Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? (And No, He’s Not a Cow!)

You’d think with a bowl full of premium kibble and a treat stash that would make any dog jealous, mine wouldn’t feel the need to graze like a sheep on the village green. But there he is—nose down, tail wagging, chomping away at the grass like he’s discovered some gourmet greenery.

At first, I thought it might be a fluke. Maybe he just liked the smell, or got a blade stuck to his lip. But no—this became a full-blown habit. And while it’s mildly amusing to watch, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was something to worry about.

If your dog’s doing the same thing, you’re not alone. Let’s dig into what this curious behaviour actually means—and whether it’s cause for concern or just one of those wonderfully weird dog things.

Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Grass?

Yes! Believe it or not, it’s actually really common—and usually not a cause for concern.

Most vets in the UK (including mine) say that occasional grass eating is totally normal behaviour for dogs. Some do it every now and then, some are proper lawn connoisseurs.

Why Do They Do It?

There isn’t one clear reason, but here are a few common theories that make a lot of sense:

• They’ve got an upset tummy – Some dogs eat grass, then vomit soon after. This led to the idea they use it to make themselves sick. But not all dogs throw up after grazing, so it’s not always about feeling poorly.

• They’re bored – Just like us scrolling on our phones, some dogs nibble grass when they’re under-stimulated or waiting for something more exciting to happen.

• They like the texture or taste – It sounds mad, but some dogs genuinely seem to enjoy it. My dog goes for fresh, long blades—never the mowed stuff, he’s got standards.

• It’s instinctive – Some experts think it harks back to wild dog behaviour. Grass might have been part of the gut contents of prey animals, so the taste became familiar.

When Should You Worry?

Most of the time, a bit of grass nibbling is harmless. But you should have a word with your vet if:

• Your dog eats grass excessively or obsessively

• They’re vomiting frequently afterwards

• They seem unwell or their appetite changes

• They’re eating grass treated with pesticides or chemicals (big no-no)

Again, it’s always worth checking with your vet if you’re unsure. Mine reassured me after I brought it up (with photos—yes, I really did that).

How I’ve Handled It

For my dog, it turned out to be mostly boredom. So I made sure he got longer walks, more sniffy time, and a few extra puzzle toys at home. The grass snacking didn’t vanish completely, but it definitely became less frequent—and way less frantic.

Final Thoughts

So if your dog’s out there chomping away at the grass like it’s his favourite snack, don’t panic. It’s a pretty normal behaviour for most dogs, and usually not a sign of anything serious.

Just keep an eye on it, make sure they’re not hoovering up treated grass, and have a chat with your vet if you’re at all unsure. And remember—your dog might act like a cow now and then, but he’s still 100% your daft, lovable best mate.