Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? 3 Tips As To Why
Have you ever wondered why your dog goes outside and eats grass every day? While it may seem like a strange habit and a bit destructive to your garden, it could actually be an indication of your pup's stomach health. In this post, I will explain when you can ignore this "quirk" of grass-eating and when it might be time to change their diet.
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Your dog is just a puppy!
Sometimes puppies explore things by tasting and chewing on things in their environment. Normally puppies eating grass is harmless and isn’t a sign of underlying diseases or issues. Just make sure you are aware of any animal droppings from rodents or birds in the yard they could possibly eat while they are out there! You don’t want your puppy to get any parasites from eating droppings.
Your dog is bored
Have you been busy at work this past week and only been able to take your dog out for potty breaks? If so, your dog is probably feeling bored! It's common to get caught up in our schedules and forget to set aside time for play, which can lead to destructive behaviors, like tearing up the yard or eating grass.
If your dog is damaging your well-manicured lawn or garden, consider using pet block sprays to keep them away from areas you want to protect. Additionally, make sure to provide your dog with enrichment toys at specific times, such as after addressing their grass-eating behavior. Avoid leaving all the toys out for them 24/7, as this can lead to boredom and the toys getting destroyed. Instead, bring out some toys as rewards to encourage their use rather than allowing them to chew on grass.
Your dog is lacking in fiber/diet deficiency.
It’s been suggested that dogs eat grass to increase the bulk of their stool when their diet lacks sufficient fiber, which can help with regular bowel movements. Eating grass may also provide additional fiber to support their gut microbiome and improve nutrient absorption.
If your dog is consistently eating grass every day and isn’t a puppy, it might be a good idea to consider adding more fiber to their diet. Natural sources of fiber, such as apples, pumpkin, and brown rice, can be great as treats or as additions to their daily meals. However, keep in mind that increasing fiber may lead to more frequent bowel movements, and each dog's body may react differently to the added fiber.
Soluble fiber is beneficial in dog treats as it provides nourishment to the colonocytes in the gut, essentially serving as food for both your cells and beneficial gut bacteria. The primary fuel is Butyrate, which promotes the development of healthy cells that enhance digestion and the absorption of food and nutrients. This process helps reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome and nutritional deficiencies.
Insoluble fiber is beneficial in dog food because it adds bulk to the stool. This aids in passing the stool and helps maintain regular bowel movements, particularly for dogs that have stool issues or gastrointestinal problems.
When looking at a foods fiber content always look for ‘total dietary fiber’ which measures the percent of both soluble and insoluble fibers in a diet, unlike crude fiber which typically only takes into account the insoluble fibers.
Some of my favorite fiber rich foods that I have gotten good results from with customers are listed below:
-Blue Buffalo Blissful Belly- Made in the US/ Good quality meat protein/ Prebiotic fiber
-Natural Balance LID Vegetarian Recipe- Great for dogs allergic to most meat/ for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach/ good amount of fiber for gut health/ has both small breed and regular diets.
When choosing a food with extra fiber I would consult your vet if you aren’t sure if a specific nutrient needs to be restricted in a way that OTC (Over the Counter) foods cannot match. In that case, a prescription diet may be recommended by a vet. Fiber may also have varying results. Some dogs may have to go the bathroom more often when on extra fiber!
Conclusion
While not all grass-eating is indicative of dietary issues—some dogs simply enjoy the taste of grass—it may be worth considering your dog's diet. You might want to evaluate whether they need additional fiber or nutrients. Be sure to check the ingredient panel on your dog’s food, or consult a veterinarian if you're uncertain about where to start!
