If you are a pup parent, you have probably seen your furry best friend graze on grass. Although this behavior may seem more fitting for a cow, goat, or horse, it is surprisingly quite common in canines. According to The Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, 68% of pet owners note that their dogs eat plant material -usually grass – daily or weekly.
The question pet owners most often raise is, “Will grass-eating hurt my dog?” The simple answer is that it depends on several factors, including what may have contaminated the grass and what is living in it.
There’s one type of grass that all dogs should eat, but you won’t find it growing in lawns. Before we dig into the best grass for your pup, let’s unpack some of the truths about lawn grass eating and what to watch out for.
Why does my dog eat grass?
There are several reasons why your dog may gravitate towards grass. Here are some to consider.
- Nutritional deficiencies. If your dog’s diet lacks nutrients, they may seek out grass to replace the missing nutrients.
- Fiber fix. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs, like humans, need fiber to pass stool properly. Instinctively, dogs may know that grass is an excellent source of fiber.
- Taste and texture. Your dog may enjoy eating grass for its taste and texture – especially young spring grasses.
- Anxiety. Like humans who twist their hair, shake their legs, or bite their nails when anxious, dogs suffering from anxiety may seek comfort by eating grass.
- Boredom. Dogs may eat grass if they are bored or looking for attention. This is even true if they get negative attention when they do so.
- Upset stomach. An angry gut is the most common reason dogs may nibble on grass. According to holistic veterinarian Dr. Candy Akers, dogs may instinctively know they can induce vomiting and ease a belly ache if they eat grass.
Beware of these grass dangers
Although grass is not harmful, it is prone to human, environmental, animal, and bacterial contaminants that can cause serious issues for your dog. Here are some of the most common grass contaminants to watch out for.
Parasites. Parasites, including hookworms and roundworms, live in the soil below the grass and can infect your pet via grass.
Signs of a parasitic infection may include:
- Loose stools
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Visible worms in stools
- Respiratory problems
Leptospira. If your pup comes in contact with the urine of an infected animal, soil, or water, it can cause leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira, which thrives in warm and moist environments.
Signs of leptospirosis may include:
- Decrease in appetite
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Change in urination patterns
Chemicals and toxins. Do you spray chemicals on your lawn, such as herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers? What about grassy spots you visit with your pet? Are they free from chemicals?
Organophosphates, carbamates, phenoxy, benzoic acid, and benzoic acid herbicides, including 2,4, D, MCPP, MCPA, pyrethroids, and organochlorines, can cause significant harm to our beloved pets.
Because there is no scientific standard for how long people and pets should stay off of treated lawns, it’s best to avoid using these chemicals entirely.
Signs of toxin poisoning may include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Anxiety
- Muscle tremors
- Drooling
- Seizures
Ticks. Starting in the spring, ticks like to hang out in the grass, searching for an animal host to feed from. If your dog spends a lot of time in the grass – especially in long grass – ticks may become an issue. Be sure to check your dog regularly for these unwanted visitors that carry disease.
Symptoms of a tick bite may include:
- Licking or chewing
- Visible red, irritated, and inflamed skin
- Head shaking
Snails and slugs. Both snails and slugs like to lurk in moist environments like grass. If ingested, they can pass on lungworm, a parasite that can cause your pup’s health to deteriorate quickly and even lead to death.
Signs of lungworm infection may include:
- Coughing
- Respiratory problems
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
The absolute best grass for your dog to eat
To avoid the dangers of lawn grass, introduce your pet to something wholesome, tasty, and fun. Popular in juice bars and beyond, the absolute best grass for your dog to eat is a chlorophyll-packed plant with proven health benefits for humans, dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals.
Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum) known for its beautiful, vibrant green color. Wheatgrass is a safe and satisfying substitute for yard grass.
Why is wheatgrass so special?
Here are some great reasons to consider introducing wheatgrass to your furry friend.
Powerful nutrients. Wheatgrass contains essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex vitamins. It is also rich in minerals, including magnesium, iron, potassium, beta-carotene, phosphorus, and calcium. These nutrients can benefit your dog’s immune system and overall health and well-being.
