**Are Dogs Turning Vegan by Eating Grass?**
As dog owners, we witness all (or most) of our dog’s many firsts – and that includes all the quirky behaviors they learn or develop as years go by. And one quirky behavior that dog owners commonly see is their dogs eating grass. Seeing this, you might wonder “is my dog turning vegan?”
**The Curious Habit of Dogs Eating Grass**
Well, the answer is no, they’re not! Eating grass doesn’t mean your dog is turning vegan. Instead, this is a common (yet weird) habit that dogs develop. But why do dogs do it? Why the sudden taste for greenery? In this article, we’ll explore the curious habit of dogs eating grass, uncover the possible reasons behind it, and how to properly handle it!
**The Mystery Behind Dogs Eating Grass**
Seeing your dog happily and deliciously chomp on grass like it’s the finest salad in town can be a confusing experience. This habit can be seen when you walk your dog in the park, and they see a patch of grass they find oh so delectable. Or you might catch them munching on grass while they’re in the backyard.
But these scenarios don’t mean that your dog is slowly switching to a vegan diet. Dogs are naturally carnivorous and while they have omnivorous tendencies from eating some vegetables and fruits, eating grass is not an indication of a diet switch. It may be due to an eating disorder called Pica where dogs eat “strange” non-food items which is often associated with a diet deficient in nutrients, vitamins, or minerals.
**5 Possible Reasons Behind Dogs Eating Grass**
1. **Your Dog Is Bored**
Chewing on grass might be a sign that your dog is lacking mental stimulation. Dogs do not only need physical exercise but also mental stimulation to keep them healthy and busy. Chewing behaviors, along with digging behaviors, have been commonly linked to boredom. Dogs use this as a coping mechanism for stress and boredom. So, if you see your dog munching on grass, then it might be a sign that they’re not getting enough exercise.
2. **Your Dog Likes The Taste Of Grass**
We promise you, your dog is not turning into a vegan! However, it’s more common to see dogs eating grass during the spring and summer season, between April and August, because the grass is more “fresh” during these seasons. The texture, smell, and taste of the grass may be more inviting to dogs during these times, and so they start chomping on grass.
3. **It’s Simply Your Dog’s Instinct!**
Scientists suggest that dogs eating grass is simply an instinct that they inherited from their wolf ancestors. VCA Hospital shares that examining stool samples shows that 11-47% of wolves eat grass, since they have to consume anything in the wild that helps fulfill their basic diet requirements. And while dogs today don’t have to hunt for their own food, they still have their natural instinct to scavenge.
4. **Your Dog Needs More Fiber**
A poor and unbalanced diet can be an indication why your dog is eating grass. Since grass contains a lot of fiber, many dogs will resort to eating it simply because their diet is lacking in the nutrients that they need.
5. **Your Dog Is Trying To Soothe An Upset Stomach**
When you see dogs eating grass, it might mean they have an upset stomach and are trying to soothe it. If you see them do this while also vomiting and experiencing diarrhea, then a stomach issue might be the culprit behind it.
**How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass**
If the grass-eating habit is becoming excessively concerning, it’s best to look for ways to help stop the behavior altogether. Improve their diet by increasing fiber intake, provide mental stimulation, ensure regular physical exercise, offer chewing alternatives, supervise their outdoor time, and consult a vet if needed.
**Conclusion**
Dogs eating grass is usually harmless, but it doesn’t mean your pooch is turning vegan in doing so! Even though it is a common yet quirky behavior, it is still important to keep an eye on how often your pooch does it, and if your pooch is showing health concerns along with the behavior. Doing this can help you address the underlying problem, if there are any, properly. How often does your dog eat grass? And how do you usually curb this “craving”? Share it in the comments below!
