Can my dog eat raw eggs
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Many pet parents wonder which human foods are good for their pets. A common question that I get from pet parents at my animal hospital is: Can dogs eat eggs?
Heres everything you need to know about the nutritional value of eggs for dogs.
Are Eggs Good for Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggs?
The answer is yes, cooked eggs are good for dogs! Dogs can eat hard-boiled or scrambled eggs. The main objective is that the eggs need to be cooked. Do not feed raw eggs to dogs.
Eggs are good for dogs as they provide an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Essentially the entire egg, including the eggshell, can be nutritious for dogs.
Can Puppies Eat Eggs?
Yes, puppies can eat eggs. Eggs offer the same nutritional value for puppies as they do for adult dogs.
Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs?
There is no nutritional benefit in feeding raw eggs to dogs.
There is, however, the risk of your dog contracting Salmonella infection from a raw egg. This bacterial infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
For more information on egg safety, please refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;this information on Salmonella applies to people and animals.
Can Some Dogs Be Allergic to Eggs?
Dogs tend to be allergic to proteins in food. Since eggs have protein, dogs can become allergic to eggs.
Signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction include gastrointestinal (GI) issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes they can have skin issues like itchiness around the ears, paws, and other areas.
If you see any of these signs, seek help from your local veterinarian. For more information about food allergies in dogs, please refer to Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.
Why Are Eggs Good for Dogs? What Are the Health Benefits?
Each part of a cooked egg offers health benefits for dogs: the egg yolk, eggshell, and egg white.
Egg Yolks Contain Fatty Acids and Vitamins
Dogs need fatty acids and vitamins, and egg yolks provide both.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are concentrated in the egg yolk.
Fatty acids are consumed as saturated and unsaturated fats in a dogs diet. A dogs body breaks down the fat, and it is absorbed through the GI tract.
Once inside, fatty acids are used to build and maintain body cells.
Fatty acids also provide a delivery system for fat-soluble vitamins. Dogs are not predisposed to heart disease like people, so we dont worry about their cholesterol.
Vitamins
Vitamins are consumed as water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients in a dogs diet.
Vitamins serve as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth, and development.
These vitamins are concentrated in the egg yolk:
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folic acid
Choline
Eggshells Contain Necessary Minerals
Minerals are also necessary for dogs, and theyre consumed as salts in a dogs diet.
They serve as catalysts and building blocks in metabolism, immune function, growth, and development.
These nutrients are concentrated in eggshells but also found in egg whites and yolks:
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Iron
Copper
Zinc
Manganese
Selenium
Iodine
Egg Whites Provide Amino Acids
Dogs need amino acids. Amino acids are consumed as meat and plant-based protein in a dogs diet.
A dogs body breaks down the protein, and it is absorbed through the GI tract. Once inside, the protein is used to build and maintain muscles.
These nutrients are concentrated in the egg white:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
How Much Egg Can a Dog Eat?
Eggs can be great as special treats for your dog.
The average egg contains 60 calories and has roughly 6 grams of protein and 4 milligrams of fat.
To figure out how much to feed your dog, you should talk with your veterinarian. The appropriate serving size of eggs as treats for your dog will depend on a variety of factors, including:
Size
Age
Activity level
Existing health issues
How to Feed Eggs to Your Dog
The safest way to feed eggs to your dog is to hard boil them and chop them up. Its safest to feed eggs to your dog immediately after cooking.
Store eggs at 40F when raw and boil eggs at 160F to properly cook them. If youre not serving them right away, it is recommended to refrigerate them at 40F until ready to serve.
Featured Image: iStock.com/MeePoohyaphoto
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Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Risks & Safety
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreAsk your dog how he likes his eggs, and hell probably answer, Yes, please! Most dogs enjoy eating eggs, whether its over-easy, sunny-side up, scrambled, or any other way you can think of preparing them. But how about raw eggs? Is it safe to feed your dog a raw egg?
The answer is no. Its best to avoid feeding your dog raw eggs. While there are conflicting opinions on the matter, the risks of giving your dog a raw egg outweigh the potential benefits.
Is It Ever Okay to Feed Dogs Raw Eggs?
The American Kennel Club recommends sticking to cooked eggs for dogs. There are certain risks associated with feeding it raw:
- Salmonella: Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can be found on the surface of raw eggs. Both dogs and humans can contract Salmonellosis, a serious foodborne illness, by ingesting contaminated raw eggs. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Biotin Deficiency: Egg whites contain an enzyme called avidin. This enzyme works by binding biotin, a type of B vitamin that supports proper digestion, metabolism, and skin and coat health. When dogs consume raw egg whites on a regular basis, the avidin enzyme may eventually cause biotin deficiency in their bodies.
- Other Bacteria: Eggs can go bad quickly, even if stored properly. If your dog eats a bad egg, he could suffer from food poisoning.
Despite these potential risks, however, theres no need to panic if your dog accidentally consumes a raw egg. Unlike human beings, dogs have a different pH level in their stomach, which makes them more resistant to foodborne illnesses.
Theyd also need to consume a large number of raw egg whites for an extended period of time in order to develop a biotin deficiency.
In addition, many dog owners who practice raw feeding, which often includes raw eggs, swear by the positive effects theyve seen in their pets. Some people crack raw eggs over their dogs food. However, you should always consult your vet before feeding your dog raw eggs.
Are Eggs Good for Dogs?
Eggs are packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that can help keep your dog healthy. They are a great natural source of essential amino acids, which are important for your pups healthy muscle and tissue development. Eggs are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your dogs skin and coat healthy.
Even egg shells offer some health benefits for your dog, as they are a great source of calcium and other minerals. So yes, eggs can be an excellent addition to your dogs diet.
