise happy, healthy, and energetic. When grass-eating becomes excessive or is paired with other symptoms, that’s when it’s worth digging a little deeper into diet, enrichment, and overall health.

At the end of the day, our dogs are incredible teachers. They remind us to slow down, engage our senses, and reconnect with the natural world around us, even if that means stopping to smell (or snack on) the grass once in a while.

-Hope Verra