Canines have been observed to munch on grasses and leaves often. Be it to satisfy their upset stomach or following their innate dietary nature, pets, especially dogs feeding on plants, should not be alarming. Many veterinarians associate this behavior of feeding on unusual stuff to dietary requirements in dogs. Fed with high-quality kibbles, domesticated dogs often lack the plant material-roughage in their diet. Like humans, the canines also require a small dose of roughage or fiber for a healthy gut. Hence, to supplement the deficiency, they often munch on the plants that are available to them.
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Pay Attention To What You Grow!!
Since the only access to plants for domesticated dogs is the gardens, the owners should pay close attention to what they can plant and what they should not. The plants that add beauty to the landscape might not be best for your pets. Many plants release exudes that are poisonous in ingestion. At the same time, other plants have morphological structures to protect them against foraging.
Though your pets may, over time, learn to distinguish between what can be eaten and whatnot, it is better to avoid situations that can endanger their lives. Hence, here are some plants that you can add to your gardens without worrying about the safety of your pets!
Plants To Grow In The Gardens!
Here are plants that are safe for dogs in small amounts. You can grow them in your gardens or keep them in pots for your pets to nibble on whenever they need them!
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- Wheatgrass: Besides being pet safe, the grasses are rich in protein and other vital minerals and vitamins, making them a good choice for pets to forage on occasionally.
- Green beans: Beans are easy to grow and are a rich source of omega fatty acids. Including them on a diet can be great for their gut, with significant fiber content and essential vitamins.
- Melons: An excellent source of beta-carotene, melons are a hydrating addition for your pets to have a refreshing munch during hot summers.
- Basil: The antioxidant-rich plant is safe for your dogs, especially in small amounts. You can also add them to their regular meals.
- Fennel: Fennels are suitable for your pets, especially helping them with their digestion problems. They are also rich in vitamins like vitamin A and C, making them suitable for your pets.
If you are not sure about feeding your pets wild plants, you can take a detour and feed them veggies. A little dose of veggies along with their regular diet can decrease their tendency to eat plants. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans are all safe and good additions for your pets.
Stay Clear Of These Plants!
Some go-to favorite ornamental plants are a big no-no if you have pets at your home. Here are top plants that you should clear off your gardens until you train your pets to not nibble on them.
Plants like sago palm, ivy, and chrysanthemum are dangerous to dogs. Succulents like aloe vera are also poisonous to pets. Flowering plants like gladiola and daffodils also endanger the health of the pets.
Similarly, you must be cautious while feeding some vegetables like sweet potatoes. Due to high glycemic content, they are not ideal for dogs. If it is not cooked correctly or the skin is not peeled off, the vegetable can cause digestion problems in many dogs.
Other Problems With Eating Grass!
Other than some plants themselves being poisonous, the chemicals and fertilizers added for proper growth of the plants can be hazardous for your pets. They may result in an upset stomach or even mild poisoning in them. Researchers supported by the National Institute of Health have identified pets with exposure to certain pesticides are at a higher risk of Canine Malignant Lymphoma.
The parasites that breed on these plants, especially grasses, also concern this eating habit. The grasses harbor many intestinal parasites that can add to the woe of digestive troubles.
When To Consult A Vet?
Dogs not only nibble on the grasses to satiate their upset stomach. When your pets unexpectedly feed on plants, it might also be a symptom of underlying disease or stress. Here are few other assumptions for your dogs eating grass that needs to be addressed:
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- Nutritional deficiency! If your pets cannot get the required vitamins and minerals from the diet, they have to meet the requirement by feeding on alternate sources.
- Digestive troubles! Many feed on the grass to vomit later and end their upset stomach. Look into the factor that has resulted in the upset stomach to avoid them in the future. You can also consult a veterinarian to cross off medical conditions like bowel disease or pancreatitis.
- Anxiety issues! Your dogs might be under stress and are resorting to this unusual behavior to attract your attention!
Conclusion
It is not suggested to promote grass-eating behavior in dogs to avoid getting them infected with parasites and dangers of chemicals and fertilizers. However, if your lawns are safe from these, you can always allow them to nibble a few blades of grass from time to time. However, keep an eye for unusual behavior as a sign to visit a veterinarian.
