WHY DO DOGS & CATS EAT GRASS?
Many people often wonder why their cat or dog eats grass and then inevitably ends up throwing it up afterward. Some people postulate that pets eat grass because they are bored, or because they are trying to move things like parasites or hairballs out of their gut. Others think they don’t even know why they’re doing it at all. But why would so many cats and dogs naturally be drawn to this behavior?
When we look at grass, we see a vibrant green blade filled with fiber, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, phytoncides, minerals, phytochemicals, microbes, and antioxidants. These nutrients and compounds can support the immune system and help reduce inflammation. Additionally, grass contains what is often referred to as the fourth phase of water, which is linked to vitality and cellular hydration. When looked at this way, why wouldn’t our furry friends eat grass?
Cats and dogs are just like us: they need their food to be filled with fresh, whole foods from nature and to be connected directly to the Earth so they can absorb the rich electrons from Mother Earth’s soil. These days, many pets don’t have much (if any) exposure to the outdoors, nor do they have access to fresh whole foods. Their diets are often dried or canned and mixed with additives that may not support optimal health.
No wonder they’re drawn to plants from the Earth that offer freshness, immune-boosting goodness, and an instinctive pull to pause, ground, and reconnect with nature. Animals (including humans) are naturally drawn to foods our bodies need.
I would also suggest that animals are drawn to colors they need. When you’re inside more often, have you noticed how drawn you feel to the vibrant colors of nature? The greens of lush trees, the clear blue sky, the bright yellow of the sun. We crave these colors, or, at least, feel better around them, because we are also fed by color. We are meant to be exposed to the full color spectrum, as each color provides unique nutrients, emotions, and feelings that correlate directly with hormones in the body.
The color green symbolizes nature, growth, renewal, health, and abundance. It’s a calming color that fosters balance and relaxation and is often associated with vitality and fertility across cultures (though sometimes boredom or sickness as well). It’s no wonder our furry friends would want to ingest such an important color.
Instinctive Nutrition: Why Pets Turn to Grass
Dogs and cats don’t eat grass for just one reason. This behavior appears to be a mix of instinct, nutrition, digestion, and immune support, many of which are rooted in their connection to nature.
Digestive Support
Grass contains fiber that can help stimulate bowel movements and move things like hairballs through the digestive system. In some cases, it may also trigger vomiting, which can help pets expel irritants from the stomach.
Sources: AniMed Animal Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals
Parasite Expulsion
Grass blades may wrap around intestinal worms, helping the body eliminate them naturally. This behavior has been observed in wild relatives of modern dogs and cats, suggesting an evolutionary purpose.
Sources: Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic and Live Science.
Nutritional Seeking
Pets may instinctively eat grass to obtain micronutrients such as B vitamins, chlorophyll, and minerals that may be lacking in processed diets.
Cats, in particular, may seek folic acid from grass. Folic acid supports the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Grass may also help soothe sore throats or simply appeal due to taste or texture.
Sources: Only Natural Pet and Live Science.
Immune System Support
Pets with low immune function may be more drawn to grass and natural environments. Grass supports immune health through:
- Exposure to beneficial microbes in soil
- Phytoncides released by plants, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Vitamin D from sunlight
- Anti-inflammatory plant compounds
These elements work together to help reduce inflammation and strengthen immune resilience. While eating grass alone isn’t a cure, natural exposure supports the immune system as part of a broader lifestyle and environment.
Reference: BrightCare Veterinary Neurology
Structured Water & Freshness
Grass contains biologically structured water, which is associated with improved cellular hydration and vitality. Pets may instinctively seek this freshness—especially when their regular food is dry or heavily processed.
Direct Contact, Microbiome & Grounding
Being in contact with grass offers benefits beyond nutrition:
- Microbial Exposure: Soil microbes help train the immune system to distinguish between harmful and harmless substances, supporting immune tolerance (Biodiversity Hypothesis).
- Earthing/Grounding: Physical contact with the Earth may allow the transfer of electrons that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Phytoncides: Natural compounds released by plants support immune balance.
Environmental & Lifestyle Factors
- Cleaner Air: Healthy green spaces filter dust, dirt, and airborne allergens.
- Reduced Inflammation: Time spent in green environments is linked to lower chronic inflammation.
- Sun Exposure: Outdoor time supports natural Vitamin D production, essential for immune function.
- Reduced Boredom: An innate behavior or a way to pass the time, according to NOLA.com
Related Nutritional Parallels (Wheatgrass & Grass-Fed Foods)
Grass-related foods help illustrate why animals may be drawn to green plants:
- Wheatgrass: Rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, E), and minerals that support immune cells
- Antioxidants: Phytochemicals help protect cells from free radical damage
Grass-Fed Nutrition: Grass-fed animal products are higher in Vitamins A and E, which support immune defense
In Conclusion
Dogs and cats are drawn to grass because it supports both their immune and digestive systems. If you have an indoor cat or other animal that may not get very much access to grass or other greens, you can buy cat grass for cats, dog grass (they will eat almost any grass that is thick enough), etc. Grass will give them connection to live foods that are green and help set them up for a healthy life.
