Every dog owner will likely witness their dog eating grass. While it’s a common activity of dogs, pet owners might worry or be curious as to why their dog does this. You may have heard that eating grass will help your dog ease an upset stomach, but did you know that many veterinarians believe there’s more to it than a stomach ache? Here are the most likely reasons your dog is chewing up the lawn.

4 Common Reasons Your Dog Eats Grass

1. Ease an Upset Stomach

The commonly believed explanation for why dogs eat grass tends to come down to an upset stomach. Many dog owners think that when their dog isn’t feeling well, they may head outside to munch on the grass to induce vomiting, making themselves feel better. In reality, many dogs that eat grass don’t show signs of illness before ingesting plants, nor do most dogs that eat grass vomit afterward. Still, the possibility remains that dogs may use it medicinally.

2. Omnivorous Ancestors 

Some scientists believe that canine ancestors were omnivorous, eating both meat and plants as part of their diet to provide non-meat nutrients and extra fiber. As canines became domesticated, this ancient instinct may not have disappeared and still drives dogs to eat grass. 

3. Need Extra Nutrients

Many veterinarians believe that our canine companions eat grass due to nutritional deficiencies in their diets. However, dogs with well-rounded diets still chew and eat grass, meaning nutritional benefit or necessity may not be the case. Fiber provided from grass may help dogs with digestion. Even with a well-rounded diet, canines may still crave nutrients provided by grass. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog eats more grass than usual, as this may be a sign of a deficiency. 

4. Dogs Enjoy It

Dogs enjoy chewing on many different items. From toys to shoes, they gnaw on objects to relax, reduce anxiety, and have fun. This reason may be why they eat grass as well, for pleasure. The grass may be another item for them to chew to reduce anxiety, especially if there’s a lack of toys or other stimuli.

If you suspect that your dog is feeling ill or not getting enough nutrients in their diet, take them to Buffalo Trace Veterinary Services in Versailles, KY, for a full physical and evaluation. Their veterinary clinic will treat your canine or other animal companions like one of their own, providing a well-rounded approach to pet health through nutrition education, pet vaccines, preventative care, and pet surgery. Call (859) 879-3582 today to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their compassionate staff and veterinary care services.