Eating Grass not Unusual in Pets
My-Dog.info > Dogs, Diet & Food
Grass eating occurs frequently among dogs and cats and it is
thought to be normal behaviour. Feral cats, (i.e. cats that roam
free in the wild), eat grass almost daily and most domesticated
cats, if given the opportunity, will eat grass and certain
plants.
The reason for this activity is unknown, although some
theories exist. Some experts feel that cats eat grass for
nutritional reasons, such as adding fibre or bulk to the diet.
Others feel that cats eat grass as a form of self-medication,
called zoocognopharmacy. They theorize that cats eat broad-leafed
grasses to take advantage of their laxative effects while narrow
or sharp-leaved grasses or plants are ingested to act as emetics
to make themselves vomit. Still others feel that cats eat grass
as a tonic to settle their stomachs.
Whatever the reason, dogs and cats seem to enjoy this activity
and owners can safely encourage this habit by providing sources
of green vegetation. Cat owners can consider growing a small plot
of lawn grass or wild oats that their cat can access or, if this
is not possible, they can provide an occasional side dish of
green vegetables like string beans. Dogs can also be provided
with various green vegetables. Ask your veterinarian which
vegetables and plants are safe to feed your pets and which are
potentially harmful.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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