Oh no, my Dog is eating Grass?

Posted on by Luc Apers

Many dog owners have seen it before: their dog munching on grass. Occasionally nibbling on grass is usually nothing to worry about — it may even be a way for dogs to get extra minerals. But if your dog starts eating grass compulsively or regularly, it’s worth taking a closer look at potential underlying causes. A common reason is an imbalance in stomach acid production.
Both too much and too little stomach acid can lead to digestive issues. These may manifest as vomiting, burping, gagging, flatulence, diarrhea, or even constipation. In such cases, the pancreas and gallbladder may not be sufficiently activated, which can impair the absorption of essential nutrients like iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12.

The stomach: one of the conductors of the digestive orchestra

You can think of the digestive system as a well-rehearsed orchestra, where each organ plays its own instrument. In this orchestra, the stomach acts as one of the conductors, setting the pace and tone for the entire process.
 
The stomach produces gastric juice, which includes stomach acid and pepsinogens (precursors to protein-splitting enzymes). Stomach acid is essential for:
 
• activating digestive enzymes,
• breaking down mineral compounds,
• killing (some) harmful microorganisms,
• triggering the production of intrinsic factor (needed for the absorption of vitamin B12),
• and — when the acidic food mass reaches the small intestine — signaling the pancreas to release bicarbonate. This neutralizes the acid and allows digestion to continue properly.
 
When the conductor is out of tune — due to too little or too much stomach acid — the entire orchestra becomes disrupted. This can lead to poor digestion, reduced nutrient absorption, bacterial overgrowth, and an increased risk of intestinal infections.

Herbs as natural support

Thankfully, certain herbs can help bring the digestive orchestra back into harmony. Think of plants rich in bitter compounds, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids — these support healthy stomach function and promote balanced digestion.
 
The herbal formula Agastro Acanhi contains a carefully composed blend of plants that work synergistically:
 
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): soothes and reduces inflammation in the stomach and intestinal lining (thanks to glycyrrhizin).
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): contains bitter substances (stimulating the vagus nerve) and tannins that enhance stomach contractions.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): known for its anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita): has antispasmodic effects on the stomach, intestines, and bile ducts (due to menthol), helps reduce nausea, and stimulates bile flow.

In conclusion

If your dog is frequently eating grass, it might be a sign that something is off with their digestion. By supporting the stomach — the conductor of the digestive orchestra — in a natural way, you can help prevent or relieve many common complaints. Herbal preparations like Agastro Acanhi can play a valuable role in restoring digestive balance.

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