Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter

Puppies, those bundles of energy and curiosity, have a knack for getting into all sorts of intriguing, and sometimes perplexing, behaviors. One of these behaviors that often leaves pet owners scratching their heads is the tendency of puppies to nibble on grass. You might have witnessed this in your own furry friend, and it’s only natural to wonder: Why do they do it, and is it safe for them? 

In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to understand this common yet enigmatic puppy behavior and explore whether it’s a cause for concern or simply a part of their natural instincts. So, if you’re a puppy parent or soon to become one, let’s dive into the green world of puppy grass-eating and unveil the mysteries behind this seemingly curious habit.

What are the reasons for puppies eating grass?

One of the challenges of having a puppy that eats grass is keeping the grass clean and safe for them. If your puppy urinates on the grass, it can create unpleasant odors and stains that can attract bacteria and insects. Moreover, if your puppy eats the grass that has been urinated on, it can cause health problems. 

To prevent these issues, you need to use the best artificial grass cleaner for dog urine. This is a product that can effectively remove the urine smell and stains from the grass, as well as disinfect and deodorize it. 

There are many possible reasons why puppies eat grass. Some of the most common ones are:

• Curiosity: Puppies are naturally curious and like to explore their environment with their mouth. They might eat grass simply because they find it interesting or tasty.

• Boredom: Puppies need a lot of stimulation and exercise to keep them happy and healthy. If they are left alone for too long or do not have enough toys or activities, they might eat grass out of boredom or frustration.

• Nutritional deficiency: Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and they might eat grass to supplement their diet with vitamins, minerals, or fiber that they are lacking. 

This could indicate that their dog food is not suitable for their age or breed, or that they have a digestive problem that prevents them from absorbing nutrients properly.

• Stomach upset: Puppies might eat grass to induce vomiting when they have an upset stomach, such as after eating something spoiled or toxic. They might also eat grass to soothe their stomach or intestines when they have diarrhea, constipation, or worms.

• Instinct: Puppies might eat grass because it is part of their ancestral instinct. Their wild relatives, such as wolves and coyotes, often eat grass to help them digest the bones and fur of their prey. They might also eat grass to cleanse their system of parasites or toxins.

Is it safe for puppies to eat grass?

Eating grass is generally not harmful for puppies, as long as it is done in moderation and the grass is clean and pesticide-free. However, there are some risks and drawbacks associated with this behavior, such as:

• Choking: Puppies might choke on long or sharp blades of grass, especially if they swallow them whole without chewing. This could cause breathing difficulties or damage their throat or esophagus.

• Intestinal blockage: Puppies might ingest too much grass, which could form a ball or mass in their stomach or intestines. This could cause abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, or even a life-threatening obstruction that requires surgery.

• Infection: Puppies might eat grass that is contaminated with bacteria, fungi, parasites, or chemicals. This could cause infections or poisoning that could affect their digestive system, skin, eyes, ears, or other organs.

• Allergy: Puppies might be allergic to grass or some of its components, such as pollen or sap. This could cause itching, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat.

How to prevent or reduce puppies eating grass?

If your puppy eats grass occasionally and does not show any signs of distress or illness, you do not need to worry too much about it. However, if your puppy eats grass frequently or excessively, you might want to take some steps to prevent or reduce this behavior, such as:

Provide a balanced and high-quality diet: Make sure that your puppy’s dog food meets their nutritional needs and preferences. You can consult your veterinarian for advice on the best type and amount of food for your puppy’s age and breed. You can also add some fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet to provide them with natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Provide enough stimulation and exercise: Make sure that your puppy has enough toys and activities to keep them entertained and engaged. You can play with them, train them, take them for walks, or enroll them in puppy classes or socialization groups. You can also provide them with chew toys or bones to satisfy their oral needs and prevent boredom.

Keep the grass clean and safe: Make sure that the grass that your puppy has access to is free of pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or other chemicals that could harm them. You can also avoid letting your puppy eat grass from public places where other animals might have urinated or defecated on it. You can also trim the grass regularly to prevent it from becoming too long or sharp. 

And remember, if you’re looking for a way to protect your lawn from your puppy’s urine, homemade dog diaper can be a practical solution to keep your grass green and thriving.

Use a deterrent spray: You can use a natural deterrent spray, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or bitter apple, to spray on the grass that your puppy likes to eat. This will make the grass taste unpleasant and discourage your puppy from eating it. However, you should test the spray on a small area of grass first to make sure that it does not damage or discolor it.

Consult your veterinarian: If your puppy eats grass excessively or compulsively, or if they show any signs of illness or discomfort after eating grass, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

They can examine your puppy and rule out any underlying medical conditions or problems that might be causing this behavior. They can also prescribe medication or supplements to treat any infections, parasites, or allergies that your puppy might have. 

They can also recommend behavioral therapy or training to help your puppy overcome this habit.

Conclusion

Puppies eat grass for various reasons, such as curiosity, boredom, nutritional deficiency, stomach upset, or instinct. Eating grass is usually not harmful for puppies, as long as it is done in moderation and the grass is clean and pesticide-free. 

However, eating grass can also pose some risks and drawbacks for puppies, such as choking, intestinal blockage, infection, or allergy. 

Therefore, you should try to prevent or reduce your puppy’s grass eating behavior by providing them with a balanced and high-quality diet, enough stimulation and exercise, clean and safe grass, a deterrent spray, or veterinary care. 

By doing so, you can ensure that your puppy stays healthy and happy.