Have you ever noticed your dog eating grass when you go on a walk or even in your backyard? Dog owners usually discover firsthand that their four-legged friends eat grass. But every pet owner I asked did not know entirely why. Is it a normal behavior? I happily found out that, Yes, I should let my dogs eat grass. It’s a good idea! Eating grass is a typical behavior in older and younger dogs, and there are various reasons why they do it, mainly because of their instincts. Let me explain…
What are the possible reasons why dogs eat grass?
You probably know that your canine companion is a domesticated descendant of the wolf. In genetic terms, the dog is only one leap away from the wolf, and wolves are intelligent about many things, including keeping the pack together and healthy. Big and small dogs have an innate knowledge of the medicines that will keep them in shape. One particular medicine is out there in the grass world. And their natural instinct is to tell them to eat those blades of grass. These grass-eating dogs are eating couch grass. 1
Couch grass carries a natural antibiotic for dogs. When your furry friend is eating the blades of grass, they absorb the volatile oil which is the antibiotic. They also get salts of potassium, two sugars, triticin, and inositol, together with mucilage, all of which are beneficial to a dog’s diet.2
Main Reason that dogs eat grass.
In the picture, you can see my high-energy dogs eating grass. After strenuous play sessions, they love to eat the couch grass blades that grow through the lavender bush. They don’t have any gastrointestinal issues or signs of boredom. But they love the taste of grass. And I let them do it, especially now that I know it is a safe instinctive behavior.
How can dog owners determine if their pet’s grass-eating behavior is a cause for concern?
I was curious when I caught my dog snacking on grass regularly, so I delved into the topic. I discovered that it’s natural and harmless for dogs to eat grass, and many pet parents experience it, too. It’s an easy way to get more plant material in their digestive system while staying healthy.
Informational purposes on ‘couch grass’
Couch grass needs little introduction to the gardener, who will be all too familiar with this grey-green grass with its unruly network of persistent, creeping, underground rhizomes. 3
Your canine companion will happily trot by your side until they reach the couch grass. They will stop at a dead halt if they feel they need some. Couch grass is a urinary tract antiseptic. It contains potassium salts that keep the kidneys in good shape. Therefore, it prevents cystitis, the scourge of the canine world. The mucilage, along with the sugar, has a positive effect on the dog’s gut. 4This is why it’s probably a good idea to let the dog eat grass.
The canine nutritionist blog explains that couch grass treats:
- Bladder problems
- Kidney infections
- Kidney stones
- Liver problems
- Urinary tract infections
- It’s also good for respiratory health. Sore throats and congestion.5
If you think there are medical issues
I realize that some pet parents are anxious about their puppy having a taste of grass or if it looks like an obsessive behavior. Talk to your veterinarian about your canine companion, and ask if any other health concerns are associated with adding this plant material food to your dog’s diet. Sometimes, you need to seek medical advice to stop worrying. I get it.
Understanding the Grass-Eating Habit in Dogs
The botany of grass shows that it is ancient and is in the family Gramineae, the monocotyledonous herbaceous plants. The Latin name of this particular grass is Agropyron repens. The common name is couch grass. It is also called quack grass, twitch grass, witch grass, and wheatgrass. In the past, it was once called dog grass. The plant forms a mat, then puts out runners that can reach up to 2 meters (6 feet) in length.
Dog owners, please don’t worry; eating grass is safe.
Why do dogs eat grass? They eat grass to self-medicate. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not signs of illness or separation anxiety, and instead of a medical problem, it shows that your dog has good instincts. They are often wiser than us! Let them have their taste of grass. Their digestive tract will be happy.
Are there other things that your dog can eat?
Today’s post is about the expected behavior of our canine companions who can eat so much grass. Here are a couple of other posts about what the majority of dogs can eat and the good treats that pet owners can make.
- Can you safely feed your DOG raw chicken HEARTS?
- Healthy and Happy Pup: When Your Puppy Can Eat Carrots?
- Can you safely feed your dog raw chicken feet?
- Beresford-Kroeger, Diana. The Sweetness of a Simple Life: Tips for Healthier, Happier and Kinder Living Gleaned from the Wisdom and Science of Nature (pp. 209-211). Random House of Canada. Kindle Edition. ↩︎
- Beresford-Kroeger, Diana. The Sweetness of a Simple Life: Tips for Healthier, Happier and Kinder Living Gleaned from the Wisdom and Science of Nature. Random House of Canada. ↩︎
- Wildlife Gardening Forum ↩︎
- Beresford-Kroeger, Diana. The Sweetness of a Simple Life: Tips for Healthier, Happier and Kinder Living Gleaned from the Wisdom and Science of Nature. Random House of Canada. Kindle Edition ↩︎
- https://www.caninenutritionist.co.uk/natural-herbs-for-dogs/couch-grass-for-dogs ↩︎
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