My dog eats grass and dirt on walks. Is it normal? Should I stop him?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 4 years and 10 months old
My dog tries to eat grass every time I take him out for his daily walk. I try my best to prevent him from eating grass. Sometimes he eats the grass along with the soil attached to the roots. Is it normal for him to eat grass? Should I continue to prevent him from eating grass?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 14th, 2017
It's quite common for dogs to eat grass on walks - of my three dogs, two of them eat grass every time I take them outside. Although it can be a sign of nausea or GI discomfort in some cases, in many dogs it's perfectly normal behavior that doesn't mean anything is wrong at all. As long as Bruno is acting fine otherwise, it doesn't sound like this is any cause for concern :)
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
I wouldn't be concerned about the grass eating behavior unless Bruno is vomiting every time he eats grass. In this case, he may be eating the grass because he feels nauseated and is trying to throw up. If this is a pattern of behavior it may signify that something else is going on and bloodwork and X-rays may be indicated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 10th, 2017
Grass eating is a normal behavior in dogs, but if they are eating it in order to make themselves vomit, they might have a stomach issue going on. Make sure they are both current on deworming and consider switching them to a very digestible prescription diet like Hills I/D or Royal Canin Gastro and see if that helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 27th, 2019
Eating grass is generally not an issue. Some dogs are natural "grazers", while others will eat it to self medicate if they have some stomach upset. If Babie is vomiting daily or frequently, an exam with your veterinarian may diagnose the underlying cause. This may require blood work and/or abdominal x-rays.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Our dog grazes like a goat. She loves to eat grass and she also digs a hole and eats the dirt. She never vomits afterwards, so we're curious why she does that. Do we keep letting her eat grass and dirt, or make her stop?
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Thank you Melanie for your answer. When dogs eat grass are they searching for a missing nutrient in their diet? Is their a particular reason why she would want to eat grass and should I do anything about it? Thank you.
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