Mow Problems: Why Dogs Eat Grass and How to Help
It’s a sight many pet parents know all too well: your dog suddenly beelines for the lawn, munches down a few blades of grass… and moments later, throws up on your rug. 😬 But is this behavior something to worry about?
Let’s dig into why dogs eat grass, when it becomes a problem, and what you can do to help.
🌱 Theories Behind the Grass Munching
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Tummy Troubles?: Some experts believe dogs may eat grass to help themselves throw up when their stomach feels off. The American Kennel Club notes this might be because the rough texture of grass helps trigger a natural gag reflex or soothes mild stomach upset (AKC). But a study from Sueda, Hart & Cliff at UC Davis found that most dogs who eat grass aren’t actually sick beforehand, and only about a quarter vomit afterward (DVM 360: Why do dogs and cats eat grass?).
Did You Know? According to a UC Davis study, 79% of dogs eat grass—but only 22% vomit afterward. It’s not always about an upset stomach! -
Wild Roots: Wild dogs and wolves eat plants found in the stomachs of their prey. So it’s possible our dogs inherited the urge to munch on something green
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Looking for Fiber: In at least one case, switching a dog to a high-fiber diet completely stopped its daily grass-eating habit—suggesting some dogs might be self-correcting a dietary gap (Journal of Veterinary Medical Science).
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Hunger-Driven Grazing: Dogs in one study were more likely to eat grass before meals than after. It’s not a full meal, but it might be a snacky instinct when their stomachs are empty.
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Boredom or Attention-Seeking: Some pups eat grass out of boredom—or because they know it gets a big reaction from you! More playtime and enrichment can help curb that habit (PetMD).
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It Just Tastes Good: For some dogs, munching grass might just feel or taste satisfying. Not everything they eat makes sense to us (looking at you, sock chewers).
⚠️ When It Becomes a Problem
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Throwing Up Isn’t Always a Goal—or Safe: Although some dogs vomit after eating grass, most do not, and inducing vomiting can cause esophageal or stomach irritation if frequent.
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Chemical Danger: Grass treated with fertilizers, weed killers, or other chemicals can be toxic to pets, even in small amounts. ASPCA’s Plant Toxicity Database is a great reference.
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Intestinal Blockages: Grass is hard to digest. In large amounts, it can bunch up and cause an intestinal blockage—especially in small dogs. PetMD and VCA Animal Hospitals have great information on how to recognize signs of obstruction. Your vet may recommend supportive care like fluids, a bland diet—or, if you already have The Uh-Oh Kit on hand, Tackle Gastro Upset might be a helpful first step under their guidance.
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It Might Be Pica: If your dog frequently eats non-food items like grass, dirt, or paper, it could be a sign of a behavioral or nutritional issue. If it’s a regular habit, your vet can help rule out underlying causes and build a plan to redirect the behavior.
✅ What You Can Do
Although you can’t stop your pup from encountering grass, you can set them up for success.
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Support Gut Health: Try adding a vet-approved probiotic like our Readjust Upset Tummies to their routine, especially if they’ve had GI issues in the past. For sudden stomach upsets, our Tackle Gastro Upset offers fast-acting, vet-curated relief.
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Feed Strategically in Summer: Some dogs eat less in hot weather, which may contribute to grass eating. Ensure meals are appealing, easy to digest, and offered in a cool, shaded spot during the day.
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Prevent Bored Grazing: Dogs who get enough mental stimulation – walks, sniff breaks, puzzle toys – are less likely to turn to grass as entertainment.
💡Bottom Line
Grass-eating isn’t always an emergency, but it’s often your dog’s way of telling you something’s off—whether it’s tummy trouble, stress, or boredom. A few small changes to their routine can go a long way in keeping them healthy, happy, and out of the ER.
—Dr. Nikki Meredith, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian & Co-founder of Puppylation Health
“No-Mow”, Banana-Yo Treat
A frozen treat to calm bellies and curb lawn munching
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Optional: 1 Readjust Upset Tummies (opened and sprinkled in)
Instructions: Blend and pour into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Freeze. Serve outside for a soothing, probiotic-packed treat.
🐾 P.S. If you want to be ready for tummy troubles, our Uh-Oh Kit includes fast-acting remedies like Tackle Gastro Upset—vet-curated and paw-approved.
Dr. Nicolette Meredith, DVM is an emergency veterinarian and co-founder of Puppylation Health. She’s passionate about giving pet parents the confidence and tools they need to handle everyday “uh-ohs” with calm and care. Her expertise fuels everything from The Uh-Oh Kit to our new wellness series, Vet Tips, No Trips.
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