I'm not sure if this is a behaviour thing or a health-related thing or just a quirk, but my Pepper constantly grazes on grass whenever she is outside. She kind of looks like a sheep or a cow just munching away all of the time. I find it kind of strange. Most other dogs I've known, including my other sheltie Honey, only eat grass prior to being sick, but Pepper is very rarely unwell and just seems to really love it. I'm curious if anyone else has any experience with this?
Grass eating (not sick)
- Thread starter Hannah
- Start date
RikyR
Premium Member
Zulu does the same thing. Not just any grass, but a particular weed that grows in the yard. He likes to bite off the tips, and seems to enjoy it as well. I read an article somewhere the eating grass does not necessarily mean they are sick, they may just like the taste.
Ann
Moderator
Three of my dogs are dedicated grass eaters. You'd swear they were cows. Even in winter, they'll forage for any edible grass bits. I have also heard that some dogs just like the taste; others do eat grass but only when their stomachs are upset, and some due to nutritional needs. My uneducated guess is that if a dog always has a taste for grass, it's not because they're sick.
I'm very careful though about what I plant (a few of mine like to snack on flowers too) and what I allow to be put on our grass for that reason. No chemicals of any kind!
I'm very careful though about what I plant (a few of mine like to snack on flowers too) and what I allow to be put on our grass for that reason. No chemicals of any kind!
Caro
Moderator
Mine don't eat grass unless they're sick. Tully had been eating grass every morning for some months now so I figured she was just eating it for the sake - until of course the latest health scare.
However, my dogs do have an annoying taste for moist dirt, Deska's the worst. And it gives them the runs. I have absolutely no idea why they do it, even tried giving mineral supplements and it didn't stop. Now in winter I cover the backyard in shade cloth, bins, bags, anything I can find. Lucky I live in a dry climate.
Now I think about it, maybe that's why mine aren't grass eaters - it's too dry here to have luscious grass (I mow the lawn about 4 times a year). Do you guys who have grass eaters live in places you can grow lawn and get luscious grass? I see that picture of Zulu looks like he's laying on a pretty nice lawn.
However, my dogs do have an annoying taste for moist dirt, Deska's the worst. And it gives them the runs. I have absolutely no idea why they do it, even tried giving mineral supplements and it didn't stop. Now in winter I cover the backyard in shade cloth, bins, bags, anything I can find. Lucky I live in a dry climate.
Now I think about it, maybe that's why mine aren't grass eaters - it's too dry here to have luscious grass (I mow the lawn about 4 times a year). Do you guys who have grass eaters live in places you can grow lawn and get luscious grass? I see that picture of Zulu looks like he's laying on a pretty nice lawn.
Hanne
Forums Sage
Same with my previously 3 GSD and Minnie eat it too
Caro - Here in Denmark we have a green lawn the whole year
Silaria
Forums Sage
All of my dogs love to graze. Not sure if Keiran did this while living with his breeder or if he learned the habbit from Edan and CJ. Either way, they all graze because they want to and it doesn't cause they any upset tummies.
Sharon7
Moderator
Oh yes, the Sheltie "grazing cows". We laugh that Brooke is a Holstein (they are black and white too). Both Brooke and Faith are dedicated grazers, especially the new spring grass. They love it, it doesn't seem to hurt them, and it shows up in their poop. Funny to see other Shelties love this too. We avoid all chemicals on our back lawn also.
So interesting that other people have 'grazing cows' too!
After the dry summer we've had there are only a few green patches left under the trees for Pepper to graze on. Finally having some rain today though!
Beau is a grazer and forager. My previous sheltie never touched the grass or flowers but Beau does. I will be digging up most of my garden this spring because I have many plants (such as iris, daylillies, wood hyacinths) that he should not be touching. Oh well, would rather have Beau than the flowers.