How to Safely Feed Eggs to Dogs
Prepared properly, eggs are a fantastic source of protein and other nutrients for your pup. Here are some tips to follow when feeding eggs to your dog:
Only Give Your Dog Cooked Eggs
Cook eggs first before giving them to your dog. You can boil, scramble, or poach them. This will kill any Salmonella bacteria that may be present on the egg and prevent food poisoning.
When cooking eggs for your dogs, keep it as plain as possible. Avoid frying it in oil, adding salt and spices, or cooking it with other ingredients.
Keep Serving Sizes Small
Eggs are high in fat and calories, so dont feed your dog too much. Give it as an occasional treat, not as a meal replacement. Also, eating too many eggs can cause gas, and no one wants that!
Store Eggs Properly
Store your eggs in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent spoilage.
Always Check Eggs for Discoloration or Bumps
Watch out for signs of spoilage before feeding your dog eggs. Discolored shells, bumps, cracks in the shell, or a thick white film around the egg are all signs that an egg has gone bad.
If you see any of these signs, discard the egg and choose another one.
Observe Your Dog for Signs of an Egg Allergy
Eggs are one of the top allergens for both dogs and humans. Dogs who are allergic to eggs may exhibit symptoms such as itching, hives, wheezing, coughing, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog eats an egg, stop feeding them eggs immediately and have him checked by your vet.
Consult Your Vet Before Feeding Eggs to Your Dog
If your dog has any health issues, or if youre not sure of the best way to introduce eggs into their diet, consult your vet before doing so. Your vet can advise you on the best way to feed eggs to your dog so that they get all the nourishment and none of the risks.
Conclusion
Eggs are one of natures superfoods, and when fed properly, they can be a nutritious and delicious treat for your pup. However, it is important to practice safe handling and proper preparation when feeding eggs to your dog, especially raw eggs.
By following the tips above, you can share this tasty treat with your dog without compromising its health and safety.
Related Read:
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Eggs are a great source of protein. They can be delicious when boiled, fried or scrambled for breakfast; they're key parts of many favourite desserts; and they're sometimes surprisingly delicious on burgers. Raw or undercooked eggs, however, can expose humans to dangerous bacteria, such as Salmonella. Is the same true for our four-legged friends?
If you're an egg lover, it only makes sense that you'd want to share some with your dog. But, can dogs eat eggs? Let's find out whether or not eggs are a safe food for your dog, and discover safety precautions surrounding this popular food.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Believe it or not, dogs can eat eggs! Eggs are high in protein and contain many essential fatty acids and essential amino acids. This makes them a yummy and healthy snack when cooked or boiled. Eggs can also be an important source of protein in some commercial dog foods.
As with any treat, it's important to use moderation when feeding home-cooked eggs to your dog. Even though they're a fantastically healthy food, it's possible for your dog to eat too many eggs or, with repeat overfeeding, to become obese. Before you start adding eggs to your dog's meal plan, ask your veterinarian how you can safely introduce them to your dog's feeding.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?
Although cooked eggs can be a nutritious treat for your dog, raw eggs are dangerous. As with humans, raw eggs can expose dogs to harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, which can then spread back to their pet parents (especially those with a compromised immune system). But beyond bacteria, there's another threat raw eggs pose to your dog's health: biotin deficiency.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains, "[Raw eggs] contain an enzyme that ties up biotin and prevents absorption of biotin into the body". Because biotin is a vitamin responsible for supporting critical bodily functions (including digestion, skin health and metabolism), deficiency puts your dog at risk of serious health complications.
If your dog has accidentally consumed some raw eggs, it's important not to panic. Although the aforementioned issues are frightening, they're rare. If your dog has eaten raw eggs for the first time and their digestive system isn't accustomed to them, they may experience issues such as diarrhoea or vomiting for a day or two after consumption. If you're noticing this issue, make sure to contact your veterinarian.
It's important to monitor your dog's health for the next week or so after they've consumed raw eggs. If you start to notice your dog exhibiting more serious, prolonged issues like lethargy or digestive symptoms, contact your vet immediately. These may be signs that your dog has contracted a bacterial infection of the GI tract.
How to Prepare Eggs for Your Dog
When preparing eggs for your dog, you'll want to think about simplicity and safety. Dogs can eat scrambled eggs, but whole boiled eggs can pose a choking hazard. When feeding your dog a boiled egg, make sure you cut the egg into bite-sized pieces that are easy for them to chew and swallow.
Unlike in your own breakfast, your dog's eggs should be prepared without any of the additives we use to bolster taste, such as oil, salt and butter. High salt intake may aggravate heart disease in dogs. Meanwhile, fats like oil and butter can contribute to weight gain, which puts your dog at risk of obesity-related health issues such as diabetes and osteoarthritis.
It's also worth noting that you should always let the eggs cool down before you provide them to your dog. Most dogs don't have the same reservations for thinking about how hot the food is before gobbling it down and could burn their mouths if they eat them right off the stove. Also, always remember to consider calories as part of your dog's daily meals. If you introduce eggs to their meal plans, make sure that these "extra snacks" do not account for more than 10 percent of their daily caloric intake without proper permission from your veterinarian. While eggs can be nutritious for your dog, they still need plenty of other nutrients to keep them happy and healthy, which is why a properly balanced premium dog food is always recommended.
When properly cooked and served in moderation, eggs can be an excellent addition to your dog's meal plan. By keeping your recipes simple and ensuring that the eggs are cut into small pieces, you could introduce your dog to a brand-new, healthy treat that they'll love for the rest of their lives.
Contributor Bio
Erin Ollila
Erin Ollila is a pet enthusiast who believes in the power of words and how a message can informand even transformits intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghost writing, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Instagram @ErinOllila or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Brana Bonder, B.S, M.S
