If your dog is pregnant and you notice her eating grass, it may leave you wondering whether this behavior is normal, concerning, or even dangerous.
We outline the common reasons behind a dog eating grass while pregnant, what it might signal, and when to seek help from a veterinarian.
Understanding this seemingly simple behavior can give you greater insight into your pregnant dog’s health, dietary needs, and emotional well-being
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Dog Eating Grass While Pregnant: Here’s Why It Happens
Yes, a dog eating grass while pregnant is generally normal and not always a cause for concern. This behavior can stem from hormonal changes, mild nausea, dietary deficiencies, or even boredom. Pregnant dogs may seek grass to soothe an upset stomach or instinctively try to balance their nutrition.
However, if the grass-eating is excessive, leads to vomiting, or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s a sign for underlying issues.
Common Reasons Why Pregnant Dogs Eat Grass
Natural Instincts and Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy in dogs brings about a wide range of hormonal changes that can influence behavior, appetite, and cravings—just like in humans.
A pregnant dog eating grass might simply be responding to these internal shifts.
Hormonal fluctuations can affect her digestion, appetite, and even mood.
Some dogs may seek out grass to settle an upset stomach, while others might be experiencing altered taste preferences or cravings for fiber or moisture that grass provides.
These changes in behavior are not uncommon. However, it’s important to observe if the grass-eating is occasional or compulsive, as excessive ingestion may point to other underlying causes.
Related: Dog eating grass and not eating (Here’s why)
Dietary Deficiency
One of the most commonly suspected reasons behind a pregnant dog eating grass is nutritional deficiency.
During pregnancy, a dog’s body requires significantly more nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, to support both her health and the development of her puppies.
If your dog’s diet isn’t meeting these elevated needs, she may instinctively turn to eating grass to fill the gap.
While grass is not highly nutritious, it can contain small amounts of fiber and trace minerals that might appeal to a dog that’s lacking them.
If your dog is eating grass during pregnancy and also seems unusually hungry, lethargic, or loses weight, a vet should evaluate her diet to ensure she’s getting the appropriate prenatal nutrition.
Upset Stomach or Nausea
Pregnant dogs often experience bouts of nausea, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.
A dog eating grass while pregnant may be trying to self-soothe a nauseated stomach.
Grass can irritate the lining of the stomach enough to trigger vomiting, which may help a dog relieve stomach discomfort.
This behavior is often followed by vomiting and is generally not cause for concern if it happens occasionally.
However, if your pregnant dog is throwing up frequently or shows other symptoms like lethargy, not eating, or diarrhea, you should consult your vet.
Related: Dog eating grass means what?
Boredom or Anxiety
Dogs experiencing stress, anxiety, or even boredom might eat grass as a way to cope.
Pregnancy can be a physically and emotionally demanding time for a dog.
Changes in her environment, attention levels, or daily routine can all contribute to increased anxiety.
A dog eating grass while pregnant might simply be looking for stimulation or comfort.
If you’ve recently changed her environment or routine, it may be helpful to provide her with more mental enrichment, gentle exercise, and consistent affection.
Additionally, stress-related grass eating is often paired with behaviors such as pacing, licking, nesting, or whining.
If you notice these signs along with grass-eating, it’s worth evaluating her stress levels and overall environment.
Pica in Pregnant Dogs
Pica is a condition in which dogs (and other animals) eat non-food items.
While grass isn’t entirely abnormal for dogs to eat, pica can sometimes be triggered or exacerbated by pregnancy.
In a pregnant dog, pica may be a sign of a more serious nutritional deficiency or even an underlying medical condition.
If your dog is not only eating grass but also ingesting dirt, rocks, or other unusual items, it’s time to involve your veterinarian.
Persistent pica can lead to intestinal blockages, poisoning, or other health complications.
Related: Dog eating grass frantically (Here’s why)
Parasites or Gastrointestinal Irritation
Internal parasites or mild gastrointestinal irritation may cause dogs to eat grass in an attempt to relieve discomfort.
While pregnancy itself doesn’t cause parasites, a weakened immune system during pregnancy may allow dormant parasitic infections to flare up.
A dog eating grass while pregnant may be signaling that something is bothering her digestive tract.
If your dog also shows signs like diarrhea, vomiting, scooting, or unusual stool, have a fecal test done by your vet to rule out parasites or infections.
Environmental Influences
Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the most accurate.
Dogs are naturally curious and may eat grass simply because it’s available and interesting.
Pregnant or not, some dogs just enjoy the taste or texture of grass.
However, it’s especially important during pregnancy to ensure the grass your dog is eating hasn’t been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other harmful chemicals.
Pregnant dogs have more vulnerable immune systems, and exposure to toxins can impact both mother and puppies.
What To Do If Your Pregnant Dog Is Eating Grass
While occasional grass-eating in a pregnant dog is generally harmless, it’s important to monitor the behavior and look out for signs of a more serious issue.
Here’s what to consider:
1. Evaluate Her Diet
Ensure your pregnant dog is on a high-quality, veterinarian-approved diet designed specifically for pregnancy or all life stages.
She needs increased calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
If you suspect her grass-eating is linked to a deficiency, consult your vet about supplements or adjustments in her feeding routine.
2. Watch for Vomiting or Diarrhea
Occasional vomiting after eating grass may not be alarming.
But if it’s frequent, contains blood, or is accompanied by diarrhea or lethargy, seek veterinary attention immediately.
3. Check for Parasites
Have your vet run a fecal test, especially if the grass-eating is combined with gastrointestinal symptoms like loose stool, bloating, or scooting.
4. Monitor for Pica
If your dog starts eating items other than grass—like dirt, plastic, or rocks—it may indicate pica.
This could stem from nutritional gaps or a more serious medical condition, and needs prompt attention.
5. Rule Out Toxic Exposure
Ensure that any grass your dog has access to is free from fertilizers, pesticides, or other toxins.
Even minimal exposure can harm a pregnant dog or her unborn puppies.
6. Reduce Stress
Pregnancy can make dogs more sensitive to stress.
Provide a calm, secure environment and minimize disruptions.
Gentle exercise, a predictable routine, and affection can help her feel more at ease.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While a pregnant dog eating grass occasionally is usually not an emergency, you should contact your vet if you notice any of the following:
Frequent vomiting or vomiting with blood
Diarrhea or signs of dehydration
Refusal to eat or drink
Excessive drooling or licking lips
Sudden weight loss or bloating
Unusual behavior such as excessive restlessness, pacing, or hiding
Your veterinarian can run diagnostic tests, including bloodwork and fecal exams, and guide you in adjusting her care plan to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Key Takeaway
Grass-eating behavior in pregnant dogs can be influenced by hormones, nutritional deficiencies, nausea, stress, boredom, or even environmental curiosity.
While the occasional nibble isn’t usually a cause for alarm, ongoing or excessive grass consumption—especially if accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior—deserves attention.
Providing a balanced diet, minimizing stress, and ensuring safe surroundings can help keep your pregnant dog comfortable and healthy.
If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s symptoms or behavior, a quick consultation with your vet is always the safest route.