Your adorable puppy is romping through the yard, sniffing around, and suddenly—starts eating grass like it’s their favorite snack. Moments later, they’re throwing up. Sound familiar?
While it might seem alarming (and definitely gross), this odd little ritual is more common than you’d think. But is it just quirky puppy behavior, or a sign of something deeper going on in their tummy?
We dig into why your puppy is eating grass and vomiting, what’s considered normal, when you should worry, and how to help your furry friend feel their best.
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Puppy eating grass and vomiting?
A puppy eating grass and vomiting is surprisingly common and often not a cause for alarm. Puppies may eat grass out of curiosity, boredom, or to induce vomiting when they have an upset stomach.
The grass can irritate the stomach lining, causing them to vomit.
While occasional grass-eating followed by vomiting is usually harmless, frequent episodes may signal gastrointestinal issues, dietary deficiencies, parasites, or stress.
Puppy Eating Grass and Vomiting: What’s Normal?
Puppies are naturally curious, and one of the many things they like to explore with their mouths is grass. Occasionally, a puppy eating grass and vomiting afterward is completely normal.
Dogs may eat grass to soothe an upset stomach, out of boredom, or simply because they enjoy the texture or taste.
However, when your puppy consistently eats grass and throws up afterward, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
While one or two instances of grass eating and vomiting may not be a cause for alarm, repeated episodes of your puppy eating grass and vomiting could signal gastrointestinal distress, dietary imbalance, or even a more serious medical condition.
Is Eating Grass Bad for Puppies?
Not necessarily. Grass-eating is a behavior observed even in wild canines.
But when it leads to vomiting, it could be a sign that your puppy is trying to alleviate discomfort in the digestive tract.
It’s important to differentiate between:
Incidental grass chewing: Puppy eats a small amount of grass but doesn’t vomit.
Intentional grass consumption followed by vomiting: Your puppy actively seeks out grass and vomits soon afterward, which may indicate nausea or stomach irritation.
When your puppy eats grass and vomits yellow bile, this might be due to an empty stomach or acid buildup, both of which are worth discussing with your vet.
Common Causes of A Puppy Eating Grass and Vomiting
1. Upset Stomach or Gastrointestinal Discomfort
One of the most common reasons for a puppy eating grass and vomiting is gastrointestinal irritation. Puppies may feel nauseated and instinctively eat grass to induce vomiting, hoping to expel whatever is causing discomfort.
Key signs include:
Frequent swallowing or licking of lips
Restlessness
Vomiting yellow bile or partially digested food
If this behavior happens more than once, or your puppy seems uncomfortable, you may be dealing with an underlying issue like gastritis, parasites, or food intolerance.
Related: Dog eating grass and not eating (Here’s why)
2. Boredom or Behavioral Habits
Sometimes, a puppy eating grass and vomiting has less to do with digestion and more with behavior. Puppies are energetic and inquisitive; if they don’t have enough stimulation, they may turn to grass out of boredom.
The vomiting in these cases could be incidental—caused by long blades of grass irritating the throat or stomach lining.
Make sure your puppy has toys, enrichment activities, and consistent playtime to reduce grass-eating as a habit.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
If your puppy is not getting a complete and balanced diet, they may instinctively seek out greenery like grass to supplement missing nutrients.
A puppy eating grass and vomiting occasionally could be trying to self-correct a lack of:
Fiber
Certain minerals
Digestive enzymes
It’s important to ensure your puppy’s food meets AAFCO standards for growth. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian about switching to a more complete puppy formula.
4. Intestinal Parasites
Another reason your puppy might eat grass and vomit is due to parasites like roundworms or hookworms. These organisms can cause gastrointestinal distress, leading to behaviors such as grass consumption in an attempt to soothe the stomach.
Signs that point to parasites include:
Diarrhea or soft stool
Bloated belly
Visible worms in stool or vomit
Poor coat condition
A fecal test at your vet’s office can confirm if parasites are to blame.
Related: Dog eating grass like crazy (Here’s why)
5. Dietary Indiscretion
Puppies are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t. If your puppy ate something that upset their stomach—a piece of garbage, spoiled food, or a toxic plant—they might eat grass to trigger vomiting.
This form of puppy eating grass and vomiting is a reaction to ingesting something harmful or irritating to the stomach lining.
Keep your puppy’s environment clean and free of items that might tempt them into snacking on things other than their food.
6. Stress or Anxiety
Stress can also lead to a puppy eating grass and vomiting. Just like people, dogs have physical responses to stress. A stressed puppy might engage in grass-eating as a compulsive behavior.
Triggers might include:
New home or environment
Separation anxiety
New pets or people
Loud noises or disruptions
If stress is the suspected cause, you might also notice pacing, whining, or hiding.
Related: Puppy won’t start eating grass (Here’s why)
7. Exposure to Chemicals or Toxins
Sometimes the grass your puppy eats is coated with lawn chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. If your puppy eats chemically-treated grass and vomits, this could indicate poisoning or toxicity.
Look for:
Drooling
Shaking or tremors
Diarrhea
Vomiting repeatedly
This is an emergency. Contact your vet or animal poison control immediately if you suspect toxin exposure.
What to Do When Your Puppy Eats Grass and Vomits
While it’s not always cause for panic, a puppy eating grass and vomiting more than once should be monitored closely.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Monitor for frequency and symptoms:
Take note of how often your puppy eats grass and how frequently they vomit afterward. Keep track of any other symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
2. Examine your puppy’s diet:
Make sure your puppy is on a high-quality, complete, and balanced food formulated for growth.
3. Prevent access to harmful grass:
Ensure your puppy isn’t grazing in areas that may be treated with chemicals or could contain toxic plants.
4. Offer alternatives for stimulation:
Provide toys and enrichment to discourage grass-eating out of boredom.
5. Visit the veterinarian:
If your puppy continues eating grass and vomiting regularly or shows any additional symptoms, schedule a vet visit. Diagnostic tests like fecal exams, bloodwork, or imaging might be necessary.
When to Seek Veterinary Help Immediately
If your puppy eats grass and vomits but otherwise seems normal, monitor them at home. But seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice:
Vomiting multiple times in a day
Blood in vomit or stool
Lethargy or weakness
Pale gums or signs of pain
Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums)
Puppies are particularly vulnerable to rapid dehydration and imbalances, so don’t delay if symptoms worsen.
Key Takeaway: Puppy Eating Grass and Vomiting
Puppy eating grass and vomiting is a behavior that can stem from many causes—from simple curiosity to serious gastrointestinal conditions.
While occasional grass-eating and mild vomiting may not require medical intervention, repeated episodes could signal:
Stomach upset
Dietary deficiency
Parasites
Poisoning
Behavioral issues
Stress
Always observe your puppy’s behavior closely and consult your vet if the symptoms persist. By being proactive and informed, you can help ensure your puppy stays happy, healthy, and safe from preventable risks.
Remember, a happy puppy is one that thrives on love, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care.
If your puppy is eating grass and vomiting frequently, trust your instincts—reach out to your vet for peace of mind and proper treatment.