Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Eggs make a delicious, healthy and nutritious addition to a raw dog food diet. These delicious additions to your dog’s healthy diet are packed with nutrition. As well as being a wonderful, low-cost food, they are suitable for most dogs to eat. This article explores the reasons that you should feed eggs to dogs.
It is worth noting that there are some individual circumstances which may mean a dog should not be fed eggs. For example, some pets that are allergic to chicken, or other poultry, may also be allergic to the eggs from that bird. For dogs with allergies, it is always best to be cautious.
If you believe your dog may have an allergy, introduce eggs carefully while watching for any reaction. For dogs with sensitive stomachs and intolerances, you may wish to avoid feeding the egg white, as this is the part most likely to cause a reaction.
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat raw eggs, or lightly cooked, maintaining many of the nutritional benefits that can be damaged if overcooked. You may have concerns around things like salmonella in eggs, the good news is that dogs (and cats) will very rarely get ill from salmonella (1), as their digestive systems are better equipped with dealing with raw meat and eggs than we are, so the chances of them getting ill from raw eggs is slim. In the UK, any eggs that are stamped with the lion logo have all come from chickens that are immunised against salmonella, and adhering to the highest standards of food safety. (2)
As with all raw food, following simple hygiene practices such as thoroughly cleaning bowls and utensils that have come into contact with raw ingredients with antibacterial soap, disinfecting any surfaces, and washing your hands before and after handling raw ingredients, can keep the risk of spreading pathogens to a minimum.
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Get Your Personalised PlanCan dogs eat eggshell?
Eggshell is perfectly safe to feed to your dog. The eggshell contains calcium while the shell membrane contains collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, making it great for healthy joints.
A recent study (3) found that eggshell membrane can significantly reduce pain in dogs with joint issues. You’ll need to grind the shell if you’re feeding it to your cat, while many dogs will eat it as it is.
Can dogs eat cooked eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked eggs. They can also eat raw or lightly cooked eggs, bringing many dietary benefits.
Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat scrambled eggs. They can be lightly cooked scrambled as this will bring many dietary benefits. Overcooked egg might reduce the nutritional benefits as this can be damaged if overcooked.
Dogs’ digestive systems aren’t equipped to digest dairy, so we suggest avoiding adding things like milk, butter, cream or cheese to any scrambled eggs you offer your dog. Ingredients such as these will also increase the fat content too.
Can dogs eat boiled eggs?
Yes you can give your dog boiled eggs, they can enjoy both soft and hard boiled eggs. However, as mentioned above, hard boiling can lead to a slight loss of some nutrients and their nutritional benefits.
Can dogs eat poached eggs?
Yep! Your dog can eat poached eggs as a part of a complete and balanced diet.
Can dogs eat fried eggs?
No, we don’t recommend offering fried eggs to your dog as they have a higher fat content due to being cooked in oil or butter. So paws off when you’re whipping up a fry-up!
Can dogs eat scotch eggs?
You should not give your dog scotch eggs as there’s a whole lot of ingredients that dogs shouldn’t eat. Things like the crispy breading, and sausage which is not only high in fat, but will often be mixed with salt, spices and onions which can all be harmful to your dog’s health.
Can dogs eat egg yolks?
Yes! Egg yolks are absolutely packed with vitamins A, D, E, K and more, all of which are beneficial to your dog’s health. You can find out more about the goodness in eggs further on in this guide.
Can dogs eat egg whites?
Another big yes! The egg whites are high in protein and low in fat, plus they’re a source of things like phosphorus, selenium and folate which all support your pup’s health.
Can dogs eat mayo?
While not strictly toxic to dogs, they shouldn’t eat mayo because of its very high fat content. Flavoured mayo should definitely be avoided completely especially if it’s flavoured with things like chilis or onions.
How often can I feed my dog eggs?
It is safe to feed your dog eggs every day as eggs are packed with proteins, minerals, vitamins, key amino acids, antioxidants and healthy fats, making them a great addition to dogs’ diets.
What type of animal eggs can my dog eat?
Now you know the answer to “can dogs eat eggs?”, let’s look at the type of eggs you can give your best friend.
While hens’ eggs are the most commonly available, your dog can also eat, and benefit from, other eggs. Have a look for duck, quail and goose eggs to add some variety into your best friend’s diet. If possible, choose organic, free range eggs.
