Why Is My Doodle Dog Chewing Grass?

The question is Why Is my Doodle dog chewing grass? Is your dog desperate to eat grass every time he goes outside? Grass-eating may be worrisome for some Doodle owners, but as it turns out, it may not mean anything at all. Today we are going to explore why dogs eat grass and how to stop it.

• No one is 100% certain why dogs eat grass, though there are many hypotheses. But, to put it simply, there isn’t enough research to pinpoint precisely why dogs may eat grass on occasion. Few studies are on this topic. And, since dogs can’t express what they are experiencing, it can be hard to determine the cause.
• Using what we know about a dog’s psychology, biology, and ancestry, we can make some guesses to this question. Here are a few reasons researchers think dogs eat grass.

Upset Stomach

• It has been a long-accepted thought that a dog eats grass when sick. It was reasoned that they might be eating grass to induce vomiting to relieve an upset stomach. But, recent studies have found that this is not always true. The percentage of dogs eating grass and vomiting is only 25%. That means 75% of the time a dog is eating grass for other reasons. This research leads us to believe that there are many different reasons your dog could be eating grass.
• And there is always the question of when did the stomach ache occur? Did the dog eat the grass because of a stomach ache? Or did he get it after ingesting the grass? Since we can not ask our fellow companions these questions, we may never know the answer. But, if you ever think that your dog may be ill, please contact your veterinarian right away.

Dietary Supplement

• Some studies have shown that dogs will only eat certain types of grass. When they do this, it may be that they are missing some dietary supplements. The grass is high in fiber, as well as other vitamins that they could be missing out on. While this is the least likely answer, it is not impossible.
• The reason it is least likely is that we feed our dogs a nutrient-rich kibble. Even the lowest-quality dog kibble has to meet the AAFCO standards. But, if you feel like your dog may be missing essential parts of his diet, you may want to switch him to a high-quality food. You can also give vitamins in addition to any dry kibble to fulfill all dietary needs.

Psychological

• We all know that sometimes our Doodles act out to get our attention, and this may be the case with grass-eating. If your dog is desperate to eat grass for the recognition, he may be bored, lonely, or even anxious. Some Doodles like to get a reaction out of you if they feel ignored. This reaction doesn’t always have to be a good one.
• Be sure to assess the situation and determine if your Doodle has enough stimulation. Make sure that you have a proper rotation of toys and puzzles for when you are away. And, take your Doodle for more frequent walks around the neighborhood to blow off some energy. And the most important thing is to spend time with them. Put your phone down and spend good quality time with your Doodle every day. They thrive off your attention and will do anything to get it.

Instinct

• Some research has shown that wolves are scavengers that regularly eat grass. There are even wolves that they found preserved for thousands of years with grass in their stomachs. It is thought that wolves will eat grass to fill their stomachs when food has been more scarce.
• If your Doodle only eats grass on occasion, this may be the likely cause. We have bred our dogs for generations, but some instincts will always remain. To solve this problem, read the instructions on your food packages carefully. Make sure that you are feeding an appropriate amount for your dog’s size and age. You can even split up their meals to keep them full longer.

Like It

• Some Doodles will eat grass simply because they like it. They never throw up after, and may only eat it occasionally. They like the taste, and so they will take a few nibbles here and there. Some sweeter grass may have a pleasant smell and taste so that they may take a few bites as a snack. There is nothing wrong with them eating grass as a snack, but you may want to find healthier alternatives. Treats high in fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only are they good for them, but it gives them something a little different to chew on, which can cure the craving.

When You Should Worry

Generally, eating grass is nothing to worry about. But, you should always keep an eye on your dog and look for signs that grass eating is the cause of something more serious.

• Look for signs such as:
  • weightloss
  • loss of appetite
  • a sudden increase in grass-eating
  • diarrhea
  • large amounts of vomiting
  • low energy levels
  • blood in stools or vomit
• If your Doodle experiences any of these things, call your vet to make an appointment ASAP. These are all signs of more serious medical conditions that could be life-threatening.

Why You Shouldn’t Allow Grass-Eating

• While eating grass is not toxic to your Doodle, how we care for our lawns can be. We often use insecticides on our lawns to keep them bug-free. These chemicals can be hazardous to your Doodle’s gut if ingested. We also use fertilizers in our gardens to keep them green and lush throughout most of the year. These chemicals can cause severe damage to your pup if they eat them.
• There is also a risk of eating animal waste in the process of eating grass. Outdoor cats and wild animals use the bathroom wherever they are at. This can pose a threat of intestinal disease and parasites.
• So while eating grass itself is not harmful, the chemicals we use and animal waste can be. If you use any chemicals on your lawn, it is best to keep your dog from eating the grass at all costs.

How To Stop Dog Eating Grass

• If your dog has no medical conditions that may cause grass-eating, your next plan of action is to train them to stop. Training can be challenging to do, but with patience and persistence, it is possible.

Do Not Leave Them Alone

• During this training process, do not leave your dog alone in the yard. Keep them leashed when possible is an excellent way to prevent your dog from eating grass. Walking them on a leash is the most effective method to use during the training process. Once you know that your dog will not eat your lawn anymore, feel free to give him free-range of your yard with supervision. Then you can leave him alone once you can completely trust him.

Teach Commands

• During these supervised walks or playtimes, teach your dog commands like “leave it” or “come.” Both of these commands will prove useful in many situations. A Doodle that knows these commands well will drop everything to listen to you. Teaching them the “come” command helps remove them from situations. Let’s say that your dog has wandered into a neighbors yard to eat their grass. With a well-trained dog, you can tell them to leave it and come with no issues at all.
• Doodles are highly intelligent, so it won’t take your dog long to catch on that you tell him to stop every time he eats grass. Soon he will make the connection that this is bad. But, you will need to give him something that he can chew on. Small training treats or chewing bones are great to relieve that urge to eat.

Pet Grass

If your dog is eating grass just for the taste, pet grass will give a tasty and healthy treat. You can buy pet grass, like Todd’s Seeds. These seeds turn into delicious wheatgrass that is high in fiber and tastes fantastic. It can provide a safe snack alternative for any pet that you can feel proud of. You can plant these seeds in a pot or in a pad to have a fresh patch always available. Wheatgrass grows fast and survives in colder weather too. So your dog will enjoy them all year round.

Vegetable Treats

• If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! You can also provide your dog with a high fiber snack with fresh vegetables. Dogs love cut up carrots as a training treat. Or even an occasional green bean. These treats are healthy and provide them with a pure source of nutrients they might crave. You can use these treats as an excellent reward for leaving the grass alone during walks or potty times.

In Conclusion

While your dog eating grass and vomiting is never a good sign, the chances are that your dog will be perfectly fine. With these possible explanations and solutions, hopefully, you can stop a dog desperate to eat grass before it becomes an issue. Don’t forget to follow our blog to get more intriguing information on all things Doodle!

Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!

Sharing is caring!