As long as they don’t overdo it, dogs can eat cat grass. Cat grass provides many of the same nutritional benefits as regular grass, but without the risk of chemicals and pesticides. However, too much cat grass can cause constipation, so make sure to monitor your dog’s consumption.
Dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons. It can help aid digestion by giving your pup some well-needed fiber. It’s also a great way for bored dogs to find something fun to do with their time.
Unfortunately, there’s a problem that comes with allowing your dog to eat grass. Our front yards and parks are usually sprayed with pesticides and fertilizers. The overconsumption of these chemicals by your dog can cause some serious medical problems.
Luckily, there is a safe and relatively inexpensive alternative. Cat Grass!
Cat grass is a great way to ensure your dog has something to do while keeping them safe from harmful chemicals.
This article will cover a few of the many benefits your dog will receive from eating cat grass. We will also provide some tips and tricks to growing your own cat grass.
What You'll Learn
Why Eat Cat Grass In the First Place?
Cat grass can be a great addition to a dog’s diet, as dogs are not strictly meat-eaters. There are several reasons you should feed cat grass to your dog. It’s high in fiber, keeps bad toxins from entering the gut, and compensates for nutritional deficits.
On top of all the health benefits, there are a few psychological benefits as well. Dogs don’t merely consume grass for the sake of nourishment. Dogs tend to gravitate toward strange things they normally shouldn’t be eating or munching on. Grass is one of those odd things. Many dogs eat grass when they are bored, so munching on cat grass is a great way to relieve boredom.
People have debated whether or not lawn grass is healthy for dogs. On the other hand, cat grass has long been proven to be a healthy substitution for yard grass.
If your dog has a worm infestation, cat grass is beneficial. Grass fibers in the intestines wrap around pests and expel them quickly. Grass also contains a variety of beneficial microbes. These are good for digestion, especially for dogs who eat a lot of meat.
Micronutrients abound in both cat grass and normal grass. If your dog is constantly eating grass, he may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Even a few blades of grass can make up for the deficit.
Growing Your Own Cat Grass
Growing your own cat grass is an effective and relatively inexpensive way to ensure your dog is getting healthy nutrients every time they feel the urge to chew on grass.
Simply start by filling a flower pot with gardening soil. Activating seeds requires soaking them in cold water for up to two hours before planting. This is called “germinating” and is the only way for these seeds to sprout.
Now your cat grass simply needs a sunny place to rest while the seeds take root. Keep the top layer of soil moist throughout the next couple of days. It is important to not let the soil dry out or it might kill the seeds. However, do not over water and drown your seeds either.
Plants have been killed by over watering more than by under watering. The seeds are most fragile during this stage and it is important you keep an eye on them. However, when the blades of grass have sprouted, they become quite resilient and not much will kill them…unless your furry friend makes it their new snack.
Cat Grass Isn’t For Every Dog
Although cat grass can be a great alternative for your dog to munch on, it may not always agree with their digestive system.
Some dogs are more sensitive to certain foods. If your dog doesn’t digest grass very well, eating too much cat grass can clog their bowels and lead to constipation.
To help keep track of your dog’s grass consumption, give them an allotted grass-eating time frame throughout the day. This will reduce the risk of overeating and hopefully prevent digestive issues.
Watch For an Allergic Reaction
If your dog is suddenly showing signs of odd behavior, such as scratching, excessive licking, or whining, it might be having an allergic reaction to the cat grass. Take them to the vet to determine the underlying cause and stop feeding them cat grass if it persists.
Don’t Force Your Dog to Eat Cat Grass
Keep in mind that not every dog likes to eat grass. If you have presented your dog with a yummy helping of cat grass but they seem indifferent, maybe they just aren’t a grass-eating dog. That’s okay! Don’t force your dog to eat cat grass if they are not wanting anything to do with it.
Getting Their Interest
While dogs enjoy tearing at the grass outside, a pot of grass in their house might not be as appealing. However, there are a few things you can do to get them interested in cat grass.
Given that they may have been corrected in the past for attempting to eat your houseplants, you may need to encourage them by plucking a blade of grass and hand feeding it to them.
Another way you can get them to eat it is by making it a task. Dogs have a natural instinct to forage for food. Pick out a few blades of grass from the pot and scatter them where your dog usually likes to “hunt” for food. A little goes a long way, so you won’t need much.
Do Your Part
Adding cat grass to your dog’s diet is a great way to provide them with extra nutrients. It’s also good for keeping them occupied and away from your precious houseplants. When you give your dog cat grass, you are doing your part to keep their gut healthy and whole.
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