Why Does a Dog Eat Grass?

A Dog is Not a Cow

Ever wonder why your dog eats grass? Dog food certainly doesn’t taste good to us, but it can’t be THAT bad, right? There are several theories out there, and most are wrong. Most people think dogs eat grass to make themselves sick, when in fact the dogs are most likely already ill.

Studies have been executed to try and link grass easting with illness, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and lack of roughage in the diet, none of which found any significant evidence. If you see dogs only eating grass from certain areas, this could be because it might taste better or have higher mineral deposits. Other ideas include that these are areas where other dogs have scented, or other animals have urinated.

But, fear not. Routinely eating small amounts of grass will not hurt your dog, and is perfectly normal. You should only worry when your dog eats lots of grass. It’s not easily digestible and there is a danger if vomiting occurs; pieces of grass can be deposited in the nasal cavity, which can lead to infection.

Meet Andrew Daniels and Charlie Brown

Meet Andrew Daniels, Chicago Pet Photo & Video’s Production Coordinator
Andrew enjoys working with animals of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. When Andrew is not shooting and editing videos or taking pictures for Chicago Pet Video, he is in the pursuit of tickling your funny bone at the iO theater. He is a 90’s music fanatic and his favorite Karaoke tunes range from “Zombie” by the Cranberries to “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. Give him a high-five the next time you see him (if you’re truly daring, maybe even a high-ten!)

Pet’s name and age:  Charlie Brown, 9 Years Old

Breed:  Welsh Corgi

Three words to describe your pet:  Friendly, Overweight, Absentminded

What stood out to you when picking them from the liter?  He had a hernia when he was born, which made him the runt of the litter.  We got him as a Christmas present and he reminded my parents of the puny little tree in A Charlie Brown Christmas, so they named him Charlie Brown.

Most unique trait:  Worst Guard Dog Ever…He loves everyone unconditionally.

Ideal day:  Sleep, eat, bark, sleep, sleep, wake up, sleep, eat, sleep.

Biggest guilty pleasure: Cheese.

Worst habit:  Pooping in living room or right in front of laundry room.  If he did it on the linoleum in the kitchen or tiles in the bathroom, we would like him more.  Or, you know, actually using the backyard bathroom.

Best trick:  “Be cute.”

Favorite outfit:  His Superman costume.

All time favorite thing about your pet:  Sometimes I completely forget he exists, but then I go back home and remember and I’m so excited to see him.  I feel like he has the exact same thought process.