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When dogs were in the wild, they could snatch eggs out of birds’ nests and eat them raw. Today, dogs don’t need to hunt for their own food, but eggs still provide a good amount of protein for dogs. As long as eggs are consumed safely, they can make excellent treats or dietary supplements for dogs.
Are Eggs Good for Dogs?
Eggs can be a great source of nutrition for dogs. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog, inside and out.
Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from. Try to feed your dog eggs that are from free-range farm hens fed an organic diet. If you can get them from a trusted source, that is ideal. Just like us, chickens are as healthy as what they eat, and healthier chickens lay healthier, more nutritious eggs.
Before feeding your dog eggs, talk to your vet. Some dogs with medical conditions shouldn’t eat eggs, so always check first. Consuming too many eggs can also lead to health problems like obesity, so talk to your vet about the appropriate amount of eggs to feed your dog.
With that said, sometimes eggs can be used to help settle upset stomachs. Also, it’s not a good idea to use eggs as your dog’s main meal. But when served cooked, eggs can be a great occasional treat.
How Can Eggs Help Dogs?
Eggs provide important minerals and vitamins for dogs, including:
- Iron
- Fatty acids
- Folate
- Protein
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
These nutrients and vitamins help support your dog’s overall health, as well as their skin and coat.
Can I Feed My Dog Raw Egg?
Most veterinarians recommend cooking eggs fully before feeding them to your dog. There are a few concerns about feeding raw eggs to dogs that owners should be aware of, including:
- Salmonella: Dogs may be at risk of coming into contact with salmonella bacteria when eating raw eggs or other raw foods. Owners who feed raw eggs to dogs could also be exposed to salmonella. If a dog eats an egg contaminated by salmonella, they could get an infection called salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
- Biotin deficiency: Feeding raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency, as egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that prevents the absorption of biotin in the body. Biotin is a vitamin that supports healthy skin, metabolism, cells, and digestion. Biotin deficiencies are rare in dogs, but they can happen.
- Bacteria: As eggs go bad, they can grow bacteria that can harm your dog.
Dogs can also be allergic to various sources of protein, including eggs. Watch your dog for any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including sneezing, swelling, hives, problems breathing, lethargy, or coughing.
Before feeding raw eggs to your dog, talk to your vet.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Raw Egg
If your dog eats raw egg, monitor them for any problematic symptoms, including the symptoms of salmonellosis. It’s also a good idea to chat with your vet and take your dog in for a check-up, just in case.
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells? Are Eggshells Nutritious for Dogs?
Before giving your dog eggshells, talk to your vet first. Eggshells contain calcium, which some dogs may need to be supplemented in their diets. However, there are easier ways to give your dog more calcium, and eggshells aren’t the tastiest option. Plus, egg shells have sharp edges that can hurt your dog’s throat or internal organs.
Eggshells can help older, arthritic dogs. Eggshell membranes significantly reduced joint pain and improved joint function in 51 dogs experiencing a range of joint problems, according to a 2016 study. If your dog has arthritis, your vet may recommend supplements or medication to help their symptoms.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Eggs
Eggs should be cooked before being given to a dog. Cook or boil eggs plain, without oil, butter, salt, seasoning, spices, or other additives. It doesn’t matter how your dog likes their eggs — sunny side up, scrambled, or hard-boiled — as long as they are fully cooked. There are several ways to integrate eggs into your dog’s diet, from the occasional bite of hardboiled egg to sprinkled scrambled eggs on top of dog food.
Start by feeding your dog just one egg. Watch them for any signs of gastrointestinal distress, like diarrhea or vomiting. As long as they don’t show any digestive discomfort, you should have no trouble giving them eggs.