Why Does Dog Eat Grass? The reason is not what you always thought

Why Does Dog Eat Grass? The reason is not what you always thought

This is why the dog eats grass, several studies compared and the most practical solutions to avoid this behavior.

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

It is quite common in dogs to eat grass from the garden or flower beds while walking. Many worry, thinking that the dog is sick or that he can poison himself. Over the years, veterinarians have tried to answer this strange, but common, canine habit.

First of all, the habit of grazing is common to about 79% of dogs, so it is not a rarity. This behavior is counted among the PICA, ie the ingestion of non-food substances. In fact, dogs often eat other low-nutrient substances such as paper or the feces of cats or other dogs. Sometimes dogs even eat their own droppings!





Although the experts have not found a definitive answer, there are various theories that try to solve this question. Why Does Dog Eat Grass? And then, how to avoid this behavior? (Read also: Dog nutrition: 4 myths to dispel)

Index

The answers of the scientists

For a long time it was thought that the dog ate grass for self-medicate. In particular in order to expel ingested food with vomiting. But no scientific studies have confirmed this hypothesis. Indeed, the first research in this regard has shown that very few dogs vomit after eating grass and above all that generally show signs of illness from before. The results of this study, in fact, suggest that on the contrary, the consumption of grass could be influenced by satiety and the time of day: dogs could see grass as a food source and be more likely to eat it when they are hungry. , that is, before ingesting their daily ration of food. 

Boredom or need?

Another plausible explanation could be that the dog is bored. In the absence of a good workout or a fun game then he delights in eating fresh grass.

In recent years, the most popular explanation had found a solution in some experiments carried out on the occasion of some studies. The hypothesis was that dogs eat grass out of need for nutrients they don't find in their diet. In particular they would need vitamins, fibers and enzymes. The enzymes and fibers present in the herb help rebalance the intestinal flora and promote evacuation. Therefore, if our Fido has the habit of chewing grass and plants, then we should think about adding more fiber to his diet!



fame and seven

As is often the case, perhaps the simplest explanation is the most likely: Dogs like grass because it is fresh and juicy! When they are thirsty and hungry they find it appetizing. In fact, the same study from the University of New England, Australia, found that dogs ate grass mostly before meals and rarely after. Eating grass, scientists are keen to point out in the conclusions of this research, would therefore be normal, common behavior and should not, in principle, be seen as a problematic habit for most dogs.

But this habit could have bad consequences under certain circumstances and if continued for a long time. First, the lawns are often fed with fertilizers and treated with pesticides that could harm the dog. Also, if they ingest large amounts every day, as the herb is also poorly digestible, it could lead to gastric torsion or stomach enlargement syndrome.

Also, in some cases, the dog often vomits after eating grass. And here it is then that it is important to understand why it does it and how to avoid it.

What to do to avoid it?

So, on the one hand, it is good to entertain our four-legged friend with good daily workouts: a nice walk at a brisk pace will prevent him from amusing himself among the herbs. Or we can give him some soft toys or dog puppets to nibble on.


On the other hand, you need to make sure that there is enough fiber in your daily diet and that you have been drinking enough throughout the day.

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