A dog eating grass can be a puzzling sight. This is especially common in the spring when fresh green grass is busting out all over, most noticeably under your puppy’s paws. If your dog starts eating his way through your backyard, this might be a problem for your lawn, but it’s not an issue for your dog.
Dogs like to eat all sorts of puzzling things (poop included). Here’s are the real reason dogs eat grass and when (if ever) a pet owner should be concerned.

Is it Normal for Dogs to Eat Grass?

Most dogs have tried grass at least once. It’s a normal behavior for dogs. It’s even normal if your dog pukes it up afterward. Some people think dogs eat grass it to treat their own upset stomach to induce vomiting, but there pukes it up afterward.

Here are the Real Reasons Your Dog’s Eating Grass

#1 Your dog is bored.

Canines are pretty good at entertaining themselves throughout the day. Eating grass (and possibly vomiting afterward) might not be at the top of the list of fun things to do outside, but it’s on there.

View this post on Instagram

Huh? . . . #puppiesofinstagram #australianshepherd #aussiemix #aussiesofinstagram #dogeatsgrass #doggyderp

A post shared by Wendellberry VanGlassonSquier (@wondrouswendell) on Jul 20, 2018 at 7:09pm PDT

#2 Your dog has intestinal issues.

If a dog has an intestinal worm that interferes with his digestion, he might eat grass regularly to help boost some of the natural enzymes that were not getting through. As noted above, your dog isn’t eating grass with the intent of vomiting, but because he’s malnourished.

#3 Your dog needs more fiber.

Just like a human might order a kale salad to boost their fiber intake, some dogs are munching grass. Some dogs are chronic grass eaters until they human switch her to a high-fiber diet like Ollie. Not sure if your dog is getting enough? Here’s how to tell how much fiber your dog needs in her diet.

View this post on Instagram

My best goat impression. I like to munch with my neighbor friends but today I'm snacking solo. Do you like grass too? #dogeatsgrass #favoriteeveningactivity #weirdo #dog #corgipom #porgi #corgeranian #gobibear

A post shared by Gobi Bear & Peanut (@gobiandthenut) on May 3, 2019 at 6:33am PDT

#4 Your dog likes how grass smells and taste.

It’s pretty much that simple; some dogs like the taste of grass and they’re going to graze until the cows come home. As long as you’ve ruled out other issues, eating grass not a big deal at all.

So there you have it, humans. Dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons. Don’t sweat it, but do be sure to keep them away from grass that’s been freshly treated with chemical pesticides. Grass won’t hurt them, but chemicals will.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.