French Bulldog Eating Grass

French Bulldog standing in grass

Dogs eat grass for many reasons. Reasons being they are trying to improving digestion, treat intestinal parasites or a nutritional deficiency, they are stressed, bored, hungry or just think it tastes good. Most of the time there is no reason to worry. This is a natural response for dogs.

Why a French bulldog eats grass

As mentioned above, there are many reasons to eat grass. Here is a better explanation provided for each reason for you.

Eating grass for improving digestion

Grass provides roughage for your dog which helps with digestion. It helps clean them out and get back on track. Your dog may eat grass to help with their upset stomach.

Eating grass for treating intestinal parasites

Your dog could be suffering from a parasite or other issue that is causing them issues. They naturally want to throw up to try to fix themselves. This is natural animal behavior you will find out in the wild and in your dog.

Your dog has a nutritional deficiency

Your dog could be looking for more nutrients. Check the nutrients in your dog food to see if they fit their daily dietary needs. You could add fiber and other nutrients to your dog’s diet.

Adding a little spinach to your dogs bowl will add roughage and is high in nutrients. Of course there are other food options.

You may need to change your dog’s diet altogether. Check with your vet for better options to meet these needs.

Your dog is hungry

They could be just eating the grass because they are hungry. Your dog may not have ate all their food during their last meal or it is close to meal time. Your dog may not be getting fed enough food.

It could also be because your dog is on medication, have parasites or another condition that is making your dog more hungry than usual.

Your dog is bored

french bulldog laying in grass

Let’s be real. We all do it. Eating when your bored is common occurrence especially when we are sitting around watching television. Your Frenchie may be outside sitting around bored as well. If you suspect this is the reason, you can do a few things with him or her to prevent his. You can exercise your dog by going on a walk, playing with your dog, or give your dog a toy to play with. Turn on the sprinkler or set out a baby pool for your dog. Anything to keep your pup occupied.

Your dog is stressed

Your dog may do strange things when they are stressed. A new home or something new in their life may be causing stress. They may eat grass as one of the ways to treat this. Makes sense since tummy aches can occur from stress. Eating also helps with stress.

Your dog thinks grass tastes good.

This could be the case for your dog. Perhaps they think the grass tastes good. They just want a little treat. It could also be that there is something interested on the grass that they are curious about.

French bulldog eating grass and vomiting

Most of the time, dogs do not vomit after eating grass. At least if they eat and chew slowly. Dogs may eat grass in a fast manner more like inhaling the grass without really chewing. This most likely is to vomit to make themselves feel better.

This may be a sign that your dog may have an upset stomach or could be treating themselves for other reasons like parasites. Parasites and other conditions will likely show other symptoms.

Is it safe for my dog to eat grass?

There is not really an issue with your dog eating grass but it could be dangerous in certain conditions. I would especially keep watch of your dog eating grass in other yards or dog parks.

Animals may have used the bathroom in those yards and be infected with sickness. Dogs can pick up parasites and other bacterial infections by digesting them from places from infected animals.

Another issue is treated yards. Pesticides and other toxic lawn treatments could cause your dog to get sick.

Does eating grass give dogs diarrhea?

In a simple word yes, it easily can. A change in diet can always cause diarrhea. Especially with French bulldogs who have sensitive stomachs. This is not always the case, but seems to happen the majority of the time. Your dog may not be able to handle it well.

Do dogs need grass?

french bulldog rolling in grass

There is a conflicting point of view on this subject. Many say that dogs need grass to get their digestion straight or for animal nature. I would say grass is good to have in your yard for them to play and roll around in. As for eating, this does not really seem to be all that necessary if you make sure your dog is getting the nutrients they need and keeping watch of them. You could keep watch of their behavior to see if they are stressed or if they seem like they are feeling sick.

Should I stop my Frenchie from eating grass

It is considered normal behavior for dogs to eat grass. They do this for many reasons. You should definitely not allow yours dog to eat grass when you are out walking your dog because of what they can catch from other yards or get sick from treated lawns. If you feel your lawn is safe then this is a decision you will have to make for yourself.

How do I stop my dog from eating grass?

Depending on why your dog is eating grass would depend on how you can help keeping your dog from eating it. You will need to use your best judgement.

Add Roughage

You can add wheat grass for your dog to eat if you are concerned about him needing roughage for his digestion. You can also add a little spinach to his food as well.

Fix yours dogs diet

If you are worried that your dog is not getting enough nutrients, check the ingredients in their food. You could always start making their food or feeding them a highly nutritional diet directed by your vet.

Feed your dog

Your dog may not want to wait for meal time. If your dog is just hungry feed him. If this seems to be an issue, you may need to feed your dog more to make sure they are getting enough food.

You can also add a small amount of food to a dog bowl by the door outside. That way they can eat as they please so they won’t be tempted by grass. This works for some but my dog has a tendency to want to eat all his food and then some. If your dog is like mine, I would not suggest this.

Exercise your dog

You can keep your dog occupied. You can go out walking or play with him. Give him a chew toy to run around with. Spray the water hose for him to try to catch. Your dog will enjoy it and will no longer be bored.

Take your dog to the vet

If your dog eating grass is only a small sign and shows other abnormal symptoms like weight loss, lethargy or anything else, please take your dog to the vet.

Your dog could have health conditions that is causing them to be hungry or want to settles their stomachs.

You can read all about parasitic and bacterial symptoms to look out for here. There are other conditions covered as well as some not covered.

Only a vet can give medical advice and tell you what is wrong with your dog. If you are worried, make an appointment immediately.