Dietary fiber. A handful of wheatgrass provides a tremendous nutritional fiber boost. This helps with digestion and bowel regularity and can relieve gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and constipation.
Detox power. Wheatgrass is a natural detoxifier because of its high chlorophyll content. Regular consumption of wheatgrass supports the natural detoxification process and healthy liver function.
Anti-inflammatory properties. Dogs suffering from inflammatory conditions such as allergies or arthritis benefit from the rich anti-inflammatory compounds found in wheatgrass.
Healthy skin and coat. Vitamins A and E in wheatgrass promote healthy skin and coat, reducing dryness, itchiness, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
Something to chew on. If your dog experiences anxiety or boredom, wheatgrass may be the answer. Allowing your pup some supervised time munching on a tray of wheatgrass provides an oral fix and is an excellent diversion for dogs that need to be busy.
Fresh breath. Wheatgrass helps to keep your furry friend’s breath fresh and promotes a healthy oral microbiome. Bring on the smoochies!
How to grow wheatgrass for your dog
Wheatgrass is easy and cost-effective to grow. Follow these steps for success.
- Seed selection. Choose high-quality wheatgrass seeds from a reputable source. Ensure the seeds are organic and untreated to avoid any chemicals that could harm your dog.
- Container. Select a shallow container or tray with drainage holes. Plastic or ceramic seedling trays work well.
- Soil. Fill the container with well-draining organic potting soil or a soilless growing medium like a jute mat.
- Soaking. Soak wheatgrass seeds in non-chlorinated water for 12 hours.
- Sprouting. Drain the water off the seeds and place them in a jar with a perforated sprouting lid. Rinse and drain at least twice daily and allow the seeds to sprout.
- Planting. Once sprouted, spread a thick layer of wheatgrass seeds evenly over the soil surface. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, but avoid burying them too deep. The seeds need to make contact with the soil for proper germination.
- Watering. Moisten the soil or grow mat thoroughly after planting by gently watering it. Use a spray bottle or watering can with a fine mist to avoid displacing the seeds. Keep the soil or grow mat consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing process.
- Cover. Directly after planting, cover the tray with a dark tea towel or secondary container to keep the light out. Remove the covering in three days and let the light in
- Light. Place the container in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Wheatgrass requires ample light to grow well. A sunny windowsill or a spot near a bright window is ideal. Use a grow light if natural light is not plentiful.
- Growing conditions. Maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth. Wheatgrass grows best in temperatures between 60°F to 75°F. Avoid exposing the grass to extreme heat or cold.
- Maintenance. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Trim grass ends with clean and sharp scissors when it reaches a height of about 3 to 4 inches to encourage new growth.
- Harvesting. Once the wheatgrass reaches a height of 7 to 10 inches, it’s ready to be harvested. Use clean and sharp scissors to cut the wheatgrass just above the soil level. Rinse the harvested wheatgrass to remove any soil particles before serving it to your dog.
Note: The grass will happily grow for a second time if you don’t pull it up from the root.
- Feeding. Offer your dog a small handful of freshly harvested wheatgrass as a healthy snack. You can serve it as is or mix it into food. Monitor your dog’s response to wheatgrass and adjust the serving size accordingly.
Note: Don’t let your dog graze freely on a tray of wheatgrass. Supervised consumption is best.
Try this. If your dog doesn’t eat whole wheatgrass, try juicing it and adding a little to food or water. Make a healing poultice for scrapes and minor wounds by grinding the grass and allowing it to soak in its juices.
Wheatgrass plus so much more
If you want to supercharge your pup’s digestive health and reap all the fantastic benefits of high-quality organic wheatgrass plus other potent natural compounds, consider Mokai Vital Probiotic. In addition to wheatgrass, this expert-formulated blend includes pumpkin seeds, reishi mushrooms, flaxseed, fish oil, ashwagandha, organic spirulina, and MSM. An all-star lineup of inflammation-boosting, gut-soothing ingredients will take your pup’s digestive health to the next level.
