Expert: Angela Donald - 11/21/2009

Question
Hi Angela,

I have a concern that has been bothering me for years.  I have two boxers one 9 and the other is just two.  However, both dogs graze on grass every day. The older of the two will eat grass until she vomits and the other just eats grass until I encourage him to stop. Is this because there is something lacking in their diet or just a nasty habit?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Gary,

Grass eating is basically a normal behavior for dogs.
All dogs commonly eat grass and there are several explanations that have been offered for this behavior by the scientific community.

1). Wild canines like wolves and coyotes eat all of an animal when they catch it. Since canids eat many herbivores (plant-eating animals) they do end up eating grasses and plants that were in the intestines of these animals.So our domesticated dogs may eat grass because it is a normal part of their diet and it could be a deficiency in their diets we currently feed them.

2). Sometimes dogs will vomit after eating grass. Why they vomit after eating grass is still a debate but it seems that some dogs may eat grass when they have an upset stomach which in turn causes them to vomit and may give them some relief. On the other hand eating too much grass may cause a reflexive regurgitation action typically found in wild canids as a way to feed their young. So the dog may be eating grass to mimic this action without knowing why they should do it. A natural instinct.

3.) Some dogs just like eating grass and may seek out only certain types of grasses like we seek out our favorite foods which I would consider habit forming.

From all of these answers I tend to believe they all have merit.

Thank you so much for your question.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com