Many dog owners wonder which “human foods” are good for their four-legged pets. Among the frequently discussed products are eggs, which are well-known and liked for their high protein content as well as a huge amount of essential amino acids and fatty acids.
Have your beloved puppy grabbed a half-portion of scrambled eggs from the edge of the table, and now you are looking for info to find out whether the product is safe? Can dogs eat eggs? You've come to the right place!
Grab a seat and find out everything you need to know about the nutritional value of eggs for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?
Believe it or not, dogs can eat eggs, which are perfectly safe for four-legged pets, especially when cooked or boiled. Cooked eggs make both healthy and yummy snacks high in protein, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out.
Though eggs are a fantastic source of nutrition, keep in mind that overeating is never a good idea. Moderation is key. Your dog can become obese if eating eggs repeatedly and in large quantities.
To take the most advantage of this incredibly healthy food, pet parents should talk to the vet first and find out whether their beloved canine doesn't have any medical conditions that prevent adding eggs to your pet's meal plan.
A vet will tell you the perfect amount of eggs for your dog's diet if everything is fine. By the way, very often, veterinarians recommend white and yellow products to help settle the dog's upset stomach.
Can Puppies Eat Eggs?
Puppy parents frequently search for extra ways to give their pups a nutritional boost. We already know that adult dogs can eat cooked eggs, but what about puppies?
Puppies also can eat boiled or scrambled eggs, provided they’re cooked thoroughly. The foods are a great and efficient source of protein, linoleic acid, and Vitamin A, which may help to keep your pup’s skin and coat in tip-top condition.
However, remember that puppies are especially sensitive to sudden dietary changes, which may lead to diarrhea and vomiting. That’s why you should start slow when first introducing cooked eggs to your pups.
Offer your beloved little pet a small serving of eggs first, and then monitor it for any gastrointestinal upset during the next few days. If there are no complications, don’t hesitate to make this a regular part of your routine.
Also, consider that treats should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s daily intake of calories, so you can simply stick to this rule when deciding on the portion of eggs you offer each day.
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
As you already know, we humans fancy eggs as much as our beloved dogs do, but there is one tiny difference. Dogs don’t mind, and even adore consuming eggshells!
And yes, it’s totally safe and nutritious. Eggshells (also egg whites and yolks) are packed with such nutritious minerals as calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, and many others.
Those minerals are essential for your dog’s growth, metabolism, immune system, and development, and they’re consumed as salts in a dog’s diet.
What are the Ways to Feed Your Dog Eggshells?
As you know, eggshells have sharp edges. So it's vital to feed your dog properly to avoid unpleasant issues.
Fortunately, there are a bunch of ways to serve eggshells. The simplest one is to feed them in powder form.
Boiling eggshells is a great option to get rid of all harmful bacteria, like Salmonella.
One more proven way is to roast the eggshells and then remove them for grinding.
You can easily use eggshells as food supplements but never as full nutrition. They can't replace a regular dog's meal. And, of course, before deciding to offer eggshells to your dog, consult your vet first!
Can Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Yes. As an occasional treat, scrambled eggs are great foods. But mind to prepare them properly. What does this mean?
Very often, people cook scrambled eggs by adding butter or oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings, which can be detrimental to your dog's health.
For instance, butter and oil contain saturated fats, high levels of which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and arthritis. What's more, saturated fats may affect the progression of renal disease.
Verdict: plain scrambled eggs without any additives are perfectly fine and safe for your four-legged friends when consumed in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Yes. Hard-boiled eggs are the safest and most straightforward option for feeding eggs to your dog.
This is because it's the easiest and cleanest preparation method: it takes only eight to ten minutes to cook, and there is no need to add any extra fats, spices, or other ingredients for eggs to be yummy.
When feeding boiled eggs to your dog, mind the choking risks. The best way to serve the eggs is to cut them into chunks or mix them with your dog's usual food.
If you introduce eggs to your dog for the first time, do it slowly to ensure they do not cause an upset stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?
The first absolute “no” on our way. Never feed your dog raw eggs. Let's find out why.
In times when four-legged pets were hunters and gatherers, they could grab eggs out of birds' nests and eat them raw. However, after a number of observations and studies, we are aware of all the negative effects of raw eggs on dogs.
First, as in the case with human beings, raw eggs can expose dogs to dangerous bacteria called Salmonella, which can then be transmitted to their pet parents (particularly those having a compromised immune system).
Apart from Salmonella, there's another hazard raw eggs pose to your beloved companion's health: biotin deficiency.
Also known as Vitamin B7, biotin is vital for supporting critical bodily functions, including cell growth, digestion, skin health, and metabolism.
Raw eggs contain a protein known as avidin, which can bind biotin, thus reducing your dog's intake of it. Cooked eggs do not result in biotin deficiency since cooking deactivates avidin.
Last but not least, there is simply no nutritional benefit in feeding raw eggs to dogs.
What To Do if Your Dog Has Eaten a Raw Egg?
The first thing: don't panic! The complications we’ve outlined above may seem frightening, but they're rare and refer to regular intakes.
If your dog consumes a raw egg, it's crucial to monitor your four-legged friend for any problematic symptoms, including those of Salmonellosis.
If it's the first time your dog has eaten raw eggs, its digestive system may not be accustomed to them, thus struggling to digest them properly. In this case, your furry friend may experience such problems as diarrhea or vomiting for a day or two after consumption.
When noticing these issues, chat with your vet and take your dog in to get tested, just in case.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Eggs and Eggshells?
Yes. Dogs may be allergic to eggs and eggshells. As we've already mentioned, eggs are a wonderful source of proteins, which, sometimes, are a cause of allergic reactions in our four-legged companions. But how will pet parents know that their dog is allergic to eggs and eggshells?
If you notice your pup having any gastrointestinal (GI) issues like diarrhea and vomiting after consuming a portion of cooked eggs, contact your vet immediately. Skin problems like itchiness in areas around the paws and ears are also common symptoms of allergic reactions.
When spotting the above symptoms, talk to your local vet and find out what you should do next.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Eggs? And How Many?
Eggs can be a wonderful treat for your dog, but never a full meal. We've already mentioned the treat rule – treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily intake of calories. Stick to it, and you will never go wrong.
As for the amount, it will vary depending on your dog's size, age, health conditions, and activity level. An average egg consists of 60 calories, six grams of protein, and four milligrams of fat. If you know your dog's normal daily calorie intake, you can calculate an approximate amount of eggs that can be consumed per day.
Best of all, consult your vet to know how often and how many eggs to feed your four-legged friend.
The Bottom Line
Now each dog owner can sleep in peace knowing that eggs are a great healthy treat for their pets. When serving these foods mindfully, you will avoid any possible risks your pup may face while feeding.
First and foremost, remember to introduce eggs slowly to ensure they don't cause an upset stomach.
Also, always monitor your dog, especially after the first intake, and consult with your veterinarian if you notice some odd reactions.
And, of course, remember about moderation to avoid obesity. When properly cooked and served in moderation, eggs can be a perfect addition to your dog's meal plan.