If you’ve ever caught your dog munching on grass or worse, eating poop, you’re not alone. Many dog owners notice this puzzling behavior and wonder why it happens.
We outline why dogs eat grass and poop, what it might mean for their health, and when you should be concerned.
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Here’s Why Dog Eating Grass and Stomach Making Noises Happens
Dogs often eat grass and poop due to a variety of reasons ranging from natural instincts to health concerns. Eating grass can be a way for dogs to supplement their diet with fiber, help soothe an upset stomach, or simply a behavior rooted in their wild ancestry.
On the other hand, eating poop, known as coprophagia, might be triggered by nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, boredom, or stress. Sometimes, dogs eat feces to clean their environment or gain attention.
Why Dogs Eat Grass
Natural Instinct and Ancestral Behavior
Dogs evolved from wild ancestors who ate entire prey animals, including stomach contents filled with plants.
Eating grass could be a throwback to this ancestral diet.
Grass eating might help with digestion or provide fiber that is missing in a dog’s regular diet.
Nutritional Deficiency
Sometimes dogs eat grass because they lack certain nutrients or fiber in their diet.
If your dog’s food is low in fiber, the grass can act as a natural laxative or supplement to aid digestion.
Upset Stomach Relief
Some dogs instinctively eat grass to soothe stomach discomfort. Grass may trigger vomiting to relieve nausea or indigestion.
If your dog frequently eats grass and vomits, it could be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal problem.
Boredom or Anxiety
Dogs left alone for long periods or those who lack sufficient mental stimulation might turn to eating grass out of boredom or stress.
This behavior can become habitual if not addressed with proper exercise and engagement.
Related: Dog eating grass and not eating (Here’s why)
Why Dogs Eat Poop (Coprophagia)
Coprophagia is a more concerning behavior but still fairly common.
Dogs may eat their own feces, the feces of other animals, or even human poop in rare cases.
This behavior can be embarrassing for owners and may carry health risks.
Nutritional Deficiency or Malabsorption
Sometimes dogs eat poop because they’re not absorbing nutrients properly from their food.
Conditions like pancreatic insufficiency or intestinal parasites can cause malabsorption, prompting the dog to eat feces to try to recover lost nutrients.
Instinctual Behavior and Cleaning
Mother dogs lick their puppies and sometimes consume their feces to keep the den clean.
Some dogs may retain this instinct and eat poop to clean their environment.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
If a dog learns that eating poop gets a reaction from their owner, even if it’s negative, they might repeat the behavior to gain attention.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or thyroid imbalances can increase appetite and cause coprophagia.
Anxiety and Stress
Dogs with anxiety or stress may eat poop as a compulsive or comfort behavior, similar to how some people bite nails or chew pens.
Related: Dog eating grass and stomach making noises (Here’s why)
The Link Between Grass Eating and Poop Eating
You may wonder if these two behaviors are related.
In some cases, dogs that eat grass may also eat poop, particularly if they have digestive issues or nutritional deficiencies.
Both behaviors can be signs your dog’s digestive system is out of balance or that their diet isn’t meeting all their needs.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Eating Grass and Poop
Now that you understand the possible reasons for your dog eating grass and poop, here’s what you can do to address it:
1. Review Your Dog’s Diet
Ensure your dog’s food is high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and contains adequate fiber.
Some commercial dog foods lack enough fiber, causing dogs to seek grass as a supplement.
Adding fiber-rich foods or supplements after consulting your vet can help.
2. Rule Out Medical Problems
If your dog frequently eats grass and poop, especially alongside other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy, consult your veterinarian.
Conditions like parasites, infections, or malabsorption issues could be causing these behaviors.
3. Keep Your Dog Mentally and Physically Stimulated
Boredom and anxiety are common triggers for grass eating and coprophagia.
Provide plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to reduce these behaviors.
4. Clean Up Promptly
Pick up your dog’s poop immediately to reduce the opportunity for coprophagia.
Keeping your yard or walking areas clean will help prevent this habit.
5. Train and Discourage
Teaching commands like “leave it” or “no” can help deter your dog from eating poop or grass.
Reward good behavior consistently to reinforce positive habits.
6. Use Deterrents
There are commercial products and home remedies that can make feces less appealing to dogs, such as adding certain supplements to their food.
Ask your vet for recommendations.
When to Seek Veterinary Help for Grass and Poop Eating
While grass eating and poop eating are often harmless behaviors, certain signs mean it’s time to visit the vet immediately:
Persistent vomiting after eating grass
Frequent diarrhea or constipation
Weight loss or poor coat condition
Excessive thirst or urination
Signs of pain or discomfort
Changes in appetite or behavior
Evidence of parasites or infections
If your dog’s coprophagia is sudden or severe, or if they have eaten feces from other animals (especially wild or unknown), a vet check is crucial to rule out disease or infection risks.
Potential Health Risks of Eating Grass and Poop
Though often benign, these behaviors carry some risks:
Eating grass may expose your dog to pesticides, herbicides, or toxic plants.
Poop can contain parasites, bacteria, and viruses that may cause infections or illness.
Eating feces from other animals can transmit diseases.
Frequent vomiting triggered by grass eating can lead to dehydration or esophageal irritation.
Therefore, managing and monitoring these behaviors is important for your dog’s health.
Key Takeaway
Dogs eating grass and poop is a natural but sometimes concerning behavior. Often it’s a response to diet, digestive issues, boredom, or stress.
However, it can also indicate underlying medical problems requiring veterinary care.
If your dog eats grass occasionally without other symptoms, it’s usually not a cause for alarm.
But if you notice persistent eating of grass and poop, vomiting, diarrhea, or any change in behavior or health, consult your vet promptly.
With proper diet, care, mental stimulation, and regular health checks, you can help minimize these behaviors and keep your dog happy and healthy.