If you’ve noticed that your dog likes to eat dirt, chew on fallen tree branches or eat grass when you take him out for a walk, that means he could have a medical condition or a behavior problem, or he is simply malnourished.
Eating dirt
The medical term for this is pica, which means the dogs have cravings for things and items that are not food. Besides eating dirt, your dog can also eat clay, soap, branches or even rocks. If you notice this behavior in your dog, that might a sign of malnourishment, hunger, or vitamin deficiency. He even might have diabetes, a thyroid condition or parasites.
Eating grass
If grass is available, dogs will likely eat it. The other theory says they might have a craving for grass that dates from their ancestors, who killed grass-eating prey. So, in other words, they consumed grass when they consumed whatever their prey ate.
On the other hand, your dogs might be balancing a nutritional need by eating plants. Try giving him some vegetables besides his normal food. An occasional carrot or broccoli stem will probably cut down on the grass eating.
What should I do?
Take your pooch to the vet. Your veterinarian can diagnose the reason and help you deal with this behavior.
If your vet rules out a medical reason, this means your dog is not ill but his dietary needs are not being met. Dog foods vary in quality. Ensure that the food you buy meets your dog’s nutritional needs and is formulated for the life stage your dog is in. Puppies, adult dogs or seniors require different dog foods.