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This seems to be an ‘up in the air’ type of answered question from most. Pets eat grass, why? – several possible reasons for dogs according to PetMD and the American Kennel Club.
Reasons your Dog eats grass
Grass for dogs? Why do our pets eat grass?
If the dog in question is younger, it could be because of boredom. In that case, it is recommended to start engaging your dog with learning and/or training exercises. Or possibly introduce your friend to a new dog park or a new walking excursion, in any case. Could your canine bud be a good candidate for agility training?
Another reason spoken of for dogs is indigestion. Possibly they use it to settle bile in their tummies and to rid themselves of that uncomfortable bile. Some doggos do, in this case, throw up after eating grass, but most do not.
Or, again, maybe it is just a natural instinct and they like the taste of grass.
One other thought is that their diet is lacking fiber. In that instance, you might try upgrading your dog’s food to a more balanced diet and one higher in fiber. This has evidently been the case in some instances.
Most agree that eating grass is not harmful unless it is exposed to toxic chemicals or pesticides. In that case, you definitely need to train your dog not to eat grass using the ‘leave it’ command.
In checking on this issue I came upon organic wheatgrass which is said to be safe for your canines and felines. This is something you can order and use by their water bowl to solve their grass-eating issues. Wheatgrass is said to have no gluten, but good antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids. One site I found is The Dog Bone Market.
Why your Kitty eats Grass
Grass for cats? Grass contains folic acid like that in mama cat’s milk. We are told that folic acid is necessary to produce hemoglobin which is what helps to move oxygen through the blood.
Also grass may be a natural laxative. Cats do have digestive issues since they form hairballs and some may eat small animals, ie, fur, beaks, etc. So they do need to eliminate any and all undigestible materials. This may be why they eat grass and regurgitate it. They don’t possess the enzyme necessary to breakdown grass or other undigestible materials as mentioned.
Tufts University, Cummings Veterinary School actually lists several good grasses for your cats which you can grow yourself like catnip, and catmint.
Pet stores carry grass trays you can purchase for your kitty. A great way to keep them from eating any possible toxic grasses that have been sprayed with pesticides or other toxic chemicals.
Range Animals
It’s interesting to note that range animals – cattle, bison, horses, deer, goats, and sheep – possess microorganisms in their digestive tracts to breakdown grasses and other plant materials. All the species differ in amounts of grasses and plants they can digest, but they do all have the necessary microorganism that cats and dogs evidently do not.
Additional Info
One note about some other fun facts on cats and dogs, see my post “Curious Facts About Cats and Dogs”.
Also take a look at “Pet Ownership in America“.
Pet Food Recall Notices
Go to the FDA.org site to keep yourself informed of pet food recalls for your pet’s safety.
Animal Videos
See some fun and funny videos here and our thanks to Big Geek Daddy.
First up is about, of all things, an opossum.
Next is on some fun puppies.
And, lastly, see cute koalas.
Thanks
So happy to have you stop at Pet Viewpoint. Do come back next week and let us know your thoughts by commenting down below on the left. To receive our pet tips, facts, and fun stories, click our free “Subscribe” button at the very bottom of this page. Have a great week!