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Maddog & Jackie
eating kikuyu |
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Sam Bjone first became interested in this question when she observed dogs pulling grass through fences to eat it while participating in behavior and nutrition studies at the University of New England, Australia. The behavior seemed to be common among the dogs, and it sparked her interest. As a result, Sam has focused her PhD research on debunking or validating some of the traditional theories of why dogs eat grass. Some researchers contend that grass may be used as a digestive aid: as an emetic, laxative, de-wormer, or to provide roughage. Although grass eating is a common behavior, very little is known about it, and Sam will be the first to scientifically investigate this phenomenon.
Green Foods Corporation is thrilled that Sam is investigating this little studied canine behavior.
We at Green Foods believe that dogs and many other carnivores, including cats and bears, eat cereal grasses because cereal grasses contain nutrients not found in meat that are essential for the animals' good health.
We are looking forward with great anticipation to the results of Sam’s research to help identify more precisely the benefits dogs receive from eating grass.
For those interested in contacting Sam and finding out more about the University of New England in Armidale, Australia where she is doing her research, please go to: http://www.une.edu.au/psychology
Professional Activities of Samantha Bjone, B.Sc., M.A., PhD candidate.
Sam’s past research interests include feeding behavior in monkeys. She has worked with the American Humane Association, Kansas Humane Society, Sedgwick County Zoo, RSPCA (Australia), and Centre for Animal Health and Welfare (UNE, Australia) on behavior, nutrition, and welfare projects.
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