Why Your Dog May Eat Grass
If you notice your dog eating grass, then there could be many reasons for this behavior. It could be that your dog just has a desire to eat grass, or it could be that something is wrong with your dog’s digestive system. If you have a dog, then more than likely you are going to notice them eating grass on occasion. However, it is important to pay attention to cues that can help you figure out the cause of your dog eating grass. Most experts say eating grass is a perfectly normal behavior in dogs, so if your dog is eating grass on occasion, then there is no need to worry. However, excessive eating of grass could be a sign that your dog has digestive issues or other health problems. If you dog is vomiting due to the consumption of grass, then there is probably an issue with his or her stomach, and the dog is trying to self-heal.
A Few Reasons Why Dogs Eat Grass
Dogs eat grass and a wide range of plants to find nutrients. I have noticed they eat grass more in the spring when there is a lot of bright green fresh soft shoots of grass.
A dog will also eat grass when he or she has an upset stomach. When a dog eats grass, the blades of grass cause a tickling sensation in the throat and stomach, which can cause the dog to vomit. Vomiting after eating grass is likely to occur if your dog gulps the grass as opposed to chewing the grass. This is normal behavior not really a cause for concern.
However, eating too much grass can cause your dog to have digestive issues. If you notice your dog is eating a large amount of grass, then be sure to keep your canine on a strict diet to get them back on track and his or her digestive system in order. A nutritionally balanced diet and feeding schedule can be helpful if you have a dog that is eating grass.
When to Contact Your Vet
Although most of the time eating grass is normal for dogs, there are times it can be a sign your dog needs to be seen by a vet. If you notice your dog is vomiting frequently or has blood in his or her stool, then it is time to contact a vet because there could be a problem with his or her digestive system. When a dog eats grass frequently, it could be a sign of worms.
While you are at the vet, ask them if switching to a grain-free dog food could be beneficial for your pup. Also, if you know another pup in your neighborhood that eats a lot of grass, feel free to pass this information along.
Rice
Rice is a filler that is very common in dog food, It’s not as bad for your dog as wheat, corn or sorghum, however it should be avoided if possible. Although it can be considered a complex carbohydrate, it provides very little nutritional value. If you notice your dog is bloated, has gas, or diarrhea, then it could be caused by rice.