The benefits of eggs in your dog’s diet
Eggs are little nutrient bombs, packed with everything that your dog needs to keep them healthy, active and happy. This makes them the perfect addition to a natural, species-specific diet. Benefits of feeding eggs to dogs include them being high in:
- Protein
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Key amino acids (such as taurine)
- Antioxidants
- Healthy fats
Eggs contain vitamins A and B12, folate, riboflavin, iron and selenium, as well as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
Amino acids
Eggs are one of the most complete sources of amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein, which help to provide your pet with energy for their day-to-day life.
Amino acids provide the foundations for healthy joints, bones and muscles. They also support the immune system, produce hormones, regulate digestion and support a healthy wake/sleep cycle.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants may help to reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer, by reducing the damage caused by oxidation.
Taurine
Eggs are high in the amino acid taurine. While taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, dogs also benefit from taurine, helping to support normal heart function and cardiovascular health as they age.
Eggs are a great way to provide pets with a little extra taurine, particularly if they are on a bland or single protein diet for any reason. Taurine also supports the metabolism and helps to maintain good eyesight.
How to feed your dog eggs
Now you know that dogs can eat eggs, let’s look at 3 ways to feed your pet eggs.
The whole egg
Your dog can eat the whole egg, including the shell. If your dog isn’t keen on the shell, you can just feed them the contents of the egg. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can just feed the yolk. Eggs can be given to dogs or cats, raw or lightly cooked.
Smaller portions
Some dogs find that a whole egg is a little too much, particularly if they are a smaller dog. While a whole quail egg is already a small portion, larger eggs such as chicken eggs can be given in smaller quantities. Try beating an egg in a cup and giving them a third or half at a time, popping the rest into the fridge for another day.
Scrambled egg
Many people ask “can dogs eat scrambled egg?” Lightly scrambled egg makes a great bland diet for a poorly pet, providing them with the majority of the nutrients they need while they recover.
Egg as a food topper
Instead of serving as a snack, why not try adding eggs to their meal as a topper? Cooked or raw, with shell or without, it’s a great way to add more variety to their mealtimes.
What is the best food for dogs?
A nutritionally complete, species appropriate diet that’s jam packed full of the very best wholesome, natural ingredients, all expertly balanced and minimally processed for maximum nutrition is the very best food for your dog. And, as luck would have it, that’s exactly what you can expect with Bella+Duke raw dog food.
Learn more about the best dog food!
Discover Our Raw Dog FoodReferences
- Deng P, Swanson KS. Gut microbiota of humans, dogs and cats: current knowledge and future opportunities and challenges. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;113(S1):S6-S17. doi:10.1017/S0007114514002943
- Egg-Info https://www.egginfo.co.uk/eggs-safety/salmonella#:\~:text=The%20British%20Lion%20mark%20on,highest%20standards%20of%20food%20safety
- Ruff, K. J., Kopp, K. J., Von Behrens, P., Lux, M., Mahn, M., & Back, M. (2016). Effectiveness of NEM® brand eggshell membrane in the treatment of suboptimal joint function in dogs: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 7, 113–121. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S101842
FAQs
How much egg do I give my dog?
That depends on your dog. As outlined above, your dog can eat the whole egg, but smaller breeds might find the whole thing a bit much. Though they can enjoy egg daily, it should not form the main part of their diet and one egg is usually considered the appropriate amount.
Can I crack an egg on my dog's food?
Yes! They can even eat the shell for a little crunchy goodness.
Do eggs help dogs with itchy skin?
Eggs are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which promote skin and coat. And a healthy skin barrier can be a contributing factor in reducing itchiness. However some dogs are intolerant or allergic to eggs and chicken, if this is the case they can make symptoms worse and should not be fed.
Do eggs help settle a dog's stomach?
If your dog has an upset stomach, you can try serving lightly scrambled plain egg as it’s easy to digest and provides health benefits too. Remember, if your dog is showing signs of an upset stomach and you’re worried, you should contact your vet.
Can dogs eat eggs everyday?
Yes! Your dog can eat eggs every day as part of a complete and balanced diet.
Can dogs with pancreatitis eat eggs?
Dogs with pancreatitis can eat eggs, however if their case is chronic and you wish to keep dietary fat levels low, consider offering them just the egg white as the yolk is the fatty part of the egg.
Can dogs eat duck eggs?
Yes they can, in fact duck eggs contain more iron and protein than chicken eggs.
Can dogs eat quail eggs?
Yes they can, quail eggs are an especially good option for smaller breeds, or for dogs who struggle to eat the whole chicken or duck egg.
