Why is my dog eating grass?

Eating Grass: Harmless Habit or a Sign of Illness?

Dogs have a reputation for eating just about anything — including the lawn. While grass-eating is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes signal an underlying issue your dog is trying to address naturally. Here are the most common reasons.

Upset Stomach

Dogs eat grass to soothe an upset stomach and induce vomiting. Causes of stomach upset include anxiety, dietary changes, a stomach bug, or getting into something they shouldn't have (trash, human food, etc.).

Signs of an upset stomach include:

• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

Vomiting after eating grass is a normal reaction. Keep a close eye on your dog — if symptoms don't improve within a couple of days, schedule a vet appointment.

Dietary Deficiency

If your dog isn't getting complete nutrition — whether from too little food, the wrong food, or too many table scraps — they may turn to grass to fill the gap. Talk to your vet about finding a dog food formula that meets their nutritional needs. See our guide on dog nutrition for what to look for in a quality formula.

Normal Behavior

The most common reason dogs eat grass is simply instinct. Dogs are scavengers by nature, and eating plant matter is a normal behavior. If your pup occasionally snacks on the lawn with no other symptoms, there's usually no cause for concern.

Watch Outs

Grass-eating becomes a problem if the lawn has been treated with herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, or fertilizers. These chemicals can irritate your dog's stomach and cause serious symptoms.

Fertilizers are especially dangerous — many contain organophosphates or carbamates, which can cause symptoms ranging from drooling and watery eyes to seizures, difficulty breathing, and even death.

If you suspect your dog has ingested fertilizer or lawn chemicals, contact your vet immediately. For more on keeping your dog safe outdoors, see our guides on protecting your dog from ticks in the yard and what to do if your dog gets stung.