Deb D’Andrea, Nederland. I’ve had several people come up to me and ask “Why does my dog eat grass?” While we can never really know without them telling us, we can speculate. Is it because
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Deb D’Andrea, Nederland. I’ve had several people come up to me and ask “Why does my dog eat grass?” While we can never really know without them telling us, we can speculate. Is it because there’s something lacking in their diet? Do they just enjoy the taste? Is there a scent on the blade they sense? Or do they not feel good and this is their cure.
If you look back at canine ancestors, you’ll see that they devoured their plant-eating prey entirely. This included the prey’s stomach that contained enzymes which break down consumed plant material, the perfect mix.
They also would eat berries, fruits, and other vegetables, too. My girls love their veggies, especially whole carrots that they hold between their paws and eat like a bone. Corn on the cob is a favorite, with me holding and turning the cob as they nibble off each kernel. Of course, it’s not a good idea to let them eat the cob, as many a pup has undergone surgery due to a lodged cob.
As a fiber addition to their diet, grass contains several nutrients that may be lacking in their food. If your pup is a grass connoisseur, consider buying them their own indoor tray to munch on to avoid any pesticides or other chemicals used outdoors. Of course, keep an eye out for any sudden increase in grass consumption, as it may be a sign of an illness your pup is trying to self-treat.
So the next time your pup is munching grass, take note. Are they gently running it over their tongues, pulling off the scent of a previous passer-byer? Are they ripping into it, chewing and swallowing with a smile on their face? Or have you noticed they’re not feeling themselves and have decided to add grazing into their diet to balance things out?
Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides mobile Canine Massage, Canine Agility and Petz Nanny Services for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, and other critters. 4TheLuvOfDogz home-made dog treats are sold at local stores, and K9Birthday Cakes are available direct. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or info@4theluvofdogz.com for more information.
