If you’ve ever caught your dog or cat chomping on your green lawn – and wondering aloud why is my pet eating grass? – you’re definitely not alone! It’s one of those behaviours that leaves pet owners scratching their heads. Is it a quirky habit or is there something more to it? There’s a range of reasons why our pets might turn to grass for a nibble.
Let’s take a look at why your furry friend might be grazing on some greenery, and whether it’s something to be concerned about.
Why do dogs and cats eat grass?
The truth is no one really knows for sure. Some pets might chow down on grass and even end up vomiting, but don’t stress – it’s actually pretty common.
In most cases, it’s simply a case of hunger. A study from the University of New England found that dogs tend to eat more grass right before mealtimes. But there are other reasons too. Some of the most common explanations include:
- An instinct passed down from their wild ancestors
- A natural way of adding fibre to their diet
- Filling a nutritional gap
- Or they just love the taste and texture of grass!
How grass helps with digestion
If your dog eats grass regularly but seems otherwise normal, they might be craving more fibre in their diet. Grass naturally contains fibre, which aids digestion. If your dog’s diet is a little low on fibre or they’re having trouble with their bowel movements, they might turn to grass to get things moving. Fibre helps food pass through the digestive system, so a little nibble on the green stuff might be just what they need.
If you’re worried, call your vet for nutritional guidance. Simply adding more fibre-rich fruits and vegies to their diet could curb their grass-eating habits.
When grass eating is a red flag
For most dogs and cats, eating grass is totally normal. The University of New England study found that all the dogs involved were healthy and happily munching on grass with no issues. So, no need to panic if your pet occasionally eats a blade or two.
However, if your dog or cat is eating a lot of grass, or if they’re vomiting a lot afterwards, it’s time to pay attention. Excessive grass eating might signal an underlying health issue, so give your vet a call to check things out.
Also, make sure your pet’s diet is balanced and nutritious – sometimes, dogs and cats eat grass because they’re missing key nutrients. If you’re unsure whether your pet is getting everything they need, check in with your vet team for expert advice.
How to ensure that grass eating is safe
Some pets eat grass at specific times of day, like early in the morning. This often just means they enjoy it for the taste, not that something’s wrong with their diet.
If your pet eats grass, make sure it’s free from pesticides and chemicals. Some plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s a good idea to check if any grass or plants they’re munching on are safe. Common poisonous plants include lilies and oleander, which you might find in public parks, so keep an eye out. Some herbs can also cause trouble if eaten in large quantities.
Another thing to look out for is parasites. Grass can harbour ticks and fleas, so make sure you check your dog regularly for these critters. A chat with your vet about parasite prevention is always a good idea.
