Our readers keep asking us “can dogs eat eggs?”. Our answer is yes. But there are a few details to keep in mind…
Howdy dog parents!
We’re happy you ask that, we’re happy you wanna learn more about what you can and cannot feed your puppy.
So today, we’ll dive into the egg-cellent question (couldn’t resist the pun!): can you give your dog an egg a day?
We’ll explore this from every possible angle, buckle up and let’s get cracking.
Nutritional Profile of Eggs
Eggs are awesome, they among the most nutritious foods on the planet.
They’re a fantastic source of protein (great quality one) and are rich in essential amino acids (what the body actually uses) that your dog’s body can’t produce on its own.
And very very important, let’s not forget that eggs are jam-packed with a lot (we mean… a lot!) of vitamins and minerals like A, B12, and D, selenium and iron.
Cholesterol Concerns
Yes, yes…
This is a popular concern, most probably you’ve heard about it. But it is not accurate.
Dogs’ bodies don’t react to dietary cholesterol the same way we humans do, so we won’t need to worry about eggs raising our dog’s cholesterol levels.
The Pros of Dogs Eating Eggs
Protein Powerhouse
Eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein (one of the best we might add), which can help keep our dog’s muscles strong and healthy.
Skin and Coat Health
Eggs contain biotin, an essential B-vitamin that can help maintain a shiny, healthy coat and good skin health.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Digestibility
Eggs are very easy to digest, so if your dog has a sensitive stomach, there you go, eggs can be of a great help.
The Potential Cons of Feeding Eggs to Dogs
Allergic Reactions
But what about allergies, can my dog be allergic to eggs?
Yes, some dogs might be allergic to eggs. So if we spot any signs of an allergic reaction, we stop feeding eggs to the dog.
These can include skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory distress.
Risk of Salmonella
Just like humans, dogs can contract Salmonella from raw eggs.
This is why we always cook the eggs before feeding them to our dog.
Biotin Deficiency
While it’s relatively rare, feeding your dog raw egg whites over an extended period can cause a biotin deficiency due to an enzyme called avidin.
Cooking the eggs denatures this enzyme, so it’s a non-issue with cooked eggs.
How to Safely Feed Eggs to Your Dog
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Cooking is Key
Cooking the egg removes the risk of Salmonella and avidin-related biotin deficiency.
You can serve it boiled, scrambled, or poached – just avoid using any oil, butter, or seasonings.
Portion Size and Frequency
While eggs are beneficial, they should supplement a balanced diet, not replace it.
We need to be reasonable.
So, as a rule of thumb, smaller dogs could have half an egg a day, while larger breeds can have a whole egg.
Conclusion: So, Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Yes, this is our best answer.
But (there’s always a but), while it is overall safe to give our dogs an egg a day, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Always cook the egg thoroughly to eliminate the risk of Salmonella and avidin-related biotin deficiency.
Side note, cook the egg but do not go all 5 star Michelin chef on it! No spices and condiments. Just a simple boiled egg is what should be done.
Watch out for any signs of an egg allergy. And call your vet if needed.
They know our dog’s health better than anyone else and can help in case of trouble.
