If you’ve ever been worried about your dog eating grass or heard them making an odd stomach noise, you’re not alone. These are common questions that pet owners have about their canine companions’ digestion.
In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about dogs and digestion. We’ll cover everything from why dogs eat grass to what stomach gurgling means. Keep reading for more information on how to keep your pup’s digestive system healthy!
Why Is My Dog Eating Grass And Stomach Gurgling?
Many pet parents wonder why their dog is eating grass and has a gurgling stomach. Even if your dog is eating a totally balanced and nutritionally complete diet, that doesn’t mean that they might not crave something extra, like grass. Here are the most common reasons why a dog is eating grass and has a gurgling stomach.
1. They need chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants and algae. Its structure is a lot like your dog’s hemoglobin which is an important part of your dog’s red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout his body. So, when your dog eats chlorophyll, he’s helping to replenish the red blood cells. Chlorophyll also helps your dog by protecting his cells from damage, in cancer-fighting, infections, healing, wounds, breaking down calcium oxalate stones in his bladder, and helping heal the digestive tract.
Chlorophyll can also be found in some algae and bacteria. It’s what gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll in dogs is thought to have many health benefits, including cancer prevention, detoxification, and wound healing.
Your dog can’t choose green veggies when he needs them, and the grass isn’t a great source of chlorophyll because it’s hard to digest. However, you can give your dog a healthy source of chlorophyll. You can mince or lightly steam vegetables like organic kale, broccoli, green beans, or parsley and feed them.
You need to mince or steam your dog’s veggies so he can better digest them. If it’s easier for you, you can add phytoplankton to your dog’s diet and you’ll also get healthy fats and trace minerals along with chlorophyll.
2. Digestive upset
Your dog could be eating grass and his stomach could gurgle if they have a digestive upset. Dogs can’t digest grass and often throw it back up. Dogs might sometimes eat grass to help toxins exit their stomach. They eat the grass knowing that they will throw it up together with the contents of their stomach.
If your dog is eating grass because he is not feeling well, you’ll often see other signs of sickness such as licking his lips, drooling, or just kind of punky looking. If that’s the case, a visit to the vet might be in order.
Make sure that your dog does eat pesticide-free grass. And keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t start eating too much of it, as that could lead to vomiting and other digestive issues.
3. No underlying health issue, just pure fun
Eating is normal dog behavior. All wild dogs like wolves and coyotes do it. So, if your dog is getting enough greens in his diet and he’s looking like he’s feeling fine, he’s probably just in the mood for chewing and biting and grass satisfies the need to chew.
The act of eating grass simply feels good to dogs. They may just consider it fun to chew on. Grass has an interesting texture for them. Dogs with healthy appetites will maybe just be hungry and eat grass.
A word of caution is just to make sure the grass your dog eats isn’t sprayed with pesticides or chemicals. These are common causes of bladder cancer in your dog. So, you’ll want to make sure he only eats grass that’s free of chemicals.
Do Dogs Eat Grass When They Have An Upset Stomach?
Dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons including that they are experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort and hope that the grass will help to soothe their stomach. The gurgling noise is called borborygmi. This can be caused by gas or inflammation in the GI tract.
If your dog seems otherwise healthy and is eating and drinking normally, there’s no need to worry too much about occasional stomach gurgling. However, if the gurgling is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
There are a few reasons why your dog may be eating grass and stomach gurgling. One reason could be that they are trying to soothe their digestive system. Another possibility is that they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet and are seeking them out by eating grass. If your dog is displaying other abnormal behaviors or seems to be in pain, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health problems.
Although not scientifically proven, it is believed that grass can help with a dog’s digestion by acting as a natural laxative. Dogs are born with an instinct to eat grass, and puppies will often start nibbling on plants as early as three weeks old. The thing is that sometimes they do it for fun, and sometimes they eat grass because they have some issue with their stomach.
What Can I Give My Dog For a Gurgling Stomach?
There are many things you can give your dog for a gurgling stomach, but it is important to consult with your veterinarian first. Here is what you can give your dog for a gurgling stomach.
1. Probiotics
There are many benefits of probiotics for dogs. Probiotics can help improve your dog’s digestion and help with a gurgling stomach, immunity, and skin health. They can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Probiotics are safe for most dogs, but it’s important to talk to your vet before giving them to your dog.
Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your dog’s digestive system. Dogs need a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in their gut. Probiotics can help improve the balance of bacteria in your dog’s gut, which can lead to better overall health.
There are many different types of probiotics available for dogs. Some common strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animals, and Enterococcus faecium. Probiotics are available in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, chews, and treats.
2. Enzymes
Enzymes are important for dogs because they help with digestion and help break down food so that the dog can absorb nutrients. Without enzymes, dogs would not be able to digest their food properly and would not get the nutrition they need. Enzymes are also important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.
Dogs with healthy skin and coats have less of a chance of developing allergies or other health problems. There are many different types of enzymes that are beneficial for dogs, so it is important to ask your vet which ones are right for your dog. Giving your dog enzymes can make a big difference in their overall health!
If you’re interested in giving your dog enzymes, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, enzymes are not a one-time thing – you’ll need to give them to your dog on a regular basis to see the benefits. Second, it’s important to choose the right type of enzyme for your dog.
3. Bland diets
Bland diets are usually prescribed for dogs who have gastrointestinal problems, such as gurgling stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. The idea behind a bland diet is to give your dog’s digestive system a break while still providing the nutrients he needs.
There are a few things you should keep in mind if your dog is on a bland diet:
- Bland diets should only be used as a temporary measure. If your dog’s symptoms persist, please consult your veterinarian.
- Make sure to talk to your vet about what kind of food is best for your dog’s particular condition.
- When preparing a homemade bland diet, it is important to avoid adding any spices or seasonings that could further upset your dog’s stomach.
