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Why does my dog keep eating grass, and is it healthy for him?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 months and 2 days old | 40 lbs

Why does my dog keep eating grass? Is grass healthy for him to eat? He doesn't have worms and I feed him a nutrionist meal. I feed him the Blue dog food from the commercials. I'm confused. Many people are telling me it's because he has worms but I have not seen any in his feces. Why could my dog be eating grass. I take him out at least three to four times a day so he can get excersice.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 3rd, 2018

Some dogs simply like the taste of certain grasses. They may also graze out of boredom, curiosity or in an attempt to correct a nutritional deficiency. Other dogs may "self medicate" by eating grass to treat mild stomach upset. This is typically followed by vomiting. He is likely not eating grass due to intestinal parasites. You would need to submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. If he is behaving normally and tolerates the grass, there's no reason or need to stop him. Don't allow him to graze on grass treated with fertilizers or pesticides.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 15th, 2017

    I am very sorry that Holly is eating grass, it is a very common problem for pet owners. Many pet parents get worried when they see their favorite dog nibbling on grass in the yard. Even though it’s generally not a life-threatening matter, the eating of grass will often result in vomiting and discomfort, due to irritation of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. My main concern is that if your lawn contains chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, the risks could be greater. Here are the main reasons why dogs eat grass, along with their solutions: Boredom Dogs who do not receive adequate exercise may eventually become bored and search for activities to occupy their time and entertain themselves. Strangely enough, these activities can include nibbling on grass. Therefore, a good starting point is to evaluate how much exercise your dog is getting on a daily basis and consider introducing more walks or other fun activities, such as playing fetch or tug of war. Nutritional Issues Historically speaking, dogs are considered omnivores, which means they consume both meat and plant-based food. There is some indication that dogs with a low fiber diet may choose to scavenge in the grass to fulfill this nutritional deficiency. These dogs may also find that grass has an appealing flavor and consistency. If you feel this may be the reason why your beloved canine is consuming grass, then consider discussing with your veterinarian ways to incorporate more fiber into your dog’s diet. Upset Stomach There is a belief that dogs with an upset or gassy stomach will self-medicate by consuming grass, since vomiting often follows this grass eating activity, eliminating the contents of the stomach or changing the gas distension within the gastrointestinal tract. However, the truth is there isn’t much scientific evidence to back up this theory. If you suspect there is too much gastric acid in your dog’s stomach or any other underlying medical issue that could be causing this behavior, you should consult with your veterinarian right away. https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-3-reasons-why-dogs-eat-grass/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-8-questions-about-dogs-and-grass-answered/ Here are some tips to help Holly; Decrease boredom- chew toys, puzzle toys, treat toys Increase exercise Increase interaction

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 17th, 2017

    This the article copied and pasted: ..... Many pet parents get worried when they see their favorite canine nibbling on grass in the yard. Even though it’s generally not a life-threatening matter, the consumption of grass will often result in vomiting and discomfort, due to irritation of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, if your lawn contains chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, the risks could be greater. Here are the main reasons why dogs eat grass, along with their solutions: BOREDOM Boredom Dogs who do not receive adequate exercise may eventually become bored and search for activities to occupy their time and entertain themselves. Strangely enough, these activities can include nibbling on grass. Therefore, a good starting point is to evaluate how much exercise your dog is getting on a daily basis and consider introducing more walks or other fun activities, such as playing fetch or tug of war. NUTRITIONAL ISSUES Nutritional Issues Historically speaking, dogs are considered omnivores, which means they consume both meat and plant-based food. There is some indication that dogs with a low fiber diet may choose to scavenge in the grass to fulfill this nutritional deficiency. These dogs may also find that grass has an appealing flavor and consistency. If you feel this may be the reason why your beloved canine is consuming grass, then consider discussing with your veterinarian ways to incorporate more fiber into your dog’s diet. UPSET STOMACH Upset Stomach There is a belief that dogs with an upset or gassy stomach will self-medicate by consuming grass, since vomiting often follows this grass eating activity, eliminating the contents of the stomach or changing the gas distension within the gastrointestinal tract. However, the truth is there isn’t much scientific evidence to back up this theory. If you suspect there is too much gastric acid in your dog’s stomach or any other underlying medical issue that could be causing this behavior, you should consult with your veterinarian right away.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 3rd, 2018

    There are a lot of reasons why dogs eat grass. It can be because their stomach is upset, they are bored, or just simply because they like the way it tastes. I have attached a great article by a veterinary specialist on this exact subject. I hope this helps! criticalcaredvm.com/grass-dogs-cats/

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