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You may have seen packets of cat grass for sale in pet stores. You might even have some already and wonder if it’s something that your dog is allowed to eat too.
So, can dogs eat cat grass? Yes, dogs can eat cat grass! Cat grass contains nutrients like chlorophyll, fiber, and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can benefit your dog’s digestive system and overall health. However, overeating cat grass can cause problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Why cat grass is beneficial for dogs and why they eat it
- The 3 dangers associated with dogs overeating cat grass
- How much cat grass is okay for dogs to eat
- What to do if your dog is overeating cat grass
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Cat Grass?
Cat grass is not harmful to dogs and can even provide some health benefits.
So, yes, dogs can eat cat grass but only in moderation. Overeating can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Cat grass is a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion, and chlorophyll, which can help freshen your dog’s breath. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E and potassium and iron.
These nutrients can be beneficial for your dog’s health, but it’s essential to make sure that they’re getting them from a balanced diet first and foremost. If your dog is eating a healthy diet and still eating grass regularly, there may be another reason.
4 Reasons Why Dogs Eat Cat Grass
There could be several reasons a dog will nibble on some cat grass.
Boredom
One reason could be that they are simply bored. For example, if your dog is left alone for long periods with nothing to do, they may start to eat grass out of boredom.
This can also happen if they are not getting enough exercise.
Lacking Nutrients
Another reason could be that they lack certain nutrients in their diet and try to satisfy that need by eating grass.
As mentioned, cat grass contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can benefit dogs.
It’s essential to speak to your veterinarian if you think your dog is eating grass because they lack nutrients in their diet.
They can advise you on the best course of action and whether or not you need to make any changes to their diet.
They Simply Enjoy It
Another reason could be your dog enjoys the taste of grass! Just like some people enjoy eating certain vegetables that others may not, some dogs simply enjoy eating grass.
To Help With Nausea Or Indigestion
Dogs may eat cat grass because they are nauseous, and grass actually helps settle their stomach.
If your dog is eating grass and then vomiting, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian to ensure there is no underlying health condition causing this.
However, it is pretty standard for dogs to eat grass to help them throw up. So it’s not usually a cause for concern when you see this.
Health Benefits For Dogs Eating Cat Grass
Cat grass is considered a superfood because it’s packed with chlorophyll, selenium, vitamins A, C, and E, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants.
These nutrients can have many benefits for your dog’s health, including:
Aiding Indigestion
The selenium in cat grass can help regulate your dog’s digestive system and peristalsis (the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract).
Reducing Inflammation
The vitamins A, C, and E found in cat grass can help to reduce inflammation throughout your dog’s body.
Boosting Immunity
Selenium and antioxidants work together to boost your dog’s immune system.
Detoxifying The Body
Chlorophyll can help to remove toxins from your dog’s body, including heavy metals.
So, as you can see, there are many potential health benefits associated with dogs eating cat grass. However, there are also some risks that you need to be aware of…
3 Dangers For Dogs Eating Cat Grass
While cat grass is generally safe for dogs to eat, there are a few dangers that you need to be aware of:
Allergies
Some dogs can be allergic to grasses. If your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction (such as itchiness, redness, or swelling), stop feeding it to them immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Some dogs with a sensitive stomachs may vomit from eating grass. If this is something you notice that happens every time your dog eats cat grass, stop allowing them to eat it.
Blockages
If your dog eats too much cat grass, they could end up with a blockage in their digestive system.
This may seem conflicting since one of the benefits is helping with digestion. However, if a dog overeats cat grass, it can actually cause obstructions.
This is from the grass getting tangled together and forming a blockage that can’t move through the digestive system.
Contact your vet immediately if your dog starts vomiting, has diarrhea, and seems to be in pain.
Pesticides, Herbicides, & Fertilizers
If you’re growing your own cat grass or buying it from a store, make sure it hasn’t been treated with any pesticides or herbicides.
These can be harmful to your dog if ingested and can cause health problems.
It’s best to grow your own cat grass or buy it from a reputable source that you know hasn’t used any chemicals on their plants.
How Much Cat Grass Can Dogs Eat?
Now that you know the potential risks and benefits of dogs eating cat grass, you might wonder how much they can actually eat.
Usually, grass-eating behavior is sporadic and very rarely results in a problem.
So long as it’s not a consistent meal, they’ll be okay nibbling away at cat grass.
Moderation is the key.
Tips If Your Dog Eats Too Much Cat Grass
If you find your dog has eaten a bunch of cat grass, you’ll want to closely monitor your dog.
I’ve spoken with my father, Dr. Littlejohn, and other vets in our family about dogs overeating.
When speaking with vets online or over the phone about dogs overeating things, they usually ask about:
- How Much They Ate
- How Big Your Dog Is
- Your Dogs Energy Level
- Unusual Changes In Behaviors
- Physical Discomfort Or Pain
- Eating & Drinking Habits
- Vomit & Poop
- Gum Color
Every situation is a little different depending on what they ate, how much, and how big your dog is, but these are the main things they’ll ask about.
Knowing these focus points a vet asks about can help you determine if your dog has a problem and its severity.
Of course, you know your dog best, so if you think something is off with them, you’re likely right.
When it comes to overeating cat grass, the biggest concern is obstruction.
Contact your vet immediately if your dog starts vomiting, has diarrhea, and seems to be in pain.
If your dog seems normal but has diarrhea and vomited, their system might just need to clear the grass out.
If this is the case, these symptoms should not last longer than 24-48 hours. Symptoms lasting longer could indicate a more severe problem.
If you’re at all concerned, always reach out to your veterinarian.
You can also use online services to speak directly with a vet for immediate help.
Click here if you wish to speak with a vet online right now.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cat Grass Make Dogs Vomit?
Sometimes.
As we mentioned earlier, some dogs can have a sensitive stomach and may vomit from eating grass.
In addition, some dogs always eat grass to help themselves vomit to clear their system of something they ate that doesn’t agree with them.
However, If your dogs vomit every time they eat cat grass, stop allowing them to eat it and get them checked by a vet to rule out any medical conditions.
What Kind Of Cat Grass Can Dogs Eat?
The type of grass doesn’t really matter, but it should be fresh and free from any chemicals.
If you are growing your own, use organic seed and potting mix.
When buying cat grass from a store, ensure that it hasn’t been treated with anything harmful.
Is Pet Grass Safe For Dogs?
Yes, pet grass is safe for dogs as long as it’s fresh, hasn’t been treated with any chemicals, and they are not overeating it.
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