Why Does My Dog Keep Eating Grass? What It Really Means (And What Most Owners Get Wrong)

If you've ever watched your dog head straight for the lawn and start grazing like a small, furry cow - you're not alone.

It's one of the most common things dog owners ask about. And most of the time, the answer they get is wrong.

Let's break down what's actually going on, what the science says, and what your dog might be trying to tell you.

The Myth: "They Eat Grass Because They're Sick"

This is the one everyone believes. Your dog eats grass, throws up, and you assume they did it on purpose to settle their stomach.

But the research doesn't support this.

A landmark study from the University of California, Davis surveyed over 1,500 dog owners and found that only about 8% of dogs showed signs of illness before eating grass, and fewer than 25% vomited afterwards. The vast majority of grass-eating dogs weren't sick at all — before or after.

So if they're not doing it because they feel unwell, why are they doing it?

The Real Reasons Dogs Eat Grass

1. It's In Their DNA

Dogs descend from wolves. And wolves eat grass. Studies on wolf populations have found plant material in anywhere from 11% to 74% of stool samples, depending on the season and region.

Wild canines didn't just eat the meat of their prey -  they ate the whole animal, including the stomach contents, which were often full of partially digested plant material. That's how they got their fibre, their phytonutrients, and their digestive enzymes.

Your dog sitting in the backyard pulling up blades of grass isn't broken. They're following an instinct that's been hardwired into them for thousands of years.

2. They're Looking for Fibre

This is the one most people overlook.

Dogs need fibre. It plays a critical role in digestion, gut motility, and healthy stool formation. And while most commercial dog foods technically contain fibre, it's often from low-quality fillers like beet pulp or cellulose - not the kind of fibre a dog's body was designed to process.

In one well-documented case, an 11-year-old Miniature Poodle had been eating grass and vomiting for seven years. When the dog was finally switched to a high-fibre diet, the behaviour stopped completely.

If your dog is consistently going for the grass, their gut might be telling them something their food isn't delivering.

3. They May Be Missing Key Nutrients

Grass eating has been associated with a behaviour called pica - the compulsive eating of non-food items. Pica in dogs has been linked to deficiencies in several key nutrients:

• Iron: essential for oxygen transport and energy

• Zinc: supports immune function, skin health, and coat quality

• Calcium: critical for bones, joints, and muscle function

• B Vitamins (Thiamine, Niacin): vital for energy metabolism and nervous system health

• Vitamin C: an antioxidant that supports joint health and immune response

• Vitamin D: plays a role in calcium absorption and bone strength

Grass itself provides small amounts of some vitamins and minerals, plus chlorophyll and digestive enzymes. It's not a great source of any of them - but a dog seeking it out is often a dog whose body knows something is off.

4. They're Bored or Anxious

Not every reason is nutritional. Some dogs eat grass simply because they're under-stimulated, anxious, or looking for attention. This is especially common in dogs who are left alone for long periods.

Research has shown that grass eating tends to increase as owner contact time decreases. If you've noticed your dog munching more when you're busy or away, it could be a behavioural signal rather than a dietary one.

5. They Might Just Like It

Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. Some dogs genuinely enjoy the taste and texture of grass - especially fresh, young shoots. Puppies in particular tend to eat grass more than older dogs, likely as part of their natural urge to explore the world with their mouths.

Should You Be Worried?

Occasional grass eating is generally harmless. But there are a few things to watch out for:

• Treated lawns. Herbicides, pesticides, and fertilisers on grass can be toxic to dogs. If you're not 100% sure the grass is chemical-free, keep your dog away from it.

• Parasite exposure. Grass contaminated with other animals' faeces can expose your dog to hookworms, roundworms, and other intestinal parasites.

• Frequent or frantic grass eating. If your dog is suddenly eating large amounts of grass urgently, especially accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or weight loss - see your vet. It could point to gastric reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or another underlying condition.

What You Can Actually Do About It

If your dog is a regular grass-eater, here's what's worth trying:

Look at their diet first. Most commercial dog foods are heavily processed and rely on synthetic vitamins and cheap fillers. Your dog's body may be craving the real nutrients it was built to consume -  organ meats, leafy greens, whole-food fibre, and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.

Add more fibre. Not the kind that comes from grain hulls. Real, functional fibre from whole foods like green vegetables, which supports healthy digestion and gut motility.

Fill the nutritional gaps. If your dog is eating a standard kibble diet, they're likely missing out on the nutrient density that comes from organ meats - liver, heart, kidney - which are nature's multivitamins. These are the foods wolves ate alongside grass and plant material. They're packed with bioavailable iron, zinc, B vitamins, and more.

Increase enrichment. If boredom or anxiety might be a factor, more exercise, interactive toys, and quality time can make a real difference.

The Bottom Line

Your dog eating grass isn't weird. It's ancient. It's instinctive. And in many cases, it's their body's way of reaching for something their diet isn't providing.

Wild canines didn't need supplements because they ate whole animals - organs, bones, stomach contents, and all. That diet was naturally rich in fibre, enzymes, and the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals a dog needs to thrive.

Modern dogs don't get that. They get kibble.

The gap between what your dog is eating and what their body actually needs? That's exactly where grass comes in. And that's exactly where Wild Wolf comes in.

One scoop of human-grade, freeze-dried beef organs and greens over their existing food. Real nutrition. No synthetics. No chews. No fuss.

Because if your dog is eating the lawn, maybe it's time to give them what they're actually looking for.

Wild Wolf is Australia's first human-grade dog multivitamin — made from 100% grass-fed, freeze-dried beef organs and greens. Try it today with 20% off your first order.

Sources

1. Sueda, K.L., Hart, B.L., & Cliff, K.D. (2008). "Characterisation of plant eating in dogs." Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 111(1-2), 120-132. View Study

2. Hart, B.L. (2008). "Why do dogs and cats eat grass?" Veterinary Medicine, 103(12), 648-649. View Study

3. VCA Animal Hospitals. "Why Dogs Eat Grass." Read Article

4. PetMD (2026). "Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?" Read Article

5. Animal Biome. "Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Helpful Information for Pet Parents." Read Article

6. Loving Care Animal Hospital (2025). "Is Grass Eating a Sign of Nutritional Deficiency in Dogs?" Read Article