Student Article
Why Dogs Eat Grass (and Sometimes Poop): Strange but True!
Displacement (noun): A behavioral response where an animal performs a different action to deal with conflicting emotions.
Reinforced (verb): Strengthened or encouraged a behavior through response or reward.
Stimulation (noun): An activity that engages the mind or body.
Coprophagia (noun): The consumption of feces, typically seen in some animal species.
Indifference (noun): Lack of interest or concern.
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but some of their habits — like eating grass or feces — leave us scratching our heads.
Why do dogs eat grass?
While it may seem bizarre, the behavior of grass-eating in dogs is surprisingly common and still not fully understood. According to Dr. Emily Blackwell, an expert in animal behavior at the University of Bristol, eating grass might be a displacement behavior. This happens when a dog feels conflicted — perhaps anxious or restless — and chews grass as a way to cope, similar to a human biting their nails in a stressful situation.
Could it be for attention?
Another explanation is attention-seeking. If a dog notices that eating grass gets a reaction from its owner, the behavior may become reinforced. In some cases, it might simply be a sign of boredom or lack of stimulation. Is it about digestion? There are also nutritional theories: some believe dogs might eat grass to supplement their diet with fiber or to induce vomiting to relieve stomach discomfort. However, scientific support is limited. A 2008 study found that while 68% of dogs regularly eat grass, only 22% vomit afterward, making it unlikely that inducing illness is the primary goal.
Why do dogs eat poop?
Even more unsettling is the behavior of coprophagia — eating feces. While it may seem shocking, it’s relatively common in dogs, especially young puppies. Puppies use their mouths to explore the world, and feces might not be repulsive to them as it is to humans. Surprisingly, owners may unintentionally encourage the behavior. By rushing to prevent their dog from eating poop, they may signal to the dog that the feces is something valuable. This can lead the dog to try harder to eat it before their owner can intervene. Thus, experts recommend responding with calm indifference rather than alarm. In both cases, understanding the root causes of these behaviors helps prevent overreaction and allows owners to guide their dogs with patience and positive reinforcement.
© Thomas Ling / Our Media
Displacement (noun): A behavioral response where an animal performs a different action to deal with conflicting emotions.
Reinforced (verb): Strengthened or encouraged a behavior through response or reward.
Stimulation (noun): An activity that engages the mind or body.
Coprophagia (noun): The consumption of feces, typically seen in some animal species.
Indifference (noun): Lack of interest or concern.