While there are competing theories regarding why dogs and cats consume grass, a conclusive answer has yet to be supported by scientific study. Here’s a brief overview of the current speculation
- They simply like the taste and texture of the grass and eating it provides a sense of satisfaction
- It’s an ancestral thing – prey of wild dogs and cats frequently have grasses in their intestinal system, and domesticated dogs and cats still yearn for grass in the diet
- Our companion animals know of some nutritional value in grasses that we have yet to find out (like antioxidants or something similar)
- They do it to provoke vomiting if they’ve eaten something that has upset their stomachs
- They are augmenting their keen sense of smell with taste to uncover more about their environments
Although we may never know the exact reason why, we do know that this is one of the most often asked questions posed to veterinarians. If you notice excessive grass-eating with either your dog or cat, you should consult your vet.
Copied from the November Edition of the Life’s Abundance Newsletter
