Why Do Dogs Suddenly Eat Plants or Grass?

Seeing your beloved dog or puppy suddenly munching on the lawn can be concerning. Is he sick? Not being fed enough? Thankfully, pica, the technical term for eating something that is not food, is usually nothing to worry about when it comes to canines and grass. It is a particularly common behavior in puppies and may continue throughout a dog's life. If, however, a mature dog suddenly starts consuming the lawn, this could indicate something is up. Take him to the vet to get checked over.

  1. Illness

    • It is a common belief that dogs eat grass when they feel unwell and need to vomit. According to a study of 1,500 grass-eating dogs undertaken at the University of California's Center for Companion Animal Health, however, only 9 percent of dogs were reportedly ill before they ate grass. Fewer than one in four vomited afterward. As pointed out by lead researcher Benjamin Hart, however, for the other 9 percent, the grass-eating behavior could potentially indicate the dog is ill.

    Nutritional Deficiency

    • A dog may suddenly eat grass due to a nutritional deficiency. Some dog owners have reported grass-eating dogs to suddenly stop the habit once put on a high-fiber diet. The study at the University of California, however, found no evidence this was the case.

    Boredom

    • Munching on grass can be simply a sign of boredom, especially in puppies or young dogs. If you suspect this is the case with your pooch, make sure he is getting enough exercise. Also, buy him a sturdy chew toy to keep him entertained.

    Natural Behavior

    • Grass-eating has been observed in wild dogs. Wolves are also known to munch on grass. According to Benjamin Hart, for domestic dogs, eating grass may well be simply a trait they "inherited from their wild ancestors" to prevent a buildup of intestinal parasites.

    Warning

    • Sometimes grass is treated with herbicides, insecticides or fertilizers, which can be toxic. Make sure you know whether this is the case with any grass to which your dog has access. If chemicals have been used on the lawn, don't let your four-legged friend eat it as it could make him ill. According to Medicine Net, fertilizers were one of the top 10 causes of pet poisoning in 2008. In addition, some household plants can be dangerous if ingested. Check with the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center if you have concerns.