Got Grass?

Instructional Guide

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, but will also delve into the psychological reasons, which include boredom, loneliness, and anxiety.

Intended Grade Level

This lesson is intended for students in grades 6th- 8th. Students should be familiar with the basic processes of the GI tract, and feel comfortable with how food is broken down into nutrients.

Learning objectives

1. Students will be able to identify & describe the major components of a dog’s GI tract.
2. Students will be able to identify the nutritional needs of dogs.
3. Students will be able to describe what a dietary deficiency is and how they affect dogs.
4. Students will be able to explain how the behavior of eating grass combats fiber deficiency in dogs.

Lesson Format

Student page

This can be done in any size group. Activities can be done in a group, and require a computer with internet access.

• First students will read background information on the gastrointestinal tract and canine nutritional needs (10 minutes)
• Next, students will read about dietary deficiencies (5 minutes)
• Students will then play a matching game where they drag the proper label to the correct area on the canine GI system (5 minutes)
• The assessment will be a short quiz that reflects the learning objectives (5 minute)

Lesson Background

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, leading to 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.

Activities

Students will have an option to do a drag-and-drop activity to label an image with the correct parts of the GI tract.

Common misconceptions and challenge points

Students may have a difficult time tying together fiber deficiency and dogs eating grass. Highlight that things such as leafy greens have fiber, so dogs are eating grass to try to minimize that deficiency.

Assessment

Students will independently take a 5 question quiz which reflects the material throughout the lesson, focusing on the learning objectives.

Further exploration

VCA Hospitals: Why Do Dogs Eat Grass

Hills Pets: Benefits of Fiber For Dogs 

Great Pet Care: 10 Great Sources of Fiber for Dogs