Why Dogs Eat Grass

It’s a rare dog that never partakes of a tender stalk of juicy grass—and some dogs practically graze.

Why do dogs eat grass?

Dogs are omnivores and it’s likely their diet in the wild would include fruit, berries, seeds, herbs, and a variety of grasses (despite lacking the enzyme to digest grass). On occasion, grass-eating is an attempt to induce vomiting or otherwise soothe a digestive issue, and it’s speculated that dogs also instinctively seek out certain herbs as a cure for other ailments.

Problems that may arise if your dog eats grass

Because of the connection with gastric upset, it’s always worth paying extra attention if your dog suddenly develops a ravenous appetite for grass. Look for vomiting that lasts more than a few days, blood or mucus in the stool, and lethargy. Any of those should trigger a visit to the vet for a full checkup.

Absent any other symptoms, don’t worry if your dog snacks on the foliage—and perhaps a bit of soil in the bargain. If nothing else, it’s good roughage.