Spring grazing, is your dog eating grass?

The majority of dog owners when asked that question will answer YES! This can be puzzling as we know dogs are classified as (facultative) carnivores not herbivores or omnivores.  In fact, dogs do not even contain the enzyme cellulase which is necessary to digest grass.

So why do they eat it?

As a dog owner and professional I have frequently observed canine grazing, especially in young, fresh spring grasses. During my years working in an animal shelter it would be common for me to take a dog for a walk and then find myself waiting for her while she ate huge gulps of bright green grass. It seemed to me that dogs craved something in that grass and that could be the only explanation for their behaviour. It is definitely an observation that tweaked my curiousity and warranted further investigation.

When recently reading the introductory chapter to The Complete Herbal Book for the Dog, the author, Juliette de Bairacli Levy, described Couch grass (also known as Dog Grass) as dog’s favourite herb. Juliette was a world renown European herbalist as well as a pioneer in Holistic Veterinary Medicine. She broke new ground with her ideas on natural rearing and herbal dog care and she documented in her studies that dogs preferred to nibble on fresh shoots of Couch grass. Juliette theorized that dogs used the fibrous grass as a natural method of cleansing the bowels, resolving upset stomach (vomiting) and as a remover of worms.

Gregory Tilford, author of, Herbs for Pets; all you ever wanted to know, observed that dogs with free range of the garden would seek out quarkgrass in the early spring. Tilford suggested that this was the resulting behaviour of a winter without access to wild, green plants and therefore it was a way to acquire vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Fresh, green grasses are excellent sources of essential fatty acids for skin and coat maintenance, silicon for strong joints and connective tissues, enzymes for digestive support and detoxication of waste materials, in addition to valuable chlorophyll, a potent antioxidant.

Although grass eating may not be the direct result of a deficiency, I don’t think that it is something to ignore. If your pet suddenly starts eating large clumps of grass, frequently followed by vomiting, it may be an indication of an upset stomach or more. A visit to the vet could clear up any concerns. For regular grazers (and all dogs in generally), consider helping your dog out by adding a variety of chlorophyll rich foods to the diet.   Studies show that juiced wheatgrass (a high source of chlorophyll)  cleanses the blood and the organs, protects the body against carcinogens, strengthens cell and enzyme function and above all, is readily absorbed by the body. Adding a small amount of wheatgrass juice with the pulp to your dogs’ food can be a powerful way of promoting overall health and wellness. Alternatively, feeding small amounts of fresh, juiced herbs is a great way to compliment a nutritious diet. Herbs such as parsley and peppermint are well known for their medicinal properties as well as being very high in vitamins and antioxidants. A touch of chopped fresh parsley and peppermint can aid in digestion, freshen breath and reduce inflammation.  Remember that variety is key to creating a well-rounded diet and that if in doubt, consult your holistic veterinarian.  

As spring is in full swing, get out your gardening gloves and get working on your fresh, organic herbal garden…and of course bring your dog! Stay tuned for future articles on herbs such as parsley, camomile and dandelion and how they can help to calm, balance and support your friend!