Repetitive and Occasional Eating Grass and Vomiting

by Karen
(Lakehills, Texas)

Five year old mixed breed rescue that is on a good diet but still eats grass, has loud abdominal noises, then vomits eventually. I have tried everything suggested by the vet and books, etc. What should I do now? I am on a very limited income and this is stressing me out. I have PTSD, so....not good. The vet suggested a bland diet with yogurt. That didn't work.

Editor Suggestion for Dog That East Grass and Vomits

Hi Karen,

So sorry to hear about the stress that your dog is causing by eating and vomiting grass.It's tough when our pets are unwell and we're trying to find solutions.

First it might be helpful to understand why dogs eat grass:

here are a few reasons why dogs might occasionally eat grass. Some of the most common reasons include:

To induce vomiting. Some dogs eat grass in an attempt to induce vomiting. This can be a sign of illness, such as an upset stomach or food poisoning. However, it is also possible that your dog is simply trying to get rid of something they ate that they didn't like.

To get more fiber. Grass is a good source of fiber, which can help to keep your dog's digestive system healthy. If your dog is not getting enough fiber in their diet, they may be more likely to eat grass.

To get nutrients. Grass contains some nutrients that are essential for dogs, such as vitamins A and C. However, it is important to note that grass is not a complete diet and should not be used as a substitute for dog food.

As you can see eating grass might be a symptom of some other issue.

Given the above, here are some general ideas, but remember that nothing replaces professional veterinary care.

Here are ideas to consider:

Food Change: As noted, a nutritional problem could be an underlying cause. If the bland diet with yogurt isn't working, consider another type of food. You could try a hydrolyzed protein dog food. It breaks down proteins to a level that the dog's gut should be able to handle without an issue. This type of food often helps dogs with sensitive stomachs. You can discuss this with your vet.

Dietary Supplements: Depending on the root cause of the problem, your dog might benefit from a probiotic or prebiotic supplement, which can help regulate the gut bacteria. Pumpkin puree (make sure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling) is another good option that some dogs tolerate well. It can help soothe the digestive system.

Small Frequent Meals: Feeding your dog smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the strain on their digestive system and may lead to less upset.

Behavioral Factors: Given that you mentioned your PTSD, consider if there might be behavioral factors at play. Dogs are very sensitive to the emotions of their human family members, and anxiety or stress can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms.

Follow-up with Vet: Despite everything, if the condition continues, you should follow up with your vet or consider a second opinion. A blood test, stool sample analysis, or other diagnostic measures might be necessary to rule out underlying health conditions.

I hope these suggestions provide a starting point for you. Remember to always consult with a vet before making significant changes to your pet's diet or care routine.

Best,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Dog Health Guide