Great Dane Eating Grass? What It Means And What To Do

Upset stomach

Eating grass to soothe an upset stomach is one of the most common reasons why dogs, including the Great Dane, show this behavior. 

Dogs are known to have an instinct to self-medicate when they’re feeling unwell, especially when they have an upset stomach. 

When a dog’s stomach is irritated or feels uncomfortable due to factors like indigestion, nausea, or the presence of an irritant, they may turn to eating grass as a means of finding relief.

Grass also acts as an irritant to the throat and stomach lining and when a Great Dane eats grass, it may trigger a gag reflex, ultimately leading to vomiting. Vomiting can help them remove something that’s bothering their stomach, such as undigested food, toxins, or foreign objects. 

This is a natural way a dog uses to purge the stomach to alleviate discomfort.

Learn  more: Understanding Great Dane diarrhea

Boredom

A Great Dane eating grass could also be due to boredom. Great Danes are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation and physical activity to stay engaged and happy. When they lack mental or physical stimulation, they may resort to activities like eating grass as a way to entertain themselves and relieve boredom. 

Chewing on grass provides an experience that distracts them from the monotony of their surroundings.

Dogs are also naturally curious creatures, and they often explore their environment through their senses, including taste. 

Grass, with its various textures and scents, can pique their curiosity, prompting them to nibble on it to investigate and engage their senses.

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can lead a Great Dane to eat grass as a coping method. Some dogs find chewing on grass to be a soothing activity. 

Chewing can release endorphins, which are natural “feel-good” chemicals, providing temporary relief from stress and anxiety. It’s the same as how humans might engage in stress-eating or other soothing behaviors.

Grass also serves as a distraction from the sources of stress or anxiety in a Great Dane’s surroundings. 

By focusing on the act of eating grass, they may temporarily divert their attention away from the stress-inducing stimuli.

In some cases, grass-eating may become a learned behavior for a Great Dane when they realize that it provides a temporary relief from stress or anxiety. 

They may repeat this behavior as a way to cope with recurring stressors.

Related: Great Dane eating dirt: Here’s why it happens

Pica

Pica is a behavior where a dog eats non-food items, and it can be concerning if it becomes a recurring habit.

One possible cause of pica is nutritional deficiency. When a Great Dane’s diet lacks essential nutrients, minerals, or vitamins, they may seek out alternative sources of nutrition, even if those sources are non-food items like grass. 

A Great Dane might eat grass in an attempt to supplement their diet with missing nutrients.

Other causes of pica include gastrointestinal upset, boredom, and anxiety. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or thyroid disorders, can lead to increased appetite or changes in eating behaviors, potentially contributing to pica.

Some dogs are attracted to the texture and taste of certain non-food items, including grass. The sensation of chewing these items in their mouths can be stimulating, leading to repeated eating of grass.

Learn  more: Great Dane eating everything: Causes and dangers and how to stop it

Nutrient deficiency

A Great Dane may eat grass due to nutrient deficiency in their diet. Dogs have the instinctual behavior to seek out plant material, including grass, when they have a nutritional gap in their diet.

Grass contains some nutrients, such as fiber, trace minerals, and vitamins.

Grass can act as a natural source of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion by promoting regular bowel movements. 

Therefore, if a dog is not getting enough fiber from their diet, they may turn to grass to help regulate their digestive system.

Related: Why is my Great Dane always hungry? Here’s why

They like texture and taste

A Great Dane, like many dogs, may eat grass because they are attracted to its texture and taste of it. 

Great Danes are curious and sensory-driven creatures and they may eat grass because grass provides a different texture from their regular dog food. 

The variety in texture can be appealing to them, especially if they enjoy the sensation of chewing on something with a different mouthfeel.

Grass also has its scent, which a Great Dane can find interesting. The combination of taste and smell might make it appealing to some Great Danes, similar to how humans might be drawn to the aroma and taste of different foods.

What to do when your Great Dane is eating grass

A Great Dane eating grass may be due to instinct or an underlying medical or behavioral problem. 

Occasional grass-eating is normal for many dogs and may not necessarily indicate a problem. However, if the behavior is excessive, leads to digestive issues, or is accompanied by other concerning signs, it is important to address the underlying causes and consult with your veterinarian to ensure your Great Dane’s health and well-being.

When your Great Dane eats grass, take the following steps to address this behavior and ensure their well-being:

Monitor the Behavior: Start by closely observing your dog’s grass-eating habits. Note when and where they do it, as well as any changes in their behavior or health.

Check for Pesticides or Toxins: Ensure that the grass your dog is eating has not been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals that could be harmful. Avoid letting your dog eat grass from areas where you’re uncertain about its safety.

Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation: Ensure that your Great Dane receives ample mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and anxiety, which could be contributing to the grass-eating behavior.

Offer Safe Alternatives: Provide safe and dog-friendly alternatives to grass for sensory stimulation. Toys, puzzle feeders, and chew toys can keep your dog engaged and satisfied.

Training: If the grass-eating behavior persists, consult with a professional dog behaviorist. They can assess the behavior more comprehensively and provide tailored guidance.

Engage in obedience training and offer distractions when you notice your dog attempting to eat grass. Commands like “leave it” or “drop it” can help redirect their attention away from grass.

Supervise outdoor time: When your Great Dane is outdoors, supervise them to prevent excessive grass consumption. Redirect their attention to play or other activities to discourage grass-eating.

When to contact a veterinarian

If your dog is eating grass excessively or if it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, consult with your veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

Change of diet: If your veterinarian determines that your dog has specific nutrient deficiencies, they may recommend an appropriate diet and supplements to address those deficiencies to meet their specific needs.

Also, see medical attention for your dog when:

Excessive grass eating and other symptoms: If your dog is eating grass excessively or if it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, consult with your veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

Your Great Dane has digestive problems: If your Great Dane is eating grass because of digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.

Ingestion of toxic substances: If you suspect your Great Dane has ingested a toxic substance, including household chemicals, plants, medications, or human foods that are toxic to dogs, contact your veterinarian or an emergency poison control hotline immediately.

Sudden behavioral changes: Sudden and significant changes in behavior, such as extreme aggression, confusion, disorientation, or profound anxiety, may indicate underlying medical issues and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.