Eating grass is something that many dogs indulge in, and few show any sign of being badly affected. Yet it is something that worries a lot of dog owners.

If you are concerned about your dog’s grass eating habit, this article will clear up a few common misconceptions for you.

Does Your Dog Need “Veggies”?

Dogs are omnivores, so they need nutrients from a variety of sources, including meat and vegetables. As grass is plentiful, it has always formed an important part of the diet of wolves and other canine species. It may even be of medicinal value to them.

You’ve probably noticed how your dog heads for the nearest patch of grass when he’s feeling under the weather. The experts can’t agree as to why this is. Some believe they eat the grass to force themselves to throw up, others think that throwing up is a consequence of eating grass.

Will Eating Grass Harm Your Dog?

If this is your concern, you’re not alone, especially if your dog throws up after chewing grass. Eating grass is common canine behavior, wild dogs do it too and without any signs of lasting health problems.

In fact, a recent study discovered that approximately 8 out of 10 dogs regularly eat grass and that eating grass has no ill effects on the dog’s general health or physical condition.

Why Your Dog Eats Grass.Some believe dogs eat grass when they are feeling unwell, but the evidence does not support this. Most dog owners surveyed reported that their dogs showed no sign of being ill prior to eating grass. It also seems unlikely that dogs consume grass in order to induce vomiting. Only 1 in 4 owners noticed their dog throwing up after eating grass.

What seems likely is that grass is the main source of fiber for dogs. This is backed up by evidence that, where fiber supplements are added to a dog’s diet, he suddenly stops consuming grass.

Is Eating Grass Healthy For Your Dog? So if eating grass isn’t harmful, does it have any health benefits for a dog?

Grass offers very little nutritional value. Cattle and other herbivores that rely on it as their primary source of food have to eat tons of the stuff just to get the nutrients they need.

So the small amount consumed by a dog probably has virtually no nutritional value. Having said that it must provide some benefit, as vegetable matter is important in an omnivorous diet.

So if it is beneficial why does it sometimes make them vomit? The jury’s out on that one, but at least all the experts agree that eating grass is not dangerous for your dog.

Read more about why do dogs eat grass, dog care, dog health and other interesting dog advice at dogsanddogtraining.com.

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