|
Home 
Dog
Health
Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?
Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?
Learn why dogs and cats eat grass and how it benefits
them.
by Deena Caruso
contributing writer
June 24, 2004
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass, then
throws up afterwards? You'll probably feel relieved to know
that pets eat grass because their bodies need it.
Dogs and cats have been eating grass for a long time. In
fact, grass is so popular among dogs that one species, dog
grass, is named after them. Dog grass is also known as couch
grass and quackweed, and it grows in all but the southern-most
states.
You can think of grass as an herbal medicine. It acts as
an internal cleanser, expelling excess mucus, bile, and other
impurities. It also cleanses the bowels and expels worms.
Cereal grasses contain enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino
acids. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which was used for
relieving pain, treating infections, ulcers, skin diseases,
and anemia prior to the use of antibiotics.
Some pet owners grow grass specifically to give to their
pets to prevent or treat diarrhea, anemia, cataracts, fleas,
tumors excessive shedding, and other pet health problems.
Pets that are fed grass on a regular basis are less likely
to crave outdoor grass. So, if you don't feel comfortable
with your pet eating the grass in your lawn, you may want
to grow your own grass for them to eat.
Try growing rye or barley sprouts. These sprouts are preferred
over wheat grass because some animals are sensitive to wheat.
Follow these instructions to grow rye or barley grass. Soak
one cup organically grown grain in one quart water for 8 to
10 hours. Then drain the container and leave it on its side
in a warm place, away from direct sunlight. A tiny white rootlet
will sprout from each grain within 24 to 48 hours. Caution:
If you don't see these rootlets, your grain isn't viable and
should be thrown away.
Next, spread the sprouting grain on one inch of moist potting
soil or top soil in a plastic garden tray. For drainage create
a one inch channel around the soil.
For two days, cover the tray. Then uncover it, and water
thoroughly. Place the tray in direct sunlight or under grow
lights. Keep the soil moist by watering when needed.
When the grass is 6-8" tall, cut it with scissors or a sharp
knife. Place grasses in a ziploc bag, along with a damp paper
towel. Be sure to expel air from the bag before sealing. Then
store the grass in the refrigerator.
When feeding the grass to your pet, cut or mince it into
tiny pieces, or place a small amount in a blender or food
processor with other foods. To be sure your cat or dog will
accept the grass, begin feeding just a fraction of a teaspoon.
Increase the amount gradually to approximately one tablespoon
per 50 lbs. of body weight.
Once your pet is given the amount of grass his body needs,
you probably won't be seeing him eating the grass in your
lawn. And you can feel relieved knowing that you're feeding
him something that he craves and that his body needs.
- Deena Caruso
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural
pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets.
To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com
|
