During their daily walk or stroll through the park, your dog will likely grab a mouthful of grass. And as an owner, you’re probably concerned about your dogs’ health after seeing them eat grass.

Have you ever wondered the reasons behind why they eat grass? There are several reasons your beloved pet may be nibbling on grass, and here are a few of them.

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1. They have a diet deficiency.

Some dog owners believe grass eating is a form of pica when a dog eats strange non-food items due to a dietary deficiency. So your dog must be looking for grass to eat because they are deficient in certain nutrient components that their diet does not provide.

However, you do not need to be concerned because a dog’s digestive system is designed for grass, and they are omnivores. Since certain herbicides and pesticides used in lawns can be harmful if ingested, it’s best to watch what your pet eats.

2. They need fiber.

There’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for why dogs eat grass, but some experts believe it’s because they’re missing out on a nutrient like fiber. Roughage is important in a dog’s diet, and the grass is a good source of fiber.

So, eating grass can be a way for your dog to get extra fiber, which helps them digest their food, pass stool, and keep their gastrointestinal system running smoothly.

3. They follow their instinct.

If a dog’s diet is complete and balanced, eating grass may be instinctive rather than due to a deficiency. Some scientists believe that eating grass is an instinctive behavior for dogs that evolved from wolf ancestors.

Moreover, it’s possible that eating grass is part of a dog’s scavenging instinct to find food they got from their ancestors. Also, researchers discovered that up to 47 percent of wolves eat grass after analyzing wolf stool samples.

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4. They might be bored.

According to some veterinarians, dogs eat grass because they are bored and their owners are not paying attention to them. While most dogs enjoy being outside, some become bored and require stimulation when left alone.

And it is here that eating grass comes into play to help them pass the time. Thus, if you want to keep your dogs occupied, ensure you have plenty of toys for them to play with.

5. They enjoy the taste of grass.

It’s possible that dogs simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass in their mouths. Particularly in the spring, when new grass emerges for the first time, or when your dog is thirsty.

You don’t have to be worried because the grass is not harmful to your dog’s health. However, if your dog is turning to grass to fill dietary voids in their diet regularly, take them to a veterinary clinic for a checkup.

Regardless of why your dog eats grass, it is not the best snack to eat for him. Besides, the grass your dog will ingest might contain intestinal parasites from the fecal residue or have harmful herbicides and pesticides sprayed on them. Keep an eye on your dog and on what he eats!

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