Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

This is one of those questions that pops up every now and then from concerned owners who have noticed their dog 'grazing'. As any dog owner knows, the majority of dogs are not known for being fussy eaters. In fact, they'll eat just about anything that will stay still long enough for them to start nibbling.

They are mainly carnivores (meat-eaters) but a meat only diet is not healthy. Although meat is their preferance, they can also survive on a well-balanced vegetarian diet. Unlike cats, dogs will not die without animal protein. Dogs need a combination of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water in a balanced diet that provides enough calories to meet their daily needs.

So why do they eat grass? The reason why some dogs eat grass is plain and simple...they like it. others do so because they are lacking greens in their diet. When this is the case, we suggest adding fresh green beans (or string beans as they are known in some areas) to their daily food. If fresh green beans are not available, then frozen will do. Canned is also okay but not obviously, not as fresh. Green beans have so many great health benefits for humans and dogs. Have a look for yourself:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=134

Some grasses have a sweet taste while others are soothing to the stomach. I have seen our dogs many times walking about the yard searching out and eating specific grasses. Occasionally I will throw out a pound or so of wild bird seed and allow the weeds/grass to come up in that area. If the birds and squirrels leave some of the seed behind, it will sprout into many types of grasses and plants, which our dogs selectively eat. They seem to like the flavor.

However, when any of them has an upset stomach, they usually select a type of grass grown here which is coarse feeling and somewhat sticky to the touch. Shortly after eating this grass they will vomit the contents of their stomach. They then seems to feel better.

Some vets claim that dogs are not smart enough to know what to eat for an upset stomach. Horses tend to select sweet grasses to eat while avoiding others. I believe most animals know instinctively which plants or grasses will benefit them, so I do not see why canines would be any different in this matter.

It is a good practice though, not to allow your dog to eat the neighborhood grass while out on a walk. There is no guarantee that the lawn has not been treated with pesticides, herbicides or even used as another dogs potty area.

http://www.k911.biz/Petsafety/LawnFertilizerToxicity.htm

No matter what the reason, a dog's "grass" habit is quite normal behavior so there is no reason to be concerned unless you note they eat grass on a regular basis and seem ill most times.