If your dog is eating grass and dirt, you might be wondering whether it’s normal behavior or a sign of an underlying issue.
While dogs occasionally munch on grass, frequent or obsessive ingestion of grass and dirt can point to deeper problems ranging from dietary deficiencies to medical conditions.
We outline the common reasons why dogs eat grass and dirt, what this behavior could mean, and when to seek veterinary attention.
Table of Contents
Here’s Why Dog Eating Grass and Dirt Happens
Dogs may eat grass and dirt for several reasons, ranging from natural instincts to underlying health or behavioral issues. While occasional ingestion is often harmless and may help with digestion or relieve mild stomach discomfort, frequent or obsessive behavior can signal problems like nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal upset, boredom, anxiety, or even conditions such as pica.
Soil can also contain harmful toxins or parasites, making this habit potentially dangerous.
Dog Eating Grass and Dirt: Is It Normal?
Many dogs occasionally eat grass or dirt without any immediate health effects. However, when a dog eats grass and dirt frequently or in large quantities, it may be a sign of a behavioral issue or a more serious health condition.
The act of eating non-food substances like grass, soil, rocks, or even fabric is known as pica in dogs. Pica can stem from various causes including boredom, anxiety, nutritional deficiencies, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
It’s essential to monitor how often your dog engages in this behavior and whether it’s accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, or appetite changes.
Common Reasons for Dog Eating Grass and Dirt
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the most common reasons for dog eating dirt and grass is a lack of certain nutrients, particularly fiber or essential minerals such as iron, zinc, or potassium.
If a dog’s diet is low in nutrients, their body may drive them to seek these missing components in natural sources like soil and grass.
This is especially common in dogs that are fed poor-quality commercial food or unbalanced homemade diets.
Iron-deficiency anemia in dogs can cause symptoms such as pale gums, weakness, and unusual cravings for non-food items like dirt.
A lack of dietary fiber can also result in dogs seeking out grass, which may help stimulate digestion or relieve constipation.
To rule out this cause, consult with your vet about your dog’s current diet and whether a more balanced or high-quality dog food is needed.
Related: Dog eating grass and not eating (Explained)
2. Digestive Upset or Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Dogs sometimes eat grass to induce vomiting when they’re feeling nauseated or dealing with mild stomach upset.
The grass blades can tickle their throat and stomach lining, leading to vomiting that may relieve discomfort.
However, when a dog is eating grass and dirt and throwing up, this might indicate an ongoing gastrointestinal issue such as:
Acid reflux
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Gastritis
Food intolerance or allergy
If vomiting persists or is accompanied by lethargy, diarrhea, or appetite loss, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
3. Behavioral Reasons (Boredom or Anxiety)
When a dog eats dirt and grass obsessively, behavioral triggers like boredom or stress may be at play.
Dogs left alone for long periods or lacking in mental and physical stimulation may engage in this type of behavior to pass time or self-soothe.
Dogs with separation anxiety or general stress may chew and eat grass or dig in the dirt compulsively.
Puppies and young dogs may explore their environment through their mouth, occasionally leading to ingestion of soil or grass.
Providing toys, puzzles, exercise, and quality time can help reduce this behavior if it’s driven by boredom or stress.
For anxious dogs, behavioral training or calming aids might be necessary.
4. Pica Disorder in Dogs
Pica in dogs is a behavioral condition where dogs eat non-edible items like dirt, cloth, rocks, or grass.
Pica can stem from medical or psychological factors, including:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Underlying disease such as diabetes or thyroid issues
Learned behavior from past trauma or neglect
Chronic pica can be dangerous, especially if your dog consumes toxic plants, pesticides in the soil, or small objects that can cause intestinal blockage.
If your dog frequently eats non-food items, your vet may conduct blood tests, imaging, and behavioral assessments to determine the root cause.
5. Parasites
When a dog eats dirt and grass frequently, intestinal parasites may be involved.
Worms like hookworms or roundworms can steal essential nutrients from your dog, leading them to seek additional nutrition from unusual sources like dirt.
Signs of parasitic infection in dogs include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Scooting
Weight loss
Poor coat condition
A simple fecal test can help diagnose parasite infestations.
Regular deworming and maintaining hygiene in your dog’s play areas can prevent this issue.
6. Instinctual or Natural Behavior
In some cases, eating grass or dirt can be instinctual. Dogs are natural scavengers, and their wild ancestors often consumed plant material or soil while hunting or grazing.
Grass may provide fiber and help aid digestion, while soil may contain minerals that wild canines needed to supplement their diet.
If your dog is eating a small amount of clean, untreated grass occasionally without any other symptoms, this could be completely normal.
7. Liver or Kidney Disease
If your dog is eating grass and dirt excessively along with other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst, or urination, it could indicate liver or kidney dysfunction.
These organs are responsible for filtering toxins and maintaining nutrient balance.
If they’re compromised, your dog may try to correct the imbalance by seeking nutrients from unusual sources like soil.
Routine bloodwork at your vet’s office can help detect liver or kidney problems early on.
8. Toxins and Contaminants in Soil
Sometimes, what your dog eats along with the grass and dirt is the real concern. Soil can be contaminated with:
Fertilizers
Pesticides
Mold spores
Animal feces
Sharp objects like glass or plastic
Ingesting these can lead to poisoning, intestinal damage, or infections.
If your dog eats dirt and throws up, especially after being outside unsupervised, they may have ingested something harmful.
Call your vet immediately if your dog is showing signs of toxicity, including:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Tremors
Drooling
Seizures
Collapse
What to Do If Your Dog Is Eating Grass and Dirt
Here are practical steps you can take if you notice this behavior:
1. Monitor the Frequency and Intensity
Keep a log of when, how often, and under what conditions your dog eats grass or dirt.
Occasional snacking may be harmless, but persistent or compulsive behavior needs attention.
2. Rule Out Medical Issues
Visit your vet for a full checkup, including:
Fecal exam for parasites
Blood tests to check organ function
Nutritional review
Behavioral assessment
3. Adjust the Diet
Ensure your dog is getting a balanced, high-quality diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Consider adding:
Leafy greens
Pumpkin (fiber-rich)
Probiotic supplements
Ask your vet for dietary recommendations suited to your dog’s breed, age, and health condition.
4. Improve Enrichment and Stimulation
Boredom is a major factor in dogs eating grass and dirt, so offer:
Daily walks
Puzzle toys
Obedience training
Interactive playtime
Dogs with enough mental stimulation are less likely to develop compulsive behaviors.
5. Prevent Access to Contaminated Areas
Limit your dog’s exposure to areas with treated grass or contaminated soil.
Supervise outdoor play and use barriers if necessary.
When to See a Vet
Seek veterinary attention if:
Your dog is eating grass and dirt obsessively
It’s accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or immunocompromised
You suspect toxin ingestion
Your dog has been diagnosed with anemia, pica, or GI issues
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications.
Key Takeaway: Dog Eating Grass and Dirt
While the occasional nibble on grass or a sniff of dirt can be normal, frequent or compulsive dog grass and dirt eating may signal nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, or behavioral concerns.
By identifying the cause and taking proactive steps, such as improving diet, mental stimulation, and seeking veterinary care, you can help keep your dog healthy and prevent more serious issues from developing.
If you notice unusual behavior, don’t ignore it—reach out to your vet to ensure your dog gets the help and support they need.