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Dear Kev –

“I have a two-year-old Golden Retriever with a delicate morning routine that includes grass nibbling, a touch of vomiting (on an empty stomach), and the occasional breakfast boycott. So yeah, my dog eats grass. The vet suspects excess stomach acid and prescribed Prilosec…but I’ve read dogs need stomach acid to digest food properly, and suppressing it long term might not be the best idea. Is there a gentler, more holistic fix? Or do I just need to accept that my dog’s trying to become a lawn care technician?” – Jenni, Little Rock, Arkansas

Hi Jenni –

Ah yes. The infamous “empty tummy barfies,” followed by a gourmet grass garnish. Classic canine.

What you’re describing is actually pretty common, especially in younger, active dogs. When pups go too long without food, their stomachs can overproduce acid, which leads to nausea, grass cravings (which act as nature’s Tums), and sometimes a foamy yellow throw-up encore. Not exactly the breakfast-of-champions routine we hope for.

Now, your vet wasn’t wrong to try Prilosec. It’s a standard first-line approach to curb acid production. But your gut (pun fully intended) is spot on too. Dogs do need stomach acid to break down food and absorb nutrients. Too much suppression over time? Not ideal. We’re aiming for balance, not an acid-free environment fit for a goldfish.

Here are a few gentler steps to try before going full pharmacy:

1. Late-night snack: Add a small protein-rich bedtime treat. Boiled chicken, a spoonful of cottage cheese, or even a dab of plain pumpkin on a cracker. It keeps her tummy busy overnight so it’s not brewing acid like a mad scientist at dawn.
2. Split her meals: Feeding two smaller meals (morning and evening) is great, but some acid-sensitive dogs do better with three. Try adding a mid-day or pre-bedtime mini-meal.
3. Slippery elm or marshmallow root: These natural herbs can help coat and soothe the digestive tract. They’re like a botanical hug for your pup’s belly. But always check with a holistic vet or pup dietician before adding supplements.
4. Keep a log: Track when the grass-chomping and vomiting happen, before walks, on an empty stomach, after stress? Patterns = clues.

If these tweaks help, great. You may not need acid blockers long term. But if symptoms persist or worsen, your vet might want to rule out things like bile reflux, gastritis, or even food sensitivities (yes, dogs can be gluten-free hipsters too).

So Your Dog Eats Grass With Her Coffee…

Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up for asking questions or wanting a more natural approach. You’re being a brilliant advocate for your golden girl. She’s lucky to have you… and the lawn? Well, it might need to file for emotional compensation.

Give that golden a belly rub from me.

Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.

Ensuring your homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced requires careful attention to ingredient ratios, supplementation, and professional guidance. Below is a comprehensive guide to creating complete meals tailored to your dog’s needs.

Essential Nutritional Components

A balanced homemade diet must include these core elements:

• Protein (18-25% of diet):
  Essential for muscle maintenance and amino acids. Use lean meats like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Organ meats (e.g., liver) provide copper, zinc, and iron.

• Fats (5.5% minimum):
  Critical for skin/coat health and energy. Include fish oil, olive oil, or hempseed for omega fatty acids.

• Carbohydrates (up to 50%):
  Energy sources like brown rice, sweet potatoes, or oats.

• Fiber & Micronutrients:
  From vegetables (carrots, spinach, broccoli) and fruits.

• Calcium & Supplements:
  Non-negotiable additives like crushed eggshells, calcium citrate, or kelp powder for bone health and iodine.

Formulating Balanced Recipes

Sample Framework (Adjust for Weight)