Have you ever been out on a walk with your dog, and suddenly they stop to munch on some grass like they’re at an all-you-can-eat salad bar? You’re not alone - lots of us notice this and wonder: “Is this normal? Should I be worried?”
The short answer? Maybe... While there are exceptions, for most dogs, eating grass is completely natural and not usually a sign of illness.
Just the other day, I watched our dog carefully sniff through a patch of grass, choosing specific blades like a chef selecting herbs. It made me pause and remember what I learned on my Zoopharmacognosy course - our dogs are intuitive creatures. Their instincts are often much smarter than we give them credit for.
According to vets and holistic pet experts (like Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM), many dogs eat grass because it offers real benefits. Grass is rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants, and fibre, which support digestion, detoxification, and even organ health. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, the spleen is considered especially vulnerable in dogs—and interestingly, green foods like grass are believed to support spleen and blood health.
Here are some of the reasons dogs might nibble on grass:
That said, not every grass-munching session means your pup is feeling off. While some dogs do vomit afterward, it's more common in dogs who eat highly processed food or kibble, likely due to nutritional imbalances.
It’s a common misconception that dogs eat grass in order to throw up or to help settle their stomach. A 2008 survey found that fewer than 1 in 10 dogs showed signs of being ill before they ate grass, and only a quarter were regularly sick afterwards. So, although some dogs do vomit after eating grass, more times than not, they don’t suffer negative repercussions.
Let’s be real - most of us aren’t harvesting fresh sedge grass for our dog’s dinner bowl. But the good news is, we can offer them similar benefits by adding safe fruits and veggies into their diet - especially when fresh seasonal produce is abundant in spring and summer.
Here are some dog-friendly fruits and veggies to consider:
| 🥦 Veggies | 🍓 Fruits |
|---|---|
| Lettuce, Bok Choy, Kale, Dandelion Greens | Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries |
| Courgette, Cucumber | Watermelon (seedless) |
| Carrots (blended or cooked) | Apple slices (no seeds) |
| Broccoli & Brussels sprouts (lightly cooked) | Banana (in small amounts) |
| Parsley, Cilantro, Basil | Pear (no seeds or core) |
These additions offer fibre, hydration, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Just make sure to introduce new foods slowly and choose organic or pesticide-free produce when you can. And always double-check what’s safe - some foods (like grapes, onions, and avocado) are toxic to dogs.
Most of the time, a dog nibbling on grass now and then is totally normal and nothing to worry about. But there are a few signs that might mean it’s time to check in with a vet.
The dog is eating grass all the time and can’t seem to stop
The dog eats grass and keeps being sick afterward
The dog is ignoring its regular food but still eating grass
So, if you see your dog happily munching on a bit of grass during a walk or in the garden, it’s probably just fine. But if anything seems unusual - or if you’re ever unsure - it’s always best to talk to a vet just in case.
So, the next time your dog starts grazing in the garden, don’t panic. If they’re healthy, up to date on check-ups, and eating a balanced, species-appropriate diet (whether raw or gently cooked), the occasional grass snack is perfectly normal - and may even be doing them some good.
Our pups have instincts for a reason. Sometimes, we just need to trust them - and meet them halfway. 🌿💚
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