Why Do Dogs and Cats Eat Grass?
14 Sep 2008
Theories to explain this unusual behavior
While it may be alarming to see Fido or Fluffy nibbling on the front lawn or a houseplant, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern unless the grass or plant was recently treated with pesticide, fertilizer, or another poisonous chemical. Both dogs and cats from time to time may take an interest in grass or similar substances, each for different purposes that can actually benefit their bodies.
Related Products
Digestive Supportâ„¢ is an herbal tonic that maintains healthy digestive functioning in pets
Learn more about
Digestive Support
Dogs tend to self-medicate their bodies and regulate behavior through occasional ingestion of plants, as the diets they often receive in captivity are vastly different than what they would eat in the wild. Dogs are not simply carnivorous, and can be often seen hunting for roots and fruits. Since dogs evolved from wolves, in the wild, wolves and dogs may eat an herbivore prey that they have killed, and often first go for the stomach area of the carcass where they will find roots, leaves and berries.
In domestication, a dog’s diet often consists of commercial dog food, which contains synthetic preservatives, coloring and fillers. Constant intake of such substances often leads to dog aggression, when the dog’s discomfort exceeds tolerance levels. Over time, this grain-based, high-carbohydrate diet can lead to digestive upset and even diabetes. Again considering the evolutionary perspective, wild dogs consume only minimal quantity of grains, in the shape of already-digested paste and juices in the intestines of a seed-eating prey.
However, even though grass ingestion appears to have some redeeming qualities for an dog, it can sometimes lead to vomiting. Some veterinary experts suspect that ingestion could have been a catalyst for self-induced vomiting to relieve stomach upset. Whether or not it was intentional, it may have detoxifying properties for this very purpose.
Related Products
Furball Dr.â„¢ helps aid digestion, maintain regular bowels and prevent furballs in cats
Learn more about
Furball Dr.
Cats often ingest plants and grass for this very same reason—mainly to assist common bodily functions. Cats are avid groomers and seem to spend hours preening and licking themselves. Unfortunately, this usually means that they end up swallowing a lot of loose fur, which accumulates in their stomach to form matted lumps called furballs.
While furballs are usually vomited or emitted in feces as part of the body’s natural elimination process, a weak digestive system, modern diet, sedentary lifestyles, or inadequate nutrition can interfere with this process. To help stimulate this elimination, cats may use grass as a laxative or to self-induce furballs, as it acts a roughage to promote bowel movement or regurgitation. This not only helps promote overall health as bodily functioning is restored, but also relieves the discomfort associated with the blockage.
It may also be possible that the dog or cat just likes the taste! However, it is important to discourage ingestion of grass or plants directly after a meal, as unintentional regurgitation of dinner may result.
Related Products
FurBall Dr. â„¢ - Aid digestion, maintain regular bowels and prevent furballs
GlucoBalance â„¢ - Natural pancreatic tonic keeps blood sugar and insulin levels within normal range
Flatulence Preventer â„¢ - Promote digestive health and reduce common gas and unpleasant smells
AggressionFormula â„¢ - Discourage routine restlessness and promote soothed behavior
Immunity and Liver Support â„¢ - Promote healthy immune system and liver functioning
Kidney Support â„¢ - Support healthy kidney functioning
LiverAid â„¢ - Effective natural tonic for the liver and pancreas
Natural Moves â„¢ - For regular bowels and digestive system
ParasiteDr. â„¢ - Natural remedy to promote digestive health and integrity
View all PetAlive Products >>
“Since beginning on the FurBall Dr. we have seen definite improvement and she seems to be able to eat normally again. Thank you for all the assistance!” - Thea
“Thank you for the help and guidance you have given me. My beautiful Collie has not been so comfortable in years. He just seems to be so much happier and healthier and we are so pleased that we followed your advice regarding Digestive Support and diet.” -Alison, NJ, USA
“Thank you for all the work you are doing to supply natural herbs and medicines for our pets. From now on your website will be my first port of call when there is a problem. The Natural Moves for Pets capsules worked very well for my dog and we have not had a problem since we used them for one week only more then a month ago. You definitely have my vote!” -Vincent
Pamper Your Dog: 130 Treats for Your Canine Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies...-dog-130-recipes.pdf
Pamper Your Cat: 100 Treats for Your Feline Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies...-cat-100-recipes.pdf
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies for Pets, please visit PetAlive!
Would you like to learn the healing art of Aromatherapy, Color/Crystal Therapy or Reflexology? Become an Aromatherapy Practitioner, Color, Crystal Practitioner, or a practitioner of Reflexology through the certification home study and distance-learning courses at Alternative Healing Academy!
An I.D. Tag can save your pet’s life or bring him home again. Visit Tags For Pets now!
Free PDF Pet Ebook of the Day
Spring Fever Unleashed: Managing Your Pet's Seasonal Woes
Simply Right Click and choose Save As to save to your desktop! More FREE Natural Health, Wellness and Pet Ebooks at Remedies4.com!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Leave a reply