When your pets start to chew on grass, there is no need to be concerned. It is a normal and natural behavior. Dogs are omnivore, and require both plants and meats to survive. When you find your dog eating grass, they are getting more roughage in their diet to aid in digestion. You may also find that some animals just enjoy the taste of grass.
Cats on the other hand, are carnivores. They do not need as much foliage in their diets like dogs do. When you find your cat eating grass, it may be to aid them in digestion as well. A lot of pet stores do carry catnip grass just for cats. Cats seem to enjoy the taste.
Both dogs and cats like to eat grass, and it does not mean they are sick. It is true you may find your dog eating grass before he vomits, but this again is to aid in digestion. He is probably eating the grass to help settle his stomach. Same goes for cats that may have eaten something that was hard to digest.
Be careful not to let your pets eat grass that has been fertilized, sprayed with chemicals, or has bug poisoning on it. This could be fatal to your pets! If you see your pets eating more grass then usual, and you are concerned about them eating a chemical, you can grow your own grass at home, and offer it to them once a month. You can do the same for your cats; however it is not necessary, as cats do not need it, they just like the taste and/or texture.
When you see your pets eating grass, pay close attention to what they are eating. Make sure they do not eat a mushroom. Some wild mushrooms can be poisonous to dogs and cats. You will know right away if they did eat one, because they will begin to foam at the mouth, and start acting dizzy. You will need to take them to the veterinarian urgently.
If you find your dog eating a lot of grass, you may want to switch their dog food to something that has more fiber, or plant material in it. This is not necessary as long as you don’t mind them eating the grass, but if you are worried about them eating a mushroom, or if your yard is sprayed with fertilizers, then I would switch the dog food, or offer grass that you grow yourself.
Cats sometimes eat grass to help them regurgitate a hairball. You should not prevent them from eating grass, unless you feel there are harmful chemicals on it. If this is the case, you can buy cat grass, and make it available to them. When you see them eating grass, let them be; only they know what their system needs. Grass eating is a very normal behavior in both cats and dogs, so when it occurs there is no need to be alarmed. They are just doing what comes naturally to them.
Matthew Scott
Creature Comforts of Charlotte Pet Sitting
http://www.creaturecomfortscharlotte.com