My Dog Is Eating Grass

We all know (all too well, in fact) the struggle of pulling something your pup shouldn’t be eating out of their mouth. The practically Olympic-level feat is exhausting and frequently in vain! No dog owner wants to do it more than absolutely necessary. Naturally, the Vitalize Team deeply relates to anxiety around dogs eating grass. To say nothing of how much you spend on good food, leafy greens should not typically be part of their diet. “My dog is eating grass, what do I do?” We’re glad you asked.

First things first: your dog is not alone. One study conducted by veterinarians with 3,000 dogs revealed that eating grass is actually pretty common. Nearly 68% of the dogs in the study were found to eat grass, and only 8% of those showed signs of sickness before eating grass. So your fuzzy buddy isn’t busted, they’re in the majority.

If you are worried about your dog eating grass, never fear. Unless the grass is treated with a pesticide or other chemical, there is very little reason to worry. That said, it’s totally normal to ask, “Why is my dog eating grass?!” So, let’s discuss.

Common Reasons Dogs Eat Grass 

If you’re thinking, “My dog is eating grass, something must be wrong,” well, there’s no need to panic. Dogs eating grass is a quite common behavior. There are several reasons they might munch on the lush, green grass. If it becomes a habit or is accompanied by sickness, either diarrhea or vomiting, you will want to consult your veterinarian. 

Let’s explore the reasons why dogs eat grass:

Natural Instinct 

Dogs are descended from wild canines, some of which ate vegetation as part of their diet. Eating grass may be a remnant of this behavior. It is bred into them to act this way, and they might not even realize it. 

Digestive Aid 

Some dogs eat grass as a way to induce vomiting when they have an upset stomach or feel nauseous. They may instinctively seek out grass to help them expel something from their stomach, such as hairballs or undigested food. Dogs are not a lot different than humans, and they know when they don’t feel their best. They use the grass to help them feel better when they can’t communicate with their humans that they don’t feel their best. 

Dietary Instincts 

The grass might provide some nutrients that dogs crave, or that are lacking in their regular diet. This could include fiber or certain minerals. Consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog needs a different dog food or a more balanced diet. 

Boredom or Anxiety 

This is a big one. Dogs may eat grass out of boredom or anxiety, especially if they are not getting enough mental or physical stimulation. It can become a compulsive behavior for some dogs, similar to other repetitive actions like tail chasing or paw licking. Think of it like chewing your nails—a not-so-great habit that is mostly harmless but can be a little unsanitary if you’re not mindful.

So, if you’re looking to address the issue, one solution is to ensure that your dog is getting plenty of individual play time and exercise each day. 

Exploration & Play 

Dogs explore the world with their senses, including smell and taste. Grass may be intriguing to them in terms of taste, texture, and scent. They might chew on grass simply because they find it interesting or enjoyable. Think of how we humans find it intriguing to chew on plastic straws or frozen water; dogs are no different. 

Medical Issues 

Now, we don’t want to alarm you, but this is something you have to keep in mind. In some cases, dogs may eat grass due to underlying medical issues. These can include gastrointestinal problems, dietary deficiencies, or parasites.

If grass-eating is excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in appetite, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. That will help you rule out any medical problems. 

In most cases, occasional grass-eating is not harmful to dogs, especially if they don’t show any signs of distress afterward. However, if your dog eats grass frequently or excessively, it’s a good idea to monitor their behavior and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns. Providing your dog with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, ensuring a balanced diet, and addressing any underlying health issues can help reduce or eliminate grass-eating behavior. 

Vitalize® can Help 

If you don’t want to be one of the 68% of dog owners who race to the internet to search “my dog is eating grass,” we can help you! At Vitalize^®, we have created a line of supplements for horses, dogs and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. These products include solutions for gut health and joint health. These three products are all powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research proven to enhance digestibility.  

Vitalize^® Alimend^® K9 

Vitalize Alimend K9 is a liquid product for dogs designed to support gastric health and GI tissue and which may relieve occasional gastric issues. Alimend for dogs contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. It also contains MHB3^®, a patented high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that coats the stomach and supports GI tissue integrity, and Beta-glucans support the gut and immune system. 

Vitalize^® Dog 

Vitalize Dog is a granular vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs designed to support breeding and performance. It also contains Amaferm, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. It also contains omegas for healthy skin and hair, and a high-quality blend of vitamins and minerals for daily support of any diet.  

Vitalize^® Dog Gel 

Vitalize Dog Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for dogs designed to immediately support your dog’s digestive and immune systems. It also contains Amaferm, plus MOS (mannan oligosaccharides) to help normalize gut microflora, further supporting the immune system. The dog gel works fast to support appetite and hydration. This quick-response product is ideal to have on hand for when your dog does decide to eat grass and vomit. 

Want That Good Gut Feeling?  

You probably noticed that each of the Vitalize line’s products contains the research-proven prebiotic Amaferm. The Vitalize line carries these products powered by Amaferm to give your dog a #goodgutfeeling.  

Research tells us that roughly  70% of the immune response starts in the gut. So, if you keep your dog’s gut healthy, their overall health should be in stellar condition, too. That is why providing products with Amaferm is so important to us. Research shows that Amaferm increases digestibility.  

Get Your Pup Some Vitalize Today     

Help your dog feel better. “My dog is eating grass” will be a phrase of the past. Give them something good to eat that gives them a #goodgutfeeling. Get your Vitalize today. We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible.    

You can visit your local dealer to purchase Vitalize products. Locate a dealer near you, today.    

Perhaps you prefer the convenience of online shopping. You can shop online and have Vitalize delivered right to your front door.    

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