Got Grass?

Why do dogs eat grass?

Introduction

How many of you have heard that dogs eat grass to soothe their stomach? This is a common misconception that attempts to explain a much more complex topic. There are two fundamental reasons why a dog would eat grass both nutritional and psychological. This lesson will primarily cover the nutritional reasons behind this behavior, however just for kickers psychological reasons include boredom, loneliness, and anxiety.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify & describe the major components of a dog’s GI tract.
2. Identify the nutritional needs of dogs.
3. Describe what a dietary deficiency is and how they affect dogs.
4. Explain how the behavior of eating grass combats fiber deficiency in dogs.

Review Material

Gastrointestinal Tract

Similar to humans and cats, dogs have a simple gastrointestinal (GI) tract that is centered around a single true stomach. When a dog eats food travels down the esophagus into the stomach where it is broken down into tiny particles. From the stomach, these food particles travel into the small intestine where nutrients and water are absorbed into the body. Lastly, the remaining food components move into the large intestine (colon) where any residual water is removed to produce the waste products that will be excreted through the anus.

Nutritional Needs

As a reminder, there are three nutritional classifications: carnivore, omnivore and herbivore. Carnivores only need to eat meat to fulfill their nutritional needs. Omnivores need to eat plants and meat to satisfy their nutritional needs. Herbivores need to eat plants to achieve their nutritional needs. Dogs are classified as omnivores. As such, a healthy diet for dogs includes grains, meat, and plant products. This balance maintains a well functioning GI tract. When choosing a diet for your dog, it is important to read the ingredient list on the back of the bag to ensure these categories are met.

Dietary Deficiencies

As previously stated, dogs require a healthy balance of grains, meat, and plant products in their diet. While most dog food brands ensure that each of these requirements are met, some don’t. When a given nutritional requirement is not met, this is called a dietary deficiency. Dietary deficiencies can lead to many health problems, for example, low calcium levels in the diet can cause bone weakness. One dietary deficiency that specifically impacts dogs is a fiber deficiency. Common sources of fiber within a dog’s diet include pumpkin, apples, whole grains, leafy greens, grass, and carrots. This deficiency can lead to problems within the large intestine, especially the formation of stool. Examples of these consequences include constipation or watery stool.

Putting it all Together

So why do dogs eat grass? How does this relate to a fiber deficiency? Can you figure it out?!? Complete the activities below to check your knowledge.

Activities

GI Diagram

1. Pair up!
2. Grab 2 containers of play-doh, 2 pieces of construction paper and 1 marker.
3. Work together to creatively illustrate a dog’s GI tract. Try to do this without using your notes, but if you’re struggling, you can use them.
4. Label the different parts of the GI tract.
5. Practice explaining the GI tract to your partner.
6. Compare your GI tracts with another group and test each other on the order of the GI tract.

Test yourself!

Complete this quick 5 question quiz on your own, without using any notes.

Knowledge Check

GI Diagram

Great work! Compare your masterpiece with the diagram below! Let me know if you have any questions!

Test yourself!

Answers provided when you finish the quiz.

Resources

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-do-dogs-eat-grass

https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/nutrition-feeding/benefits-of-fiber-for-dogs?lightboxfired=true#

https://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-nutrition/10-great-sources-of-fiber-for-dogs/