Traveling With Your Dog

There are many common opinions about why dogs eat grass. Many people believe that dogs eat grass to make themselves sick without any underlying symptoms.

Dogs are omnivores. Most people think that they are carnivorous like many other animals but they are not. So when you see your dog nibbling on a succulent blade of grass there is a method to his madness. Learn here what that reason may be.

Dogs are scavengers. They are known to eat whatever they can find. Dogs will eat scraps from the table, their own kibble, and then reach for the trash bag for an after dinner snack. By no means are they discerning when it comes to their food. Dogs are survivors and not picky eaters.

Wild dog breeds eat the stomach and intestines of their herbivorous prey. These organs contain undigested plant products like grasses. The dogs used those plant products to aid in the digestion of bones and other parts of their prey. Domestic dogs don’t tear the stomachs and intestines out of other animals, but they have been known to munch on a blade or two of grass.

Some owners are alarmed when they see their pet eating grass. Dogs prefer a bit of green in their diet. And, that grass just smells and tastes so darn good, a dog can’t resist taking a nibble whenever they lie down on the stuff. Experts can’t decide what the primary reason is for eating grass but they have several good theories.

Dogs need more fiber in their diet. Dogs eat grass to fulfill their need for roughage. Most dog foods are well-balanced and provide dogs with all of the daily nutrients. Since dogs don’t know about the fiber content of their food they will continue to eat grass anyway.

Grass functions as their laxative. Dogs know when their GI system is in need of maintenance. They chomp on the grass in an attempt to get things moving again. Grass also clears their system of any worms in the intestines.

What if your dog has an upset stomach? They can’t tell their owners that they are feeling poorly and need help. When bad feelings start to occur, they run for their version of Syrup of Ipecac—grass. Various experts think that the grass tickles their stomach lining and causes them to throw up. Knowing this, dogs will gobble and swallow the grass as opposed to chewing it up. When the dog vomits, he releases the grass and whatever was causing the stomach distress in the first place.

Urban dogs don’t have a variety of grasses to choose from like in other parts of the world or on farms, so they do the best that they can. Since they aren’t picky, it is all the same to them. But, dogs do know what they need and at what time and it is clear that grass provides some medicinal purposes in their bodies.

Does your dog eat grass? As long as it doesn’t affect him in an unhealthy way, he should be fine. For piece of mind, check with a vet when you notice him munching on the grass so that he can be examined as a precaution.

Noone really knows why dogs eat grass.

Fran Gratton

Fran Gratton RubMyBellyToo.com POB 107 116 Gay Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 610-933-5810 888-558-3837

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