Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Eggs are full of protein and essential amino acids. We know eggs are utterly delicious and nutritious for us humans which is why they feature so often in our breakfasts – sunny side up, boiled or scrambled. But how about our four-legged companions? Are eggs good for dogs too? Keep reading to find out.

Can dogs eat eggs?

Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Although it is not recommended to feed your dog eggs every day, they should not cause harm as the occasional treat. While eggs are full of nutrients, these are not necessary for your pet’s diet as they will get everything they need from high-quality, complete dog food.

As with everything you feed your dog, moderation is key, so make sure you’re not overfeeding your pet. Eggs can be prepared in so many delicious ways: hardboiled, poached, scrambled. Unfortunately, we can’t ask our canine friend directly how they like their eggs, but we do know how healthy each method of cooking eggs is. From raw to boiled, here is what you need to know about feeding eggs to your pet.

Can dogs eat raw eggs?

Do not feed your dog raw eggs. One of the main risks of feeding raw eggs is potential Salmonella infection. These bacteria can live on the shell as well as inside the egg so it’s better not to risk this.

Biotin deficiency is another potential consequence of feeding your dog raw egg whites on a long-term basis. Biotin is otherwise known as Vitamin B7 and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, supporting cell growth and supporting your dog’s metabolism. A protein called avidin, found in raw eggs, can bind biotin and reduce your pet’s intake of this vitamin. The cooking process deactivates avidin, which is why cooked eggs do not cause biotin deficiencies.

For these reasons, it is always better to feed your dog cooked rather than raw eggs.

Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?

Scrambled eggs are ok as an occasional treat, as long as you offer them plain scrambled eggs, without any added salt, pepper or butter. This means that you should avoid sharing your breakfast with your pet, as it’s likely to contain seasoning we humans enjoy, but that can be detrimental to your pet’s health.

Can dogs eat boiled eggs?

Yes, you can feed your dog boiled eggs. It is often considered the healthiest method of serving eggs to your dog, not to mention extremely easy to cook and less messy. You can give your dog the egg as it is, with the shell removed, but be mindful of choking risks. You can also cut it in chunks or mixed with their usual food.
 

Can dogs eat eggshells?

No. Eggshells contain very high levels of certain minerals, particularly calcium which can make their dietary intake imbalanced.

Can puppies eat eggs?

Yes, puppies can have eggs, however this is not recommended. It is better to feed your puppy a properly balanced, age-specific pet food that will ensure they get the correct ratios of nutrients. Puppies can be particularly sensitive to sudden dietary changes, leading to diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. This should be avoided, particularly in young puppies, as they are at greater risk of dehydration than adult pets.

While the answer to the question ‘can dogs have eggs’ is yes, there are a few things to keep in mind before adding them to the canine menu. From the cooking method to quantities and frequency of serving, eggs can be a bit tricky to get right.

There are a number of human food your dog might be begging for throughout the day. Find out whether dogs can have cheese or if tomatoes are a suitable snack.