Best Substitutes For Dog Eating Grass – Full Guide

If you have ever wondered why your dog eats grass, then you are not alone.

Many people wonder why their dogs eat grass. It seems like an odd thing for a dog to do.

But there are several reasons why your dog might eat grass. Some eat grass because they are bored.

Others eat grass because they are hungry. Still, others eat grass because they are thirsty.

Substitutes for dog eating grass

So, if your dog is eating grass, try to provide him with an alternative to the grass.

What are substitutes for dogs eating grass?

Adjust The Dogs Diet

Give Your Dog A Healthy Diet

If you feed your dog healthy meals, there shouldn’t be any problems with consuming grass.

However, if you provide your pet with junk food, then he might have trouble resisting treats.

If this happens, you should consider switching to healthier options.

Change Its Food

Changing the dogs’ diet is a substitute for dogs eating grass.

Dogs can chew on grass due to a nutritional deficiency.

Offer them quality food for one week to minimize his desire for the lawn.

If he still chews it after that time, try switching him over to another kibble or raw diet brand.

Also, changing to better dog food, particularly one high in fiber, could help solve the issue if your dog’s pica behavior is brought on by a nutritional deficiency.

Adjust The Amount Of Water Available

Plants contain a large amount of water, even if you can’t see it.

When your dog is dehydrated and thirsty, eating grass can help it rehydrate.

If your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and exercise, this will help keep him from chewing on the grass.

Make sure that he gets enough water throughout the day so that he doesn’t get dehydrated.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed veggies are an excellent substitute for dogs eating grass.

Some dogs enjoy steaming veggies such as broccoli, carrots, peas, etc.

It may be more appealing than just plain old grass.

You could also give him cooked chicken instead of grass.

Alternative Plant

You can substitute grass with other plants.

Try feeding him alfalfa hay, clover, wheat straw, corn stalks, bamboo shoots, etc.

These foods contain nutrients that are similar to those found in grass but without all the fiber.

Also, you could use a product called Grass-X, which looks like actual grass and tastes great!

But this stuff isn’t cheap. So, I wouldn’t recommend using it unless you need to.

Add Fiber Supplements

Adding fiber to your dog’s diet is an excellent substitute for grass and can reduce the frequency with which he consumes it.

Fiber-rich foods include fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, broccoli, carrots, kelp, pumpkin, apples, and flaxseed meals.

All complete, balanced dog foods should include the right sources of fiber for dogs in their daily diet, whether you prepared it raw at home or commercially bought.

Introduce New Foods

Try introducing new types of food into your dog’s diet.

For example, if he loves cheese, offer him small pieces of cheddar cheese every once in a while, or maybe he likes applesauce.

Introducing these items will make them less likely to eat grass gradually.

Add Salt And Pepper To His Food

Some people believe that adding salt and pepper to their dog’s diet helps them resist eating grass.

While this isn’t true, many owners find that sprinkling salt and pepper onto their dog’s food does help deter him from munching on grass.

Black pepper is generally considered safe for dogs in small doses, but large doses can upset the stomach.

Since black pepper has a spicy flavor, few dogs like it.

Additionally, since your dog’s diet does not typically include this seasoning, he may not be accustomed to its flavor.

What are substitutes for dog eating grass

Keep Your Dog Away From Grass

You should never allow your dog to feed on the grass while outdoors.

Even though it looks harmless, grass contains chemicals called phytates which bind calcium and magnesium, making them unavailable to your dog.

When ingested by dogs, these minerals interfere with bone growth causing skeletal abnormalities.

In addition, when consumed by dogs, grass causes diarrhea.

So don’t let your dog out where he can munch on grass! Here is how you can keep them from eating grass

Use A Collar And Leash To Prevent Chewing On Grass

A collar and leash are great tools to use when walking your dog.

They provide extra protection against biting insects and other dangers.

But what about protecting your dog from consuming grass?

Well, collars come equipped with prongs explicitly designed for preventing your dog from pulling at objects.

Similarly, leashes feature retractable straps that attach directly to your dog’s neck.

Both devices work well to protect your pet from ingesting harmful substances.

Teach Him Not To Eat Grass

If your dog continues to chew grass despite everything else you have tried, then there isn’t much left to do except teach him not to eat it anymore.

Start by giving him an appropriate reward whenever he stops chewing on grass.

Then slowly increase the size of the treat until he learns that grass is no longer worth the effort.

Once he understands this concept, you won’t need to worry about him ever again.

Train Your Dog To Reject Grass Completely

You can train your dog to quit eating grass by rewarding him whenever he does not consume it.

When training your dog to ignore grass, start giving small treats.

Give him only a few bites of food each time he refuses to eat grass. 

When he is responding to treats, it’s a good indication that he is trainable to stop eating grasses.

You can increase the amount of food given to him gradually until he eventually rejects the substance altogether.

Consider Using An Anti-Chew Device

Anti-chew devices like anti-chewer mats or chew guards prevent your dog from eating anything besides his regular meals.

If your dog eats grass regularly, consider using one of these products to discourage him from doing so.

The mat works by covering up a portion of the ground around your home.

It prevents your dog from digging through the dirt to find tasty treats.

Likewise, the guard attaches to your dog’s mouth and covers over his teeth.

Play And Entertain Your Dog

Give your dog chewing sticks or bones- Most dogs munch on grass when bored.

Bones can be a substitute for dogs who love munching on grass.

Ensure that your dog has several bones at his disposal that will entertain him and actively engage his mouth as a grass substitute.

You may also give him toys such as Kong’s or a toy with hard plastic in it or maybe even put a rubber band around his neck and let him play with the rubber band.

This way, he gets something interesting to chew instead of just grass.

Use An Anti-Chew Toys

Dogs love chewing on objects. Unfortunately, when they chew on items made of rubber or nylon, they risk damaging their teeth.

Instead, give your dog a toy that contains hard material.

Examples of good choices include bone-shaped balls, rope toys, and natural chews.

It also helps your dog when he/she is feeling stressed or has anxiety.

Consider Getting Rid Of The Grass Altogether

While most people would prefer to avoid cutting down all of their lawns, sometimes removing the grass entirely makes sense.

For example, if your dog chews on grass frequently, you might want to eradicate it.

Domestic Scents

The smell of grass is very similar to other types of plants.

As a result, your dog may confuse them both.

To deter your dog from consuming grass, try adding a scent to the area where he usually finds it.

Use essential oils extracted from herbs and flowers.

Mix equal parts lavender oil and lemon balm oil into the water.

Spray the mixture onto the soil near your house.

Alternatively, add a drop of peppermint extract to the bottom of your pet’s bowl.

These natural remedies are safe for use on humans and pets alike.

Final thought

Your dog has probably eaten grass more often than you realize.

In fact, most dogs enjoy nibbling on green plants during warm weather months.

If you don’t allow your dog access to areas containing poisonous weeds, then he should remain safe while grazing.

However, if you notice signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, weakness, or weight loss, then contact your vet immediately.

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