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Theories Behind Why Dogs Eat Grass
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Theories Behind Why Dogs Eat Grass

Is your dog eating grass and you’re wondering why? This is a question that I think every dog owner ponders at one point or another.

All of my dog’s dating back to over thirty five years to my very first dog, have consumed grass for one reason or another.

So, let’s talk about why we think dogs do this and what you can do to curb it.

Is Your Dog Eating Grass To Purge or Because He Enjoys It?

I’ve observed my dog’s eat grass for what seems to be to purge and I’ve also watched them eat grass for what looks like for no real reason at all. In fact, I unintentionally developed a game with my old girl “Lulu” where she would take a bite of grass, look at me and wait for me say “one more bite and you’re dead meat.” As soon as I would say this, she would romp around grazing like a wild little goat, but this was just for play.

On the flip side, Lulu and all my dog’s at some point would run to the door as if to say “let me out NOW please” and just start consuming grass in an effort to make themselves purge. Although there is no real evidence why they do this, I agree with Dr. Becker that there are two basic reasons why dog’s eat grass – to purge or simply because they want to.  However, I want to go one step further and add that I personally believe dogs eat grass in order to consume chlorophyll.  I have no factual evidence, just my own theory based upon my observations over the years.  Dogs know what they need and they know what is best for their system. While others say that dogs eat grass for fiber, I don’t believe that.  Dogs don’t typically require fiber in their diet.

For a dog that eats grass on occasion; it’s most likely not a real problem.  However, if your dog is eating grass regularly, then it’s time to make some changes to his diet. Too much grass eating can lead to Pancreatitis in dogs, so it’s important to get it under control.

I used to add a pure form of barley grass each day to my dogs diet in order to provide chlorophyll.  But, my German Wired Haired Pointer “Abby” had a negative reaction to the barley grass which caused her to scratch.  Chlorophyll comes in many forms, so if barley grass causes an allergic reaction in your dog, switch to another form.  I changed both of my girls to a prepared raw diet and neither look for grass anymore even with out me adding barley grass or any other form of chlorophyll to their daily diet.

It’s also believed that dogs eat grass in an attempt to recover the necessary enzymes they’re not getting from their diet. Grass is actually a living green loaded with phytonutrients including fiber, ruffage and chlorophyll. So, if your dog eats grass on a regular basis in an effort to purge, you really should take a look at her diet. Whether she’s been eating the same food for years or it’s a new food.

If your dog is romping, playing and nibbling on grass here and there, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.  However, if he’s eating it routinely, then I would look into as to why, especially if there are any other health issues going on at the same time.

If your lawn is treated with chemicals, DON’T allow your dog to eat or roll in this grass.

A daily probiotic and dose of enzymes may also help, but unfortunately, it may only be a temporary fix.  Look at the over all big picture with regards to your dog’s diet.  If you’re positive that you’re feeding a top notch diet (not only dry either), then adding a supplement or two can help.  However, if you’re feeding a questionable diet, adding a supplement to stop your dog from eating grass is just placing a band aid on the real problem.

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