Dogs love to play outside, but they also like to eat grass. You probably have seen your four-legged friend frolic through the lawn to graze. It makes you wonder what makes them pick up this habit; after all, they are not horses or cows.
There are various evolutionary, nutritional, and health reasons as to why they’re doing that. Some are harmless, while others may require a trip to the vet.
At Dope Dog, we know the value of prioritizing your dog’s health and happiness. Here are some insights as to why your four-legged friend is munching on grass.
Pica
Pica is a medical condition where a person is deficient in specific vitamins and minerals, but they have to replenish it by eating something strange or abnormal.
For example, this often happens to pregnant women where they are anemic and deficient in certain minerals that they often crave soil and dirt.
The same thing can also happen to your dog. If your pet is deficient in any kind of nutrient, he or she might try to compensate by eating your lawn.
If this is the case, the best thing to do is to change your dog food brand into something with more nutritional value to help replenish your pet’s diet. Choose dog treats and dog food that use organic and wholesome ingredients.
Anxiety
Just like humans, dogs get anxious as well. When people are stressed out, they often grab a potato chip or any type of snacks that they can find to eat.
Eating releases pleasurable brain signals like serotonin and dopamine to alleviate stress and anxiety. This is the same for dogs when they munch on the grass to reduce the stress that they might be having.
For example, if you move into a new place with your dog, the change in the environment can elicit some stress. This can cause constant grass-eating behavior.
The best way to combat this would be to spend more time with the dog to decrease his or her stress or provide methods to relax, like adding CBD oil to their meals. CBD oil and treats can help relax your canine friends so they will stop eating the grass in your backyard.
In fact, it can help the dog sleep better at night, so they feel more rested in the morning.
Boredom
Weight gain tends to happen when you’re bored. People find anything to keep themselves stimulated, even if it’s grabbing a bunch of snacks like chips and chocolate. It’s the chewing motion that keeps them occupied.
This is the same thing with dogs. If they are bored, they will graze on the lawn to keep themselves entertained. If this keeps happening, then it’s time to grab a leash and take Fido out for a run.
Omnivores
Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. It’s a way to complete their diet and to add variety into their meals.
Grass contains a significant amount of fiber to help regulate the digestive system. It’s best to satisfy their omnivorous craving by providing some fruits and vegetables in the dog food.
You can also purchase plants from the pet store that are safe for your dog to eat.
GI upset
If your dog has abdominal pain or discomfort, he or she will do whatever it takes to alleviate that. Fortunately, eating grass can help soothe the stomach to decrease the pain. Therefore, whenever you see your dog vomiting, diarrhea, or purely ill, that can be the answer as to why Fido is munching on your lawn.
