At some point, nearly every dog owner will witness their furry friend munching on grass. This behavior is prevalent among dogs of all breeds. But why do dogs eat grass?
While most dogs eat grass to soothe an upset stomach, it's not always the primary reason. As we will find out in this article, some dogs might nibble on grass simply out of boredom or because they enjoy the taste.
Theory 1: Dietary Supplementation
One common theory suggests that dogs eat grass to supplement their diet with nutrients they may be lacking, such as fiber or minerals. Grass can provide roughage that aids in digestion and helps alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
Theory 2: Instinctual Behavior
Dogs are descendants of carnivores, but they are also opportunistic omnivores. In the wild, wolves and other canines occasionally consume plant matter as part of their diet. Eating grass may be a residual instinct from their ancestors' foraging habits.
Theory 3: Digestive Aid
Grass contains chlorophyll, which may act as a mild laxative and aid in the expulsion of indigestible material from a dog's stomach. Some dogs may instinctively eat grass to induce vomiting if they feel unwell or have an upset stomach.
Theory 4: Behavioral Enrichment
Dogs may also eat grass as a form of behavioral enrichment. Chewing on grass can provide mental stimulation and alleviate boredom, especially for dogs who spend a lot of time indoors or lack other outlets for natural behaviors.
Theory 5: Medical Reasons
In some cases, grass eating may be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as gastrointestinal upset, dietary deficiencies, or parasites. If a dog excessively eats grass or shows signs of illness alongside this behavior, it's essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
Imbalanced gut
With the exception of 'eating grass out of boredom,' all of these theories tightly relate to overall gut health. We can easily assume the gut is out of balance if our dog likes to munch on the grass.
Because we've listened to Dr. Svenja about the importance of gut involvement in the immune system and brain functioning, we know how important it is to restore the gut balance of our dog.
How can we restore the balance of the canine gut?
One of the easiest and most effective ways to restore the balance is to supplement with biotics as soon as we see the symptom - grass munching.
Belly Champ is a natural digestion, gut, and immunity fix. It contains EpiCor® Pets postbiotic, with over 20 metabolites, and 10 Billion CFU BPL1 postbiotic, clinically proven to increase helpful microbiota. It also contains all-natural ingredients rich in fiber, omegas, and vitamins. What's best, it's in the shape of a small sausage dogs LOVE to eat.
For best results, we should keep the supplement regime on a daily basis.
