Why Do Puppies Eat Grass?

A light-colored puppy lies in the grass in a garden, holding a blade of grass in its mouth and looking at the camera. The background features trees and plants, making one wonder, why do puppies eat grass?

As I’m sitting outside watching my dogs nibble on some grass in this nice weather, my next blog idea came to me. A lot of puppy parents are concerned about their puppies eating grass and ask me if it’s ok or how they can train their puppy to stop eating grass. So, grab a cuppa and let’s explore why your puppy might be eyeballing the lawn like it’s a gourmet salad bar. Why do puppies eat grass?

Grass: The Allure and the Mystery

Ever caught your puppy chomping down on some lawn greens and wondered, “Is this normal?” Well, you’re not alone. Many puppy parents wonder why their puppies are grazing on grass like miniature bovines. But why do they do it?

The Taste Test: Is Grass a Gourmet Treat?A black and white dog chews on tall grass in a grassy yard, with a blurred background of a wooden fence and greenery. One might wonder, is it safe for puppies to eat grass?

We’ve all experienced it, our puppies have grass protruding from each side of their mouth, munching away like it’s the best meal in the world. The truth is, for some puppies, it might just be that! Puppies are diverse creatures with individual tastes, and some simply enjoy the texture and flavor of grass. It’s like their version of a culinary adventure.

Nature’s Broom: Fiber and Digestion

While some puppy’s might savor the flavor, others might have a more practical reason for their side salad of grassy cravings. Dogs, like us, need fiber in their diet to keep their digestive systems running smoothly. Grass can provide that much-needed roughage.

Grass: The at Home Doggy Doctor?

One of the age-old theories about grass-eating is that dogs turn to it when they’re feeling under the weather, using it as a natural remedy to induce vomiting and relieve discomfort. However, studies show that only a small percentage of grass-eating dogs actually vomit afterward, and even fewer show signs of illness beforehand. So, while it’s a popular theory, it’s likely not the reason why your puppy is eating grass.

Boredom Busters: Grass as Entertainment

We all know puppies left to their own devices will find their own activities to do. A puppy who decides to indulge in some grass munching might be because as simple as they’re just bored! Puppies, have natural dog needs. If they aren’t fulfilled then your puppy will find things to chew on, dig up… or even eat grass. If your puppy is treating the lawn like an all you can eat buffet, it might be time to up their chewing, scavenging, foraging, dissecting, and shredding needs.

Should I Stop My Puppy from Eating Grass?

While nibbling on grass isn’t a major cause for concern, it’s wise to keep an eye on your puppy’s grazing habits, especially if they’re frequent or accompanied by vomiting.

Be mindful of lawn treatments that could harm your puppy. This is where the real problem comes in. It’s not actually eating the grass, it’s if you use chemicals to treat your lawn. We don’t use any chemicals on our lawn so I know when my dogs are dining on the delicacy, they will be just fine.

Potential medical problems that are attributed to stomach discomfort and upset are pancreatitis, inflamed bowel disease, and gastric reflux. So, if you see other signs that your dog might not be feeling well, consult with your veterinarian and have a full workup done. It’s best to see if there are any  serious, underlying conditions. After all, when it comes to your puppy’s health and happiness, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Verdict: To Munch or Not to Munch?A puppy with a white and brown coat stands on green grass, chewing on some blades of grass, making one wonder, "Why do dogs eat grass?". Do dogs eat grass when they don't feel well?

In the grand scheme of things, grass-eating is a common behavior among dogs, and for the majority of dogs, it’s harmless.

So, the next time you catch your puppy with a mouthful of grass, don’t fret. Instead, embrace their quirky behavior. After all, sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most enjoyable, even if they come with a side of grass stains!

Let’s get you and your puppy started off on the right paw with your puppy raising journey. Click here to get started.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest