Why do dogs eat grass? It’s one of the most common “Huh… what are you doing?” moments for dog parents. And while it looks odd, grass-snacking is usually more normal than we think.
Sure, dogs come from wolves, and some of those old scavenger instincts still linger. But there are also a few modern-day reasons your pup might be chowing down on your lawn and some of them might surprise you.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Let’s break down why dogs eat grass, when it’s harmless, when it’s not, and how you can support your dog’s gut, behaviour, and wellbeing naturally.
1. Do Dogs Eat Grass to Settle Their Stomach?
Many dogs instinctively eat grass when their tummy feels “off.” Sometimes it leads to vomiting, sometimes it doesn’t, but for some dogs, grass works a bit like a natural reset button.
If your dog eats grass and vomits regularly, or seems uncomfortable afterwards, it’s worth looking at their overall gut health.
✔ A Simple Way to Support Their Digestion
PetWell DIGEST (the supplement + DIGEST + Kangaroo functional treats) is designed by an animal naturopath to gently support digestion, soothe the stomach, and nourish the gut microbiome.
Perfect for dogs and cats who get occasional tummy upsets or tend to graze more when they’re not feeling 100%.
Read next: Understanding Gut Issues in Dogs
2. Could It Be a Nutrient Gap?
If your dog’s diet is missing certain nutrients or fibre, they may seek alternative sources, and for some dogs, that means grass.
This doesn’t automatically mean their food is poor quality; some pets just have unique nutritional needs.
✔ A Balanced Diet Makes a Big Difference
A pet nutritionist can help tailor meals for your dog’s age, lifestyle, and sensitivities. Adding a gut-supportive supplement like DIGEST can also improve nutrient absorption and reduce the urge to forage.
3. Is It Instinct for a Dogs to Eat Grass?
Wild canines eat plant matter all the time, whether intentionally or through the stomach contents of their prey. While your dog isn’t exactly chasing down a deer in suburban Melbourne, the instinct to snack on greens can still pop up.
✔ Keep Their Diet Well-Rounded
If your dog’s meals are balanced and they’re otherwise healthy, instinctual grazing is usually harmless. Just keep an eye on frequency and any symptoms afterwards.
Read next: How to Create a Balanced Diet for Your Dog
4. Are They Bored or Feeling Anxious?
Dogs are clever creatures. When they’re under-stimulated or feeling a bit stressed, they can develop displacement habits like obsessively chewing grass.
Sniff walks, training games, food puzzles, and regular exercise go a long way in redirecting this behaviour.
✔ Support Their Emotional Wellbeing
If your dog tends to graze more when they’re nervous or overwhelmed, PetWell CALM (supplement + CALM + Turkey treats) can help.
It contains soothing, natural ingredients such as chamomile and green tea, both of which naturally provide calming compounds like L-theanine and tryptophan without needing to add them synthetically.
Great for easing tension and helping anxious pets feel more secure.
Read next: What Is Dog Anxiety? Causes, Symptoms & Proven Solutions
5. Do They Simply Enjoy the Taste?
Believe it or not, some dogs just love the texture of grass. Think of it as the canine version of snacking on celery, a bit odd, but oddly satisfying.
A nibble here and there is usually nothing to worry about.
✔ A Gentle Deterrent If It Becomes a Habit
If your dog starts treating your backyard like a salad bar, dog-safe deterrent sprays can help. They’re not harmful, they just taste a bit unpleasant to dogs.
Always consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog's health or if they exhibit any unusual symptoms after eating grass.
Are There Risks When Dogs Eat Grass?
Grass isn’t always dangerous, but there are times when you should step in.
1. Exposure to Chemicals
Lawns, especially public areas may be sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. These can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Symptoms may include:
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• shaking or tremors
• lethargy
✔ Avoid recently treated areas and parks with unknown maintenance routines.
2. Toxic Plants Hidden Among the Grass
Some plants are extremely poisonous to pets, and dogs may ingest them accidentally while grazing.
✔ Know the plants around your home and remove anything unsafe.
Read next: 10 Poisonous Plants for Pets
3. Bacteria and Parasites
Grass contaminated with faeces can carry:
• hookworms
• roundworms
• Giardia
• harmful bacteria
This can lead to gastrointestinal illness or infections.
✔ Stick to clean areas and avoid popular dog-toilet spots in parks.
4. Choking or Blockages
Long grass blades can cause gagging or irritation. Very large quantities (rare but possible) may lead to digestive obstruction.
✔ Seek vet care if your dog has vomiting, abdominal pain, or sudden appetite loss.
Should You Worry About Your Dog Eating Grass?
Most of the time, a bit of grass-snacking is perfectly normal. But if it’s happening frequently, seems compulsive, or comes with symptoms, it’s worth digging deeper.
Supporting the whole dog, body and mind usually reduces the behaviour naturally.
Healthy habits that help reduce grass-eating:
✔ Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet
✔ Support daily gut health (hello, DIGEST!)
✔ Add enrichment + quality exercise
✔ Manage stress and anxiety (CALM works wonders)
✔ Keep your outdoor spaces as toxin-free as possible
✔ Schedule regular vet check-ups
When your dog’s gut, mind, and environment are supported, they’re far less likely to go hunting for greenery.
FAQs
Why does my dog suddenly start eating grass?
Sudden grass-eating can mean your dog is feeling a bit nauseous, anxious, bored, or has changes in their diet or routine. Sometimes it’s completely harmless, but if it becomes frequent or comes with vomiting, diarrhoea, or low energy, it’s best to chat with your vet and look at gut support like PetWell DIGEST.
Is it normal for dogs to eat grass?
Yes, most dogs eat grass occasionally. For many, it’s instinctual or simply enjoyable. It's only a concern if it becomes excessive or is paired with symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or stomach pain.
Does grass help dogs vomit?
It can, but it doesn’t always. Some dogs vomit after eating grass, while others don’t. It’s not proven that they purposely eat grass to vomit, but grass can irritate the stomach enough to bring things up.
If vomiting happens often, support their gut and speak to your vet.
Can anxiety make dogs eat grass?
Yes anxious dogs may graze more as a self-soothing behaviour. If your dog tends to eat grass during stressful moments (visitors, storms, walks, separation), anxiety could be the cause. PetWell CALM can support emotional balance naturally.
Why do puppies eat grass?
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, grass included. It’s usually curiosity, teething comfort, or boredom. Provide plenty of enrichment and redirect them to safe chew toys.
Next Read: Dog Behaviour Problems & Natural Fixes
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
This article was prepared by the team at PetWell. Australia’s trusted provider of natural, human-grade pet supplements and freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats. Drawing on holistic animal behaviour insights and years of working with canine clients, PetWell champions kind, calm and scientifically informed solutions for every pet parent.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
