Eggs are popular items in most American refrigerators. People use them in a wide variety of recipes, so it is only natural to wonder if dogs can eat them too. The short answer is yes. Your dog can eat eggs and they are quite healthy for them. However, there are times when eating eggs can be bad for your pet. Keep reading as we look at the health benefits and risks associated with feeding eggs to your dog, so you can see if they’re something that you want to give your pet.
Are Eggs Good for My Dog?
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient that your pet needs for building muscle and staying active. Puppies require more protein than adult dogs, but they will still require a significant amount, and eggs can be a great high-quality source.
Fatty Acids
The yolk of the eggs contains a good number of helpful omega-3 fatty acids.Omega fats help your dog maintain a healthy, shiny coat, and they can also promote smooth skin and improve brain and eye development. Veterinarians use omega fats to treat arthritis and manage the progression of kidney disease.
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Folate
Folic acid is an important nutrient found in eggs that can help your dog avoid a deficiency that results in anemia and several other health problems. Some breeds, like the Golden Retriever and the Boxer, are predisposed to a folate deficiency through genetics, so these dogs will do especially well with eggs in their diet.
Are Eggs Bad for My Dog?
Salmonella
Salmonella is only a concern when feeding raw eggs to your dog, and it’s the main reason that most experts recommend cooking them first. However, new sterilization methods like in-shell pasteurization can remove that risk.
Avidin
Avidin is a chemical found in raw egg whites that can prevent the absorption of biotin, leading to a deficiency. Biotin is an important nutrient that helps your pet maintain healthy skin. It also plays a part in your pet’s digestion and metabolism. While rare, a diet high in raw eggs could lead to a biotin deficiency, so most experts recommend cooking the eggs before serving them.
Bacteria
There are other types of bacteria besides Salmonella that can grow in raw eggs as they begin to go bad. If your dog ate wild eggs, you need to watch them for signs of illness for at least a day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Feed Eggs to My Dog?
- We highly recommend cooking the eggs before you feed them to your dog, but don’t put any salt, pepper, or even butter on them.
- Poaching is the preferred method because it’s easy to cook them without butter, but you can make them any style that your dog prefers if you have a good non-stick pan.
- After boiling the egg, let it cool and remove the shell.
- You can feed it whole or break it up depending on your dog’s size and eating habits. If your dog hasn’t had an egg before and is reluctant to eat it, you can try mixing it in with their regular food.
- Dogs can eat eggs frequently to top up their nutrition, but they shouldn’t replace a regular balanced meal.
Are Eggshells Bad for Dogs?
Although eggshells can have Salmonella and other bacteria on them, making them dangerous to eat, there is no danger with properly disinfected shells. They are high in calcium and phosphorus, so they will provide your pet with bone nutrients.
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Final Thoughts
Eggs are protein-based treats that can make great alternatives to fatty, high-carb treats often found in the store, as long as your dog isn’t sensitive to them. You can feed eggs to your dog several times a week without side effects, and they are inexpensive and easy to prepare. You can even boil several ahead of time, and they will last for several days. If your dog ate wild eggs while you were on a walk, you’ll need to watch for signs of digestive distress and be aware of the possibility of Salmonella poisoning. That said, the risk is fairly low, and your dog will almost certainly be fine. If you notice vomiting, though, we recommend calling the vet.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this information about the safety of this common food for your pet and feel better about feeding it to them. If we have added another item to your pet’s diet, please share this guide to feeding your dog!
- See our full list of human foods your dog can eat!
Are Eggs Good for My Dog?
