Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog eats grass and dirt on walks. Is it normal? Should I stop him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 4 years and 10 months old

My dog tries to eat grass every time I take him out for his daily walk. I try my best to prevent him from eating grass. Sometimes he eats the grass along with the soil attached to the roots. Is it normal for him to eat grass? Should I continue to prevent him from eating grass?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on April 14th, 2017

It's quite common for dogs to eat grass on walks - of my three dogs, two of them eat grass every time I take them outside. Although it can be a sign of nausea or GI discomfort in some cases, in many dogs it's perfectly normal behavior that doesn't mean anything is wrong at all. As long as Bruno is acting fine otherwise, it doesn't sound like this is any cause for concern :)

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
I wouldn't be concerned about the grass eating behavior unless Bruno is vomiting every time he eats grass. In this case, he may be eating the grass because he feels nauseated and is trying to throw up. If this is a pattern of behavior it may signify that something else is going on and bloodwork and X-rays may be indicated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on June 10th, 2017
Grass eating is a normal behavior in dogs, but if they are eating it in order to make themselves vomit, they might have a stomach issue going on. Make sure they are both current on deworming and consider switching them to a very digestible prescription diet like Hills I/D or Royal Canin Gastro and see if that helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 27th, 2019
Eating grass is generally not an issue. Some dogs are natural "grazers", while others will eat it to self medicate if they have some stomach upset.
If Babie is vomiting daily or frequently, an exam with your veterinarian may diagnose the underlying cause. This may require blood work and/or abdominal x-rays.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

My dog has eaten grass since puppyhood. Is it normal? Should I worry?

Some dogs like to eat grass! As long as they have good appetites (for dog food!) and are not frequent vomiters, there is nothing wrong with eating grass. I do recommend that Chopi is routinely dewormed for common intestinal parasites (often included in monthly heartworm preventatives) and that you do not treat your grass with any chemicals.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog obsessed with eating grass? Is it normal behavior?

Pets will eat grass when they are either bored or have an upset stomach. By eating the grass it will tickle their throat on the way down and usually cause them to vomit up whatever is upsetting their stomach. If Riley isn't vomiting or has a decreased appetite, then he is likely just bored. I would however refrain him from eating grass, to prevent him from having any vomiting episodes. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, and I hope that Riley continues to do well. Best wishes and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog keeps eating grass daily. Is this normal or a health concern?

Hello, thank you for your question about Kiyah. Often times when dogs eat grass it is because they are feeling nauseous. Nausea can be a sign of GI upset or other underlying GI disease. If Kiyah is otherwise acting ok and has continued to eat and drink normally, you could continue to monitor her. Additionally, you could offer her a bland/easily digestable diet such as boiled chicken/hamburger and white rice to help settle her stomach. If these symptoms continue or Kiyah begins vomiting, refusing food, or becomes lethargic I would recommend having her seen by your veterinarian. They can examine her and discuss the need for additional diagnostics or treatments. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My Miniature Schnauzers dig and eat grass and dirt. Is this normal?

This may be simply because they're Terriers. That's what Terriers do, dig in search of vermin to kill. Eating the soil and grass is a little more concerning. If they are actually ingesting it, they could have a mineral deficiency and instinctively they are trying to correct it. I recommend getting them to your vet for an exam and bloodwork. If that comes out normal, then behavior is a more likely culprit. In that case, consider consulting with a trainer that specializes in behavioral problems. Your veterinarian can probably recommend one.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why does my dog eat grass? Is it a nutrient deficiency or harmful?

You are welcome! Some dogs just like the taste! This is pretty common. It doesn’t necessarily mean a deficiency in diet. I remember you from other questions about Chloe, and recall you are very on to it with her nutrition, so I don’t think that’s the case here. Sometimes dogs can eat grass due to nausea, but you’d like see other signs of stomach upset with that like drooling and a loss of appetite. I suspect she likes the taste. It’s not harmful as long as there are no pesticides on the grass.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my puppy jump and eat grass at a specific spot on walks?

What an odd behavior! I cannot tell you why he is doing this, perhaps there is a strong odor here only he can smell. I would just try avoiding that area (walk across the street) or bringing along something to provide good distraction as you walk past this area, such as a favorite toy he likes to play with or really good treats to offer repeatedly as you pass the area or a wooden spoon with peanut butter on it for him to lick as you walk past the area to distract him and reward him for staying with you/continuing to walk.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog eats grass and vomits. Is this a health issue or just behavior?

It could be either - some dogs with gastrointestinal disease will eat grass and the occasional vomiting could be a sign of nausea. It’s also possible that this is simply a preference that Otis has. I would recommend having him examined by a vet to make sure there is no concern for a gastrointestinal problem. They might recommend checking blood work as well.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share