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Published on September 18th, 2025
Updated on September 18th, 2025
“What’s Toby doing over there? It looks like he’s eating something. What’s he got now?! Oh, it’s grass!”
That might sound kind of weird, but grass-eating is very common among dogs. Read on to learn more about the physical and behavioral reasons for grass-eating as well as when being a furry lawn mower might be a problem for your dog.
There are three main behavioral reasons behind eating grass.
While your dog may be a pampered pup who’s living the good life, they still carry traits passed down from their ancestors. Long before domestication, canines often consumed plant matter indirectly. Today’s dogs, though protein-focused, are true omnivores and natural scavengers. That’s why some dogs—even those who love their kibble—may occasionally snack on grass and vegetation. It’s an echo of their foraging roots.
There’s usually no cause for concern or need for corrective measures if your dog decides to eat a few bites of untreated, nontoxic grass in your backyard. (We’ll explore the exceptions later.)
Some dogs nosh on grass in the yard simply because they’re bored or looking for something to do when they’re outside alone. Others may graze as a way to self-soothe, similar to how some people bite their nails when anxious.
Think of grass as your dog’s version of a wine varietal—it’s something new and different. Some dogs genuinely enjoy the taste and texture of grass, much like how people often enjoy foods with different textures. Young dogs often explore the world with their mouths, and grass may simply be something they try out of curiosity, similar to how some children taste dirt. Over time, some dogs may come to like the flavor or sensation, especially when the grass is fresh, wet or newly sprouting in spring.
In keeping with the rule of three, there are also three main physical reasons your dog may be eating grass.
Some people believe dogs eat grass to make up for missing nutrients, though most commercial diets are complete and balanced for healthy dogs. It’s more likely that some dogs instinctively seek out certain materials when something feels off, even if the diet itself isn’t lacking. In more extreme cases, persistent grass-eating may point to pica, a condition where dogs compulsively consume non-food items. If this seems to fit your dog, your vet can help rule out underlying health or behavioral concerns.
Grass is high in fiber and mostly passes through the system undigested. Fiber, however, also plays an important role in digestion, helping dogs process food and pass stool more easily. In some cases, switching to a commercial high-fiber diet may be recommended by your veterinarian. When considering a dietary change, remember to talk to your veterinarian first.
Some dogs eat grass first thing in the morning, vomit yellow foam (bile) and then seem perfectly fine afterward. According to some experts, eating grass may help trigger vomiting to relieve that discomfort. A simple fix may be feeding a small portion of food upon waking or offering a late-night snack to buffer the stomach. If the behavior persists or is accompanied by signs of distress or other symptoms of illness, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical issues such as reflux or pancreatitis.
Just a few blades of grass here and there—is generally normal and not a cause for concern in healthy dogs. Many dogs explore their environment with their mouths, and nibbling on grass can be part of that natural curiosity. This behavior tends to increase during spring and early summer when fresh, tender grass is more abundant.
It’s important, though, to distinguish between casual nibbling and dogs actively seeking out large amounts of grass, which could indicate underlying issues such as digestive discomfort or nutritional deficiencies. While most dogs occasionally graze without problems, persistent or excessive grass-eating should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Some breeds are anecdotally thought to graze more than others, but scientific evidence is limited. Understanding your dog’s usual habits and monitoring any changes can help determine when grass-eating is normal or a sign to seek further advice.
Red flags to watch for. First, anything taken to excess can be an issue. Excessive grass-eating for dogs means consuming large amounts of grass daily or multiple times throughout the day. This behavior may indicate an underlying health or behavioral issue such as anxiety or compulsivity and should be monitored closely and discussed with your veterinarian.
Symptoms a dog is eating too much grass can include:
Also look for signs of stomach discomfort such as bloating, a tense abdomen, whining and pacing. In some cases, overeating grass can cause intestinal blockages or irritation, so prompt veterinary attention is recommended if symptoms persist or worsen.
For many dog parents, their concerns are more about what’s in or on the grass than about the grass itself.
Toxic chemical exposure: The grass MAY be greener on the other side, but grass that has been treated with herbicides and pesticides or fertilizers can be toxic to dogs. There is also a risk of grass outside of your secured yard being exposed to other unknown and potentially toxic chemicals. Never use toxic chemicals on your own lawn or allow your dog to eat grass in any public spaces, from your neighbor’s lawn to local parks.
Intestinal parasites: Eating grass can also cause dogs to ingest intestinal parasites, including the roundworms and hookworms that can be left behind in animal droppings. In both cases, your veterinarian may want to perform assessments with fecal samples or blood tests to look for parasites and toxicity. In general, dogs should be on a monthly dewormer—commonly included in monthly heartworm preventives—and receive regular fecal testing . Behind on preventives? Petco can help!
Intestinal illnesses: Some illnesses, including parvovirus, are transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Parvovirus can cause serious gastrointestinal disease and even death, especially for dogs and puppies who are not up to date with vaccines. Note that the shedded virus can contaminate surfaces for an extended time.
Dogs who have ingested grass treated with toxic chemicals may show the signs below. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, an immediate vet visit is a must, even if a 24-hour clinic is the only place open.
When you are out and about together, you have more control and opportunity to see your dog eat grass. Use the leash to restrain your dog, and bring along some treats your dog will eagerly accept in “trade.” When your dog is in their own yard, both alone and supervised, focus on the following.
Interactive play with you. Redirect with a tug toy or play fetch when they start to graze.
Interactive toys. Provide interactive toys when you can’t be outside in the yard with your dog; Petco has a great selection of puzzle toys for fun and enrichment.
Training sessions. This is a good time to work on “leave it” when eating grass and redirect with a new, unrelated cue like “paw” or “shake.”
If you’re still concerned about your dog’s grass-eating, schedule a vet appointment for advice and to rule out underlying medical concerns.
A: It’s easy to assume grass-eating has a deeper meaning, but the truth is—we don’t really know. While some people believe dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit, studies show most dogs don’t get sick afterward and weren’t ill before grazing. Research has found that grass-eating is common but vomiting is rare. So, while it’s natural to wonder if your dog is sending a message, it’s more likely a normal (and mostly harmless) behavior.
A: Not directly. It’s not the grass itself that causes parasites, but contaminated soil, feces and water on the grass can carry parasite eggs and larvae. While the risk is low, regular deworming, fecal examinations by your veterinarian and good hygiene—like keeping your yard clear of poop and avoiding areas with heavy dog traffic—can help keep your pup protected
A: Many houseplants and garden plants are toxic to dogs. Always supervise your pup around greenery, and only keep plants that are confirmed dog-safe. Chewing or ingesting the wrong plant can cause serious health issues. If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant or too much of any plant material, contact your veterinarian right away.
Here’s some final food for thought if you’ve ever wondered if you should let your dog eat grass. Occasional grass-eating is typically not a cause for concern in a healthy dog and may simply be part of their natural behavior. The key is knowing what’s normal for your pup. Observing when, how often and how much grass they eat can help you spot any changes that might signal an underlying issue.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s grass-eating habit or notice any unusual symptoms, consult your veterinarian. Petco offers veterinary services at select locations to support your pet’s health and well-being. Learn more about Petco Vet Services.
