BrainStuff Why Can't We Eat Grass?
Apr 18, 2025
Discover why humans can't thrive on grass like cows do! The podcast dives into the fascinating differences in digestive systems between ruminants and humans. It also explores the curious habits of dogs and cats munching on grass, shedding light on why they do it despite not being able to digest it. Along the way, learn about the types of grass we can consume, such as grains, and the intriguing reasons behind our dietary choices. It's a fun journey into the world of digestion and animal behavior!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Humans Can't Digest Grass
- Humans cannot digest grass because our digestive systems lack the specialized chambers and bacteria that ruminant animals have.
- Grass contains silica, which wears down human teeth that don't continuously grow like ruminants' teeth.
Why Dogs and Cats Eat Grass
- Dogs and cats commonly eat grass without signs of illness or dietary deficiencies.
- Vomiting after grass-eating is incidental and not the main reason pets engage in this behavior.