What dogs know about keeping themselves healthy
I love how things transpire! Today, I was wondering which topic to write about and, at that moment, my dog walked right by my side, skillfully picking out blades of green sedge grass from an array of other plants.
People often wonder if it is normal for their dog to eat grass. They often associate grass-eating with digestive problems or another disease, but in most cases the dog is not unwell. There are many health benefits of grass-eating:
- Grass is rich in chlorophyll and antioxidants and dogs intuitively know this.
- Grass-eating balances your dog's body and balances out a diet that is rich in meat protein and fat.
- The canine species has a strong tendency to develop spleen imbalances and spleen cancer.
- Grass has a very positive effect on the spleen and blood cleansing.
- Wheat grass and wheat grass juice are considered among the most potent superfoods in human nutrition and it is my impression that dogs intuitively know this.
- Sedge grass and other sharp-leafed grasses are dogs' favourites. Grass is also rich in fibre, which improves digestion and frequency of bowel movements.
- Finally, dogs benefit from the minerals, vitamins and other nutrients in grass.
Some sources claim that the purpose of sharp grass-eating is to get rid of parasites in the intestinal tract. As I mentioned before, only a small portion of grass-eating dogs are unwell. My observation is that dogs who eat kibble and other processed foods, are generally more likely to suffer from metabolic imbalances and deficiencies, hence, they are more likely to eat grass and vomit. It makes complete sense that dogs who eat food that has been sitting on a shelf for months and sometimes years would eat grass more often.
In summary, it is absolutely okay for your dog to eat grass if she or he has had regular check-ups, is healthy and eats a natural raw or cooked food diet supplemented with natural vitamins, minerals, probiotics and omega oils.
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM