Grass isn't all bad for dogs or cats unless it's been sprayed with certain herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers. Dogs and cats will commonly seek out grasses to ease digestive issues and will attempt to naturally self medicate...
As we've said in previous articles, dogs are scavengers. They've evolved to eat what they find whether it's food scraps, fruit, grasses, seeds, insects and even poo from other animals. Some people believe that eating grass is an inherited trait from wild dogs.
There are, however, some other reasons dogs might eat grass. They could be hungry, looking for nutrients (self-medicating), bored or anxious but could eat grass because they don't feel well. Eating grass may also act as a 'natural antacid'.
Some research has suggested that dogs will also eat grass to add fibre and roughage and to diversify their diet. You can help your dog by adding fibre and diversity with a raw food diet. Adding probiotics (like our Zyota range) and Dogestive, a tummy-toner, containing dolomite, spirulina powder and dandelion powder.
Other research have suggested that some dogs may regularly eat grass to help flush out any parasites that may be in their intestines. The undigested grass could help to clean out the gut by wrapping itself around any parasites and removing them as the grass passes out of the digestive tract
When should you be worried about your dog eating grass?
Things to watch out for;
- Excessive grass eating
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Not eating anything else and weight loss
- Lethargic
- Blood in the stool
- Drooling and licking lips
McDowells recommendations
Take your dog outside!
Be sure that the grass your dog is eating hasnt been sprayed or treated with weed killer, pesticides or ferilisers.
Build gut health
Dogs eat grass to add fibre. Help by using a natural, raw, high fibre diet for your dog.
Recommended products
Roar for Sensitive Guts
Many dogs, like people, suffer from digestion and GIT related upsets. This formula is recommended for those dogs to be used on a daily basis to maintain general health and support beneficial micro flora in the gut to aid digestion.
Zyota Probiotic
Zyota’s Pet Probiotic Broth, powered with postbiotic supernatant Zoonatant™, provides digestive support for a well-balanced microbiome. Zyota’s probiotic broth is the liquid elixir for optimal health and immunity, from the inside out.
Dogestive
Dogestive is a 'tummy-toner' containing 100% natural plant powders. This can be used on a daily basis to maintain general health and support beneficial micro flora in the gut to aid digestion. Formulated by a Master Herbalist and Veterinarian and manufactured in Australia to the highest standard.
