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Article: Raw Dog Food Diets: Why Dogs Eat Grass or Dirt

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Raw Dog Food Diets: Why Dogs Eat Grass or Dirt

Raw Dog Food Diets: Why Dogs Eat Grass or Dirt

As a pet parent committed to raw dog food diets or considering a switch to raw feeding, you may notice your dog occasionally nibbling on grass (like a cow) or even digging into dirt (I've actually seen this behavior with dogs in kibble diets). This behavior can be puzzling, but it’s surprisingly common. Let's explore why dogs on raw diets eat grass and or dirt, whether it’s a sign of nutrient deficiency, and how to remedy it naturally with supplements and herbal solutions.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass and or Dirt anyways?

Grass Eating: Instinct, Nutrition, or Upset Stomach?

Dogs eating grass is a behavior rooted in their wild ancestry. Even on a well-balanced raw dog food diet, your pup may seek out grass for several reasons:

  • Fiber and Roughage: Grass provides fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep stools regular. In BARF diets, dogs get this fiber through fruits and vegetables. In PMR, this fibre is through feathers and fur. If your raw feeding model is low in fiber, your dog might instinctively look for grass.

  • Natural Instinct: Wild canines like wolves and foxes eat plant matter (which may come in forms of plants in the prey's intestinal tracts) to supplement their diet, and this instinct remains in domestic dogs.

  • Upset Stomach: Some dogs eat grass to soothe an upset stomach or induce vomiting, though most grass - eating dogs do not actually vomit afterward. If they do, let them vomit, assess them before rushing to the vet. 

  • Nutrient Deficiency: While rare with a well-formulated raw dog food diet, a lack of fiber or certain micronutrients could prompt grass eating.

Dirt Eating (Pica): When Should You Worry?

Eating dirt is more concerning and is known as pica. This behavior can signal any of the following:

  • Nutritional Deficiency: If your raw dog food diet lacks essential minerals like iron, zinc, or B vitamins, your dog might eat dirt to compensate.

  • Behavioral Issues: Boredom, stress, or compulsive disorders can lead to dirt eating.

  • Medical Conditions: Anemia, gastrointestinal problems, or parasites can also cause pica. If this excessive behavior lasts for more than 2, 3 days.

    • What to do ^^ : Consult with a Veterinary Professional. Check for parasites or modify the diet. It may be high in organs, or the food may be too acidic and may chuck up bile. 

How to Remedy Grass and Dirt Eating on a Raw Dog Food Diet

Dietary Adjustments for Raw Feeding

  • Ensure Your Raw Diet Is Balanced:

    • As mentioned above, depending on the type of raw diet you feed, ensure that there's adequate fibre through vegetables, fruits, or fur/feathers. 

  • Add Fiber-Rich Foods:

    • Incorporate dog-safe vegetables (like pumpkin, steamed spinach, or raw shredded carrots, raw chopped parsley) or a small amount of ground flaxseed or psyllium husk to boost fiber intake. 

  • Check for Nutrient Deficiencies:

    • Regularly review your raw dog food recipes for adequate levels of calcium, zinc, taurine, and other essential nutrients to prevent deficiencies.

    • Use the Raw Cube Diet Formulator to check for any deficiencies. 

Herbal and Supplemental Solutions

  • Probiotics:

    • Supports a healthy gut microbiome, which can help curb pica behaviors. We love Plain, whole Kefir or Yogurt (no flavors, no sugars). 

  • Herbs:

    • Ginger or chamomile can soothe the digestive system and reduce the urge to eat non-food items. Personally, I love giving my dog Milk Thistle. 

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog is eating dirt frequently, consuming large amounts of grass, or showing other signs of illness (such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weight loss), consult your veterinarian. These behaviors can sometimes indicate underlying health problems that need professional attention.

References

Written by Anna Kelemen

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