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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

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It's not because they're going vegan

In a recent IAMS poll of dog owners,* 69% said their dog eats grass. That’s quite a lot. Owners also have quite a lot of theories on why their dog is noshing on the lawn.

 

dog eat grass graph
 

It’s not just modern-day canines that eat grass. It’s likely something that has been going on for thousands of dog years. According to 

Opens a new windowDr. Tammie King, Applied Behavior Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, “It is actually normal canine behavior. It has to do with innate behavior from canine ancestors. Potentially a remnant behavior.”
 

 

Dr. King also shared this with us: “A lot of people think dogs eat grass when they’re feeling ill, but studies have shown that’s not necessarily true.”
 

But then why do dogs eat grass? To get to the (grass)root of this issue, we asked 

Opens a new windowDr. Jo Gale, BVetMed CertLAS MRCVS  Senior Manager of Global Science Advocacy at Waltham Petcare Science Institute.


 

'There's no one reason. They just like the taste, texture and feel of the grass.'

So it’s perfectly fine if your pooch decides to have an occasional grass snack. Who doesn’t crave a salad every now and then?

However …

 

eatgrass fr dog

When to take notice of their grass-eating habit

If your dog is getting adequate nutrition, there’s no need to worry. But the experts we talked with asked dog owners to please keep in mind the following:

    ·  Grass that’s been treated with weed killer or pesticides should be off the menu.

    ·  If your dog is eating grass excessively or routinely vomiting from eating grass, consult your vet.

 

eatgrass fr-dog

 

Looking for the perfect dog food to pair with their side of sod slaw? IAMS has the answer for that, too.

*Surveyed U.S. dog owners, age 18+ 

Sample Size: n=201 

Fielded May 8 to May 10, 2020

  • 5 Tips on Caring for a Pug Dog
    5 Tips on Caring for a Pug Dog-mobile
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    5 Tips on Caring for a Pug Dog

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    Tip no 1 - Exercising a Pug

    Pugs are naturally lazy and have a tendency to become obese very easily! So pug parents need to make it a point to walk their pugs regularly. Take them for a walk 1-2 times a day or play with them at home. But limit their exercise in hot and humid weather as they do tend to experience breathing difficulties.

     

    Tip no 2 - Pug Grooming

    Grooming a pug requires you to trim their hair and bathe them at least once a month. After bathing your pug with a mild shampoo, you must dry their hair quickly and properly or the skin folds that remain wet can become smelly and cause skin infections.

     

    Tip no 3 - Pug Training

    While pugs are a clever breed, they are strong-willed as well. Reward-based training is a great way to train your pug. Make sure that everyone in your family follows the same training practices so that your pug does not get confused.

     

    Tip no 4 - Pug Food

    While pug food can vary depending on their age, size, and health conditions, all pugs need complete and balanced meals that are tailor-made to meet their unique needs. You could feed them a premium recipe like IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Adult Pug to keep them slim and healthy. IAMS™ Adult Pug recipe is a blend of beet pulp and prebiotics (FOS) to support healthy digestion, L-Carnitine to support a healthy metabolism, and Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. It is best to split their daily allowance into two meals.

    Recommended pug food guide -

     

    SIZE OF PUG RECOMMENDED DAILY FEEDING (G)
    1-2 kg 30-45
    2-4 kg 45-80
    4-6 kg 80-105
    6-8 kg 105-130
    8-10 kg 130-155

     

    Tip no 5 - Pug Diseases

    Pugs are prone to a lot of health problems, more than other breeds. Common health issues include breathing problems, a range of eye problems, skin infections, Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), hemivertebrae, and hypothyroidism.

    SOME FACTS ABOUT PUG DOG CARE

    Pugs are easy to care for but put on weight easily. Also, their short muzzles make it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot and humid weather. Because of this, pugs also tend to snore, so consider this if you are a light sleeper.

    Pugs are intelligent creatures and very loving, making them a popular choice across the world. But do your research before taking the leap. Although they are cute and cuddly, caring for a pug dog needs commitment, so it's important to go into it fully prepared to do the work (and fall in love!)