BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

The question of why dogs eat grass may be one of the most common inquiries made to veterinarians and the answer is not so straight forward. Drs. Gary Richter and Sara Ochoa recently weighed in on the reasons behind this behavior. 

The most common reason dogs eat grass is simply grazing. They may like the taste of a specific grass or they may simply be bored. Usually, grass is most appealing when it is newly grown in the spring or after being mowed when the scent is strongest. Dr. Richter notes that if your dog is eating grass as a sign of boredom, he may need more exercise or mental stimulation. An important consideration if you do have a dog that habitually eats grass is to avoid spraying toxic chemicals on the lawn.

On the other hand, some dogs eat grass as a form of self-medication for gastrointestinal issues. Because grass is high in fiber, it can help improve digestion. Grass can also be used as a form of emesis, which is sometimes all that is needed for an upset stomach. However, a dog that is constantly eating grass, especially if vomiting, should be evaluated by a veterinarian. This could indicate many things including gastrointestinal disease, parasites, or dietary deficiency. A case report published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science in 2007 describes a poodle with a 7-year history of eating grass every day on its walk and then vomiting. The presenter recommended the owner discontinue the current diet and feed a high fiber diet. The owner reported 3 days later that the dog had stopped eating grass and vomiting. The dog was still symptom free 13 months later.