why dogs eat grass Archives

Why Does My Cat Eat Grass?

by Amy Shojai | Mar 26, 2026 | Cat Behavior & Care

A fun and interesting discussion on my Facebook page generated a post about why dogs eat grass so it’s not that much of a stretch to ask why does my cat eat grass? Yep, Karma does it too. I suspect many kitties relish the taste of fresh greens. You’ve already seen this post about why cats love catnip. The veggie munchies is something different, but what? And why?

Key Takeaways

Kitties, as obligate carnivores, munch on grass for reasons beyond nutrition; they often purge after eating it.
Some studies suggest cats might know eating grass induces vomiting, possibly using it as a natural emetic.
Grass contains useful nutrients such as folic acid and may help in pushing non-digestible items through their system.
Understanding why cats eat grass sheds light on their behavior and natural instincts.

Of course, be sure to keep your outside cats safe!

Why Does My Cat Eat Grass?

I mean, we consider dogs omnivores like humans–able and even eager to eat a variety of foods and derive nourishment. Heck, Magical-Dawg used to munch used Kleenex and socks if we let him (no, those are NOT in the doggy foods list!). So, it makes a weird kind of sense that dogs sometimes crave grass since they eat green stuff as a matter of course.

But kitties are obligate carnivores. They MUST eat meat to derive the correct nutrients to live and thrive. So, what’s the deal with grazing? Most times after munching, the kitty hurls–oh goody, more stains on the white carpet. That’s because since they are carnivores, kitty digestion isn’t suited to breaking down grass, so it gets purged. The tickle-going-down probably adds to that effect.

A Natural Emetic

Does the cat know eating grass will make him hurl? Actually, there have been some studies that show cats DO quickly associate eating (X-FOOD) with feeling (good-bad-sick-whatever). A cat that eats a favorite meal and then gets diarrhea or painful constipation (even though it’s from parasites) may blame the food and thereafter snub a previous favorite treat. Huh. So maybe cats DO know grass will make them hurl–and they use it to purge?

Grass also contains some nutrients the cat’s body CAN use–like folic acid. Oh, and grass or other veggies can help push nondigestible items on through the body, sort of a kitty colonic. Hey, better the cat goes with a DIY, don’t you think? As a former vet tech I’ve been on that (ahem) other end of cleaning out a plugged-up kitty and it ain’t fun for anyone!

Do your cats eat grass? Or do your pets eat other weird stuff like dirt? Do you provide gazing ops? Here’s a bit more in this Ask Amy.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE! Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass

by Amy Shojai | Sep 23, 2016 | Dog Training & Care

Magical-Dawg often enjoyed eating grass–did you ever wonder why dogs eat grass? Magic munched on the freshest shoots, particularly before he ate his breakfast. Of course, then he had to vomit (yuck!), so we tried to avoid allowing the behavior.

I’m sharing this entry about why dogs eat grass, which is an excerpt from Dog Facts, chapter G. This chapter covers a lot of ground, and here’s the topic list:

Geriatric Dog, Giardiasis, Glaucoma, Grape/Raisin Toxicity, Grass (Eating), Grief, and Grooming.

I’ve broken the massive book into discounted treat-size alpha-chapter sections available ONLY to subscribers of my PETS PEEVES NEWSLETTER. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire DOG FACTS book either in Kindle or 630+ pages of print.

WHY DOGS EAT GRASS

Dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat nearly anything, including vegetables or fruits. Wild canids like coyotes typically eat vegetable matter found in the stomach and intestines of prey animals, but may also eat roots, grasses and even fruit. Our dogs often beg for and enjoy snacks of raw vegetables like lettuce, green beans and carrots.

While some dogs eat weird stuff and get into trouble, it’s not unusual for dogs to eat grass.

Is Grass Good For Dogs?

Most pet dogs occasionally eat grass, which may be used as a natural emetic to stimulate vomiting when the dog feels unwell. However, grass eating does not always result in vomiting; some dogs may simply relish the flavor or texture. Some speculation exists that grass grazing may provide trace elements of vitamins.

Indoor dogs may indulge their urge to graze by nibbling houseplants which, depending on the plant, may be dangerous. Occasional grass eating isn’t a cause for concern. However, if grazing becomes a habit, and especially if grass eating prompts vomiting more than two days in a row, your dog should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out a health problem.

GET DOGGY VOMITING TREATMENT TIPS NOW!

How about your dogs? Do they eat grass? Does it make ’em “whoops” or do they just enjoy grazing?