Dogs and cats often eat grass, and no one is quite sure why they do. Animals that get plenty of green vegetables in their diet, as well as those that don't get any at all, will occasionally eat grass.

Generally speaking, it is a harmless activity. The dog does not gain or lose anything in the way of nutrition. There is one caution: Do not let a dog eat any grass that has been treated with any form of chemical, such as fertilizer or weed killer. Eating such contaminated grass could be lethal to your pet. You can be certain only of your own lawn. Therefore, do not trust any grass when you are out for a walk. Use ''No" or another command the dog obeys instantly, and walk on.

Author(s): McLennan, Bardi
Publication: Dog Fancy
Issue Date: November 1993