Why Do Dogs and Cats Eat Grass?
Is Grass-Eating Behaviour Harmful For Pets?
Dogs seem to eat just about anything. Their scavenger natures can have them empty all the food in their bowls and still go looking for what’s in the cat’s litter box (Coprophagia). Almost all dogs eat grass sometimes, and some dogs make it a regular part of their diet.
Some Reasons Dogs May Eat Grass
There is much speculation about why dogs eat grass; here are some of the likely causes:
- They enjoy the taste
- Their diet is lacking in nutrients
- To induce vomiting
Is It Bad For My Dog To Eat Grass?
Generally speaking, eating grass doesn’t pose a problem for dogs. The main concern would be if grass or weeds had been treated with pesticides or herbicides. If this is the case, you should keep your dog inside for a while. Read the labels on any chemicals you may use in the backyard/garden to see if it is harmful to animals, and if it is, how long it will be toxic for.
It is believed that there is something in grass that stimulates vomiting, and that dogs will eat grass to induce vomiting to settle an upset stomach. Some dogs can eat grass without vomiting and it is thought that they simply enjoy the taste.
Cats eating grass is also fairly typical, and again there is some speculation as to why, however, there are some likely theories about this behaviour. Grass is generally not very digestible to cats and they don’t eat it for any nutritional value.
Some Reasons Cats May Eat Grass
- They enjoy the taste
- To induce vomiting
When cats groom themselves, they ingest a lot of their own fur. Eating grass and inducing vomiting can help to bring up this fur thereby avoiding fur balls before they can cause a problem.
Feral cats or those that eat live prey, for example a mouse, may use grass to induce vomiting and bring up parts of the mouse that aren't well digested, such as bones and fur.
Outside cats tend to enjoy fresh grass, while inside cats will often nibble on houseplants.
Is It Bad For My Cat To Eat Grass?
Again, it is not usually dangerous for cats to eat grass unless grass has been treated with pesticides or herbicides. Some houseplants, however, may be poisonous to cats, and some cats may not be able to differentiate between the safe and dangerous plants.
When purchasing a new houseplant, obtain as much information you can about the plant. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice on which plants are safe for cats to eat.
If you are concerned at all about your pets grass eating behaviour, for example it is eating more than usual and/or throwing up a lot, consult your veterinarian for advice.